It remains the highest canal aqueduct in the United Kingdom.
The structure features three distinct arches, each spanning 60 feet in width.
It was designed by Benjamin Outram and completed under the supervision of Thomas Brown.
The masonry incorporates over 8,000 tons of stone.
The canal level on the aqueduct sits exactly 30 meters above the River Goyt below.
It is a key feature of the Peak Forest Canal, which originally moved limestone from quarries to industrial hubs.
The structure has required significant heritage restoration work to preserve its stonework integrity in the 21st century.
Marple Aqueduct is the highest canal aqueduct in England, standing at 30 meters above the River Goyt. Constructed between 1794 and 1800, it carries the Peak Forest Canal across the deep valley. The structure consists of three massive semi-circular masonry arches built from locally quarried stone. It is a Grade I listed structure and a scheduled ancient monument, reflecting the engineering ingenuity of the industrial revolution. The aqueduct serves as a vital water transit point, still navigated by narrowboats today. The surrounding area provides expansive views of the Goyt Valley and the adjacent woodlands.
View from the riverbank level looking up at the arches to capture the scale of the masonry.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the canal towpath can become muddy and uneven in wet weather.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Goyt Way for extended views of the valley.
Check local weather forecasts beforehand, as the high elevation makes the bridge exposed to strong winds.
Do not attempt to walk along the very edge of the aqueduct wall, as it lacks protective railings on the water-facing side.
Stay on marked paths to protect the masonry and surrounding slopes; keep dogs on leads near the water's edge.
