Behind-the-scenes open day of Marple Lock Flight

Visitors to the scenic set of 16 locks on Saturday 21 January will be able to walk along original 200-year-old brickwork as extensive repairs continue

The special open day is being held at Lock 14 of the Marple Lock Flight, an architecturally impressive set of 16 locks on the Peak Forest Canal near Stockport.

It is a rare opportunity to see the workings of the flight and learn about the history of the canal, as repairs take place.

The £384,000 works began on 3 January and are expected to finish on 23 March. They include the replacement of the bottom lock gates at lock 14, gate and masonry repairs and reconstructing a collapsed waterway wall at lock 7.

As well as a tour along the original brickwork, visitors will also be able to watch the Promenade Performers, who will be re-enacting the construction of the canal more than 200 years ago, and explore the recently renovated Marple Toll House.

The open day runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 21 January at Lock 14, which can be reached by Lockside Road in Marple. No booking is required, but sturdy footwear is a must.

____________________