Bugsworth Basin may seem an unassuming, tranquil spot to rest and eat your sandwiches, but it was once bustling hive of activity. You should be looking east towards the ‘Upper Basin’
The secret is Bugsworth Basin was once like this…
Try to position yourself in the photographer’s shoes. What features can still be seen at this site, and what has disappeared?
The Peak Forest Canal act was originally passed in 1794 and carried out by engineers Thomas Brown and Benjamin Outram. The Peak Forest Canal was originally conceived as a venture to extend the Ashton Canal, and then developed in order transport lime to Manchester from Dove Holes.
When the basin opened in 1796 it was one of the largest ports on the English narrow canal network, and it remains unique as the only complete example of a canal and tramway interchange in Britain. The canal system, in coordination with tram system, allowed for easy transport of the limestone.
For more information please see: http://www.bugsworthbasin.org/ or visit the Bugsworth Basin Exhibition located in a cavern near Blackbrook House.