C G F G
Turn away from the Red Bull and head nor’ nor’ east
F G F G
To see many a sight upon which eyes can feast
Am G Em Am
Though once left to die like a phoenix it rose
Dm G F C
With proud tranquil beauty a place of repose
As you look out across the north Cheshire plain
On a landscape replaced by an urban terrain
Sunlight glints from the rim of a star-seeking dish
But here nearer home there is all that I wish
As the brown channel snakes through those bridges so neat
Each stone was hand cut ’til the jigsaw complete
We forget the hard labour and skills so refined
Though horses and tow-ropes left scars to remind
The green train of nature a haven provides
With competitive rail never far from its side
’Til in sun, wind or rain Bosley’s twelve stand so proud
A beautiful scene beneath Mow Cop and Cloud
With the Cloud far behind us White Nancy looks down
As we float on the aqueduct over the town
Of sleepy stone cottages where once silk was made
The canal took the fruits of their looms for its trade
The coal mines, the stone wharves are sadly no more
Though remains can be found by those who explore
The end comes at Marple top the Peak Forest flight
Two days or more spent of a voyage of delight
© I H Bruce 2008
The Macclesfield Canal is perhaps undervalued by those who moor there. On returning to base
after visiting other parts of the network I am always struck by its beauty, which compares very
favourably with other places seen.
Voyage of Delight
Capo 1