The mini visitor information centre has been created from a refurbished old stone canal toll house, at the top of Marple's famous lock flight on the Peak Forest Canal, near to the junction with the Macclesfield Canal.
The welcome station is equipped with leaflets and top tips about the local area and the national 2,000 mile canal network, cared for by us. It will be open on an ad hoc basis over the main tourist season and staffed by our volunteers.
Tracey Jackson, local operations supervisor said: "The canal system around Marple is very popular with visitors, particularly in the summer months. Marple Aqueduct, England's highest aqueduct, is nearby, and the impressive flight of 16 locks is one of the steepest in the country.
"We are delighted to have been given this former toll house, right next to the canal, to use as a small visitor centre. The waterways offer a huge amount to enjoy in the local area and we're keen to help visitors make the most of their time here.
"Recruiting new volunteers will be vital if we are to open the welcome station as often as we would like. We're looking for enthusiastic, outgoing people who would enjoy engaging with visitors. A good knowledge of the local area would be a bonus and training will be given."
We will be hosting an open day at the new welcome station on Saturday 23 September, 10am – 2pm. Tea and cake will be available plus a chance to look around the new centre and find out about volunteering.
Anyone interested in getting involved should email Tracey Jackson from the Canal & River Trust on [email protected].
