The River Goyt at Marple

The river Goyt at Marple give a sporty grade 2-3 run at medium levels following a couple of rainy days. Manchester Canoe Club are based beside the river where they also have their slalom training facility. It is possible to paddle from New Mills or even higher but the most regular run down to the club site is from Brabyn's Park less 2 miles upstream.

Most people use their cars to shuttle boats from the club site to Brabyn's Park but there is a different way which involves some boat carrying and extra paddling.

The Peak Forest Canal runs parallel to the river here. The canal runs across a brick arch aqueduct 100 feet above the river. Where the canal reaches Brabyn's Park there is a steep wooded bank leading down to football pitches and the river Goyt beyond.

The two weirs in Brabyn's Park command respect because they have stoppers with closed ends that can hold a swimmer.

This elegant iron bridge was built in 1813 and was recently restored following a campaign by local residents. The restoration work was funded by a Heritage Lottery grant and completed in June 2008.

After the bridge the river flows beneath a railway viaduct and the aqueduct that carries the Peak Forest Canal. Soon afterwards a series of sporty grade 2-3 rapids lead down to the Manchester Canoe Club site and slalom course.