Bugsworth Basin

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Part of the basin including the remains of the Gnats Hole lime kilns

Bugsworth Basin shown within Derbyshire
(grid reference SK022820)

Bugsworth Basin is the terminus of the Peak Forest Canal. It is located at Buxworth (formerly Bugsworth) in the valley of the Black Brook, close to Whaley Bridge. It was once a busy interchange with the Peak Forest Tramway, for the transport of limestone and burnt lime.

Work on the restoration of the derelict Bugsworth Basin, Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1977, commenced in 1968. Volunteers of the Inland Waterways Protection Society (IWPS) helped by the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) and many others have restored this important site over three decades. They brought knowledge, dedication and determination to bring this site back to life. Although restoration of the basin has now been achieved, improvements and development will continue.

Bugsworth Basin reopened on 24 March 2005 as boats congregated for the official opening ceremony by local MP, Tom Levitt, on Easter Saturday. In all, 101 narrowboats attended the occasion and the basin will now remain open indefinitely.

The basin is situated on the fringe of the Peak District National Park and the purpose of the restoration was to secure this Industrial Heritage Site as a tourist centre to encourage public enjoyment of this unique inland port.