The Trading Post

Eddie and Edith Burgess ran Constellation Cruises from the Nelson Arm at Higher Poynton for many years. After Eddie died the buildings slowly became more decrepit and eventually Edith sold the business and retired. The site is now the base of Braidbar boats who fit out narrowboat shells and the only survivor from earlier times is the former chandlery building that has metamorphosed into the 'Trading Post'. Chandlery is still available but you can also have a pump-out, buy diesel, or walkers can buy a cup of tea and something to eat along with a waterway magazine or two.

The Macclesfield Canal runs on the far side of the towpath bridge on the right and the water in view is on the private canal arm constructed for the use of Lord Vernon's Collieries when the canal was built and opened in 1831. It is only a couple of boats long and terminates alongside the modern bungalow seen on the left.

The Nelson Pit was situated somewhere near the birch tree and coal would be brought up the shaft and tipped straight into boats for shipment to the mills of Bollington, Marple and beyond. After winding of coal here ended in 1870 a stationary steam engine was installed to haul coal tubs up a tramroad from the Anson Pit. Loaded tubs destined for the canal were also brought to the Anson Pit on standard gauge railway wagons from the Park Pits some distance away. I believe that he last coal was shipped out from here in the early 1930s.

Being a long-established connection to the main canal means that British Waterways cannot demand an annual connection fee from Braidbar Boats, neither can they insist that any boat in the arm has to have a licence. This is a significant commercial advantage to the business.