CHOOSING A ROUTE...
 |
You can order Canal Guides and Maps securely online from our Canal Marine Shop. |
FOUR COUNTIES RING - (MODERATELY EASY) 94 LOCKS, 109 MILES, 50 HOURS CRUISING
This gives a mixture of locks and levels travelling South along the Trent & Mersey into the 1¾ mile long Harecastle tunnel, through Stoke on Trent to Great Heywood. Continue South on to the Staffs & Worcester and north again on to the Shropshire Union and finally the Middlewich Branch to home. You can make a detour on to the Caldon canal from Stoke on Trent
CHESHIRE
RING - (SOMETIMES FAIRLY INTENSE) 92 LOCKS, 100 MILES, 48 HOURS
CRUISING
A cruise through the Peaks to the Plains! Travel south on the Trent &
Mersey to Kidsgrove then north to the Macclesfield Canal, through the
Marple lock flight to the Ashton Canal, down I 6 locks into Manchester
where you take the Rochdale canal. Leave on the Bridgwater canal to
Preston Brook and re-enter the Trent & Mersey past the Anderton Boat
Lift and through to Middlewich.
LLANGOLLEN CANAL - (MODERATELY EASY) 50
LOCKS, 112 MILES
Travel along the remote and quiet Middlewich branch of the Shropshire
Union to Barbridge junction, up to Hurleston locks and through to
Ellesmere. After this the route becomes increasingly hilly as you
approach Chirk tunnel and aqueduct, and then on to the mighty
Pontysyllte Aqueduct 150 feet above the River Dee. Probably the most
popular route and also the shallowest — be prepared for queues at
holiday time- Not a very easy route - slow outwards, but quicker coming
back.
CHESTER & ELLESMERE PORT - (EASY)
36 LOCKS, 52 MILES, 24 HOURS TO CHESTER
Travel along the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union to Barbridge
Junction and turn North on to the Chester canal, through Bunbury,
Beeston and on to Chester’s historic city with lots of sightseeing. From
there you can travel on past Chester Zoo to the Boat Museum and
Ellesmere Port which will take another 4 hours. An easy relaxed route
ideal for beginners, with plenty of interest for all the family.
 |
 |
LEEDS & LIVERPOOL MAIN LINE - (SOMETIMES FAIRLY INTENSE) 126 LOCKS, 264 MILES, 126 HOURS
Travel north on the Trent & Mersey past the Anderton Boat lift, Preston Brook and up to Stretford on the Bridgwater canal, then over to the famous Barton Swing Aqueduct on to Leigh where the Leeds & Liverpool canal is met, After Wigan, go north to Walton and on to Bingley with its spectacular five lock staircase. A unique and fascinating trip into England's industrial past, combined with superb scenery.
SEVERN CRUISE -TEWKESBURY - 136
LOCKS, 212 MILES, 94 HOURS
GLOUCESTER- 138 LOCKS, 238 MILES, 103 HOURS
Follow the Four Counties route in reverse to Autherley junction and then
South to Stourton, Stourport, Worcester and Tewkesbury on the River
Severn. Continue to Gloucester from here.
BIRMINGHAM RING - (MODERATELY
EASY) 144 LOCKS, 156 MILES, 73 HOURS
Follow the Four Counties route on the Trent & Mersey to Great Heywood,
then on to Fradley, Fazeley, Salford Junction and Farmers Bridge in
Central Birmingham. Continue to Autherley Junction and then back north
on the Shropshire Union. Finally take the Middlewich Branch home.
