Autherley to Chester / Ellesmere Port

Cruise at your leisure through unspoilt countryside through picturesque villages and towns with the historic city of Chester or the boat museum at Ellesmere Port as your turning point, or Nantwich if you want a more leisurely trip.

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These route suggestions are offered in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. It is up to you to decide on your own stops and to ensure you return to the base at the agreed time.

we recommend you also check for current stoppages on the CRT website that may affect your choice of route

Shropshire Union Canal

Miles: 133
Locks: 84
Hours (Approx.): 67 to Ellesmere Port
Cruise at your leisure through unspoilt countryside through picturesque villages and towns with the historic city of Chester or the boat museum at Ellesmere Port as your turning point, or Nantwich if you want a more leisurely week.
There are many picturesque villages and small canalside towns en route, namely Brewood, Market Drayton, Audlem, Nantwich and Chester. The canal terminates at Ellesmere port where a visit to the Boat Museum is a must. There are plenty of good canalside facilities, pubs, restaurants, shops etc. and places of interest abound. Don't miss visiting Market Drayton, particularly on Market Day (Wed), and the lovely Cheshire towns of Audlem and Nantwich. There is no better way of arriving in Chester than by water and you can moor close to the medieval battlements, a short distance from the Cathedral, and the famous shopping rows. Three hours cruising then takes you to the canal terminus of Ellesmere Port where Britain's leading collection of preserved inland waterway craft can be seen.

Autherley to Brewood

Pick up your boat from Autherley in the afternoon, and after your instruction, head north on the Shropshire Union Canal. 2 hours cruising will see you to your evening mooring at Brewood.
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Section Summary: 5 miles & 2 hours cruising

Brewood to the Anchor Inn, High Offley

Continue northwards on the Shropshire Union Canal for an easy days boating to tonight's stop
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Section Summary: 13 miles, 1 lock and 5 & 1/2 hours cruising.

Anchor Inn to Audlem

A long day today, if you wish to moor at Audlem for pubs, shops & other facilities. Or you can stop sooner next to open fields for a shorter day.
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Section Summary: 15 miles, 22 locks and 9 hours cruising to Audlem Village, OR
13 miles, 10 locks and 7 hours cruising to just above Audlem Top Lock.

Audlem to Nantwich

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Nantwich to Chester

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Chester to Ellesmere Port

A short day today, giving you some to explore Chester, or visiting Chester Zoo or the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum
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Section Summary: 9 miles, 3 locks and 3 & 1/2 hours cruising.

Ellesmere Port to Beeston

Today sees you retrace your steps to begin your return journey to Autherley
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Section Summary: 18 miles, 8 locks and 8 hours cruising

Beeston to Audlem

Continue your return journey through the delightful Cheshire countryside
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Section Summary: 15 miles, 9 locks and 8 hours cruising

Audlem to Goldstone Wharf

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Goldstone Wharf to Pendeford

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Pendeford to Autherley

Only 1 & 1/2 miles back to the boatyard, allowing you to return your boat on time without having to get up too early!
Section Summary: 1 & 1/2 miles, 0 locks and 30 minutes cruising.

Guidebooks / Maps

Pearson's Guide: Welsh Waters: Shropshire Union, Llangollen, Brecon and Montgomery Canals

This new edition of Michael Pearson's Welsh Waters Canal Companion focusses on the Llangollen, Montgomery and Monmouthshire & Brecon canals in Wales, and the Shropshire Union Canal in England. Over 200 miles of canals expertly interpreted to inspire you, on foot, afloat or by bicycle.

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Undoubtedly the most popular route from Autherley, the Shropshire Union Canal passes through unspoilt countryside of Shropshire and Cheshire. An ideal 10/11 day or two week cruise, for both novice or experienced boaters.
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Email:
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