Chester

Chester is an ideal route for first time boaters and those wanting an easy relaxed cruise. There are numerous places to see enroute and you stop overnight right in the heart of the city under the famous Roman walls.

Departing south from our base, we pass through the Preston Brook Tunnel [1239 yds] and Dutton stop lock. The tunnel marks the boundary between the Bridgewater and Trent & Mersey canals. The canal then passes through woodlands to emerge on a hillside overlooking the valley of the river Weaver. After further wooded areas we reach two tunnels at Saltisford and Barnton with a beautiful pool between them that overlooks Saltisford locks on the river Weaver.

At Anderton the famous boat lift carries boats from the River Weaver up to the canal. There are moorings here and a visitor centre. The Trent & Mersey now heads to Northwich before reaching open country again. After reaching the town of Middlewich we turn right and head along the rural Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

At Barbridge we turn right onto the main line of the Shropshire Union which from this point on is a wide canal with 14’ wide locks that two narrowboats can share. The canal passes by a “Cheshire Cheese” warehouse and the ruins of Beeston Castle to reach the delightful village of Christleton and on to the Roman City of Chester.

Chester is a fine place to explore with an elevated walk around the roman walls, the medieval “Rows” (unique double tier shopping levels), the Cathedral, theatre and race course.

If one desires, the trip can be continued to see the boat museum at Ellesmere port. This adds a further 7 cruising hours to your round trip.

28 LOCKS, 37 HOURS APPROX