An ideal route for first time boaters and those wanting an easy relaxed cruise. There are numerous attractions enroute.

The route to Chester & return
takes about 37 cruising hours.
If you also go to the Boat museum
at Ellesmere Port then add another
7 hours.

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 boat lift (restored in 2002) carries boats from the Weaver up 50ft to the canal level. There are moorings here and a visitor centre.

The Trent & Mersey now swings away from the river passing to the east of Northwich before reaching open country again. There are several “Flashes” lakes formed when the land subsided due to salt extraction.

On reaching Middlewich the first lock is a wide one that two narrowboats can share. Above this lock old wharves (that are now good overnight moorings) line the canal through this attractive small town.

Three narrow locks now take us up to a junction with “The shortest canal in the country” - The Wardle Canal - Which runs from the junction to the first lock “Wardle lock” in a few yards. Turning left onto this canal we join the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union climbing through 4 locks in 10 miles of open countryside to reach Barbridge. There are fine views on either side in this stretch which is totally rural.

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 mediaeval “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.