UK Canal Boating

A scenic cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Chester, with lots to see enroute.
Your cruise commences in Nantwich, a quaint mediaeval town on the banks of the River Weaver. Nantwich has many timber framed buildings and independent shops to explore.

Shortly after departing, you will pass Hurleston Reservoir and the entrance to the Llangollen canal on your left.  The reservoir is fed by water from the River Dee, which then travels the entire route of the Llangollen canal at a rate of 12 million gallons a day!  The resultant reservoir is used to supply the canals and drinking water for the area.  There are walks around the reservoir if you fancy stretching your legs.

Continue on the Shropshire Union Canal and you soon reach the town of Barbridge (there is a pub and good moorings at Bremilows Bridge No.100).

Passing the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal on your right, the next village is Bunbury, where the restored and fully working 19th century Bunbury Watermill is situated up the hill and is open to the public for tours.

Pass through the Bunbury staircase locks (just 2 locks but 14 feet wide so you may find yourself enjoying a chat with the crew of another boat next to you!) and continue to Wharton’s Lock. Look to your left here and you’ll see, perched on the hilltop, the majestic ruins of Beeston Castle. Built by the Earl of Chester in 1337, the castle is open for visits from May to September and there are 40 acres of woodland trails for enthusiastic ramblers. With over 40 acres of unspoiled woodland trails to explore and an abundance of wildlife Beeston Castle and Woodland Park makes for a truly exhilarating and enchanting day out for all the family.

The Canal continues through the flat but green Cheshire landscape, the Cheshire cycle way following the canal here, and continues all the way into Chester.
Off to the left by bridge 113 there is a pub- the Poachers Pocket & in Waverton there is a shop.

Just past Waverton off to your left was the site of the Battle of Rowton Moor in 1645, where one of the last major battles of the Civil War took place, with the Parliamentarians beating the Royalists.

You are now on the outskirts of Chester and some of you may wish to moor up here and turn around at Christleton, near bridge 121, near the Cheshire Cat pub, thus saving 6 hours of cruising time to negotiate the 10 locks down into Chester and back. There is a very convenient Park & Ride here which can take you into the city of Chester in a few minutes. The route time is calculated to here.

For those wanting to moor up in the centre of Chester, (it will be noisier there at night) continue on through the 5 locks to the turning point near Cow lane Bridge 123e, Chester city centre is easily accessed from here.

CHESTER-
There is a wealth of things to do in this Roman City which can be seen on foot, because of the amazing survival of the old city wall. You can walk right round Chester on this superb footpath.
There has been a church on the site of The Cathedral for over 1,000 years originally a Saxon Minster then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey this magnificent building is a national treasure in the heart of the city. Visitors can view the Norman arches and Gothic columns and the medieval shrine of St. Werburgh. The Cloisters and Church form one of the most complete medieval monastic complexes in the country.

Handel gave his first public performance of the Messiah here in 1742.

Discover 1,000 of shops behind the facades of the black and white buildings, find high street brands to designer boutiques. Shop in Chester's Rows where 21st century stores thrive in a Medieval setting. Take home some Cheshire cheese which is one of the oldest recorded cheeses in British history and is even referred to in the Domesday Book.

Discover 2000 years of Chester life in the Grosvenor Museum see the impressive collection of Roman tombstones and displays depicting Roman Chester - look out for the Roman soldiers on the way. Discover the world of the famous naturalist Charles Kingsley and explore hands-on' the geology and natural history of the area. Also visit the Cheshire Military museum situated inside the tower of Chester castle. Little of the Castle remains but the 13th century tower is open to the public.

Grosvenor Park miniature Railway is one of Chester's premier attractions for 9-90 year olds!. Open April to Oct Sat Sun & school holidays, where you can experience this steam railway laid out in the Grosvenor Park amongst the ducks, moorhens & geese.

Lying outside the town is Chester Zoo is home to 7000 animals including some of the most endangered species on the planet.

Take a journey through the Butterfly house a 400sq meters tropical house and is home to more than 30 species of butterfly from South America, Africa and South East Asia. One of the most critically threatened species around, the Philippine Crocodile is new to Chester Zoo and a breeding programme is in place for this species to ensure its long-term survival.
The Chester Visitor & Craft Centre, is open Mon-Sat 9-5, and has working craft shops and cafe.

Chester Heritage Tours – see highlights of Historic Chester from an open top 1930s vintage omnibus. Or experience Chester in an open top bus, the tour takes 55 minutes.
Chester Market in Princess Street is that site of an undercover market with up to 100 stalls selling fresh produce, and conditions the tradition of a market in the city that started in the 14th Century.
Open Mon-Sat 8am to 5pm.

 

NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.