UK Canal Boating

Day 1

Cruising westwards towards Llangollen, on the first day you probably will not get very far, as by the time you've checked in and stashed all your belongings and provisions, watched the training video and had your training, time will be passing.

If you fancy a bit of cruising before dark, you will just have time to get used to the feel of your boat, and enjoy the beautiful countryside and get stuck into a couple of locks, before you moor up after a few miles and make yourself a cup of tea and relax after the stress and strain of the days car journey.

Cruise to Marbury and you can walk the ½ mile south into the enchanting village from Bridge 23, there is a pub here.

It is 1 hours cruising to here.

Day 2

Cruise through Marbury and Quoisley Locks & moor up just before Willeymoor Lock, where there is a pub – The Willeymoor Lock tavern canalside.
After Willeymoor Lock, there is Poveys lock to negotiate just a little bit further on.

The open quiet countryside continues but as you approach Grindley Brook, prepare your crew as there are 6 locks ahead, including 3 in the form of a staircase. At the end of a straight stretch a massive railway embankment precedes a sharp bend, around which is the start of the locks. Boats should remain below the railway embankment, and between April to October 8.30am to 18.30 pm obtain the advice of the friendly lock-keeper before starting to negotiate the locks, as he will know which boats are queuing to go up and down.

The Horse & Jockey Pub is near the bottom lock, there is also Lockside Stores where you can obtain provisions and the cafe there has internet access & is open April-October for tea, coffee & snacks.

The canal now approaches Whitchurch, and if you have time it is worth exploring this fine old Roman town which has some beautiful old houses of all periods in its centre. The streets are narrow & it has a variety of shops and pubs, moor up along the Whitchurch Arm, after the lift bridge turn a sharp left and cruise to the end, it is about 15 minutes walk into the town.

It is 4 hours from Marbury to Whitchurch.

Day 3
Day 4
Cruise the 5 hours back to the marina at Wrenbury

 

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 Information may become inaccurate or out of date.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.