Shropshire Union Canal

The Shropshire Union Canal is a charmingly rural and isolated waterway for much of its length. With stretches where there are no towns for miles, it is a great place to get close to nature.

The northern section is a wide waterway, following the gently rolling Cheshire landscape. The arrow-straight southern section has a character all of its own, which comes from being built in the twilight of the canal age. Long embankments, cuttings and grand bridges were developments of the railway age, and allowed the canal to have fewer locks. The deep, moss-grown cuttings are atmospheric and full of wildlife, and you can often spot herons and kingfishers.

After passing through the Roman town of Chester, the canal ends at Ellesmere Port. The National Waterways Museum is a must-see here, with its fascinating collection of historic working boats and insight into the history of the canals.

Download our free guide to Chester and the surrounding canals

Download our free Welsh language guide to Chester and the surrounding canals

Find stoppages, restrictions and other navigational advice for this waterway.