Montgomery Canal

The beautiful Montgomery Canal is a 56 km long rural canal, only partly navigable, with a high quality natural and built heritage in both our Wales & South West and West Midlands regions. Much of it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), while the Welsh section is internationally recognized as a Special Area of Conservation, particularly for its aquatic plant diversity.

The canal is home to 126 listed structures including the Llanymynech limeworks which includes the rare restored Hoffman Kiln and Chimney, both features of a forgotten industrial past that included quarries, limekilns and woollen industries.

Things to do on the Montgomery Canal

Walking or cycling along the towpath is an excellent way to experience the peace and tranquility of this rural canal. The canal towpath has recently been resurfaced between Newtown and Welshpool and work continues to the border at Llanymynech.

This is also a popular canal for canoeing – paddling quietly through peaceful green surroundings is a great way to spot wildlife. Here's more information about trailable and portable boat launching locations on the Montgomery.

Site of special scientific interest

One of several SSSIs around our waterways, the 'Monty' (as that canal is known locally) is the best location in the world for floating water plantain. Otters and water voles have also been spotted along its length. Several nature reserves border the canal, filled with wildflowers and insects, including dragonflies and damselflies.

Restoring the full 'Monty'

While the canal was closed to boats for many years, it is now being reborn as a cruiseway through the picturesque Welsh Marches. One restored section connects to the Llangollen Canal, while the other is only accessible by a slipway at Welshpool. Work continues to join the two sections through volunteers and the work of the restoration partnership. See their restoration strategy here.