Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Boating on the Shropshire Union Canal

Find boating information for the Shropshire Union Canal

Shropshire Union Canal

Length66.5 miles
Locks47

Maximum boat dimensions

Ellesmere Port to tail of Northgate Locks

Length21.95m 72ft
Width2.95m 9ft 8"
Draught1.1m 3ft 7"
Headroom2.44m 8ft

Tail of Northgate locks to top of Bunbury Locks

Length21.95m72ft
Width2.95m9ft 8"
Draught1.1m3ft 7"
Headroom2.44m8ft

Bunbury to Nantwich

Length21.95m72ft
Width2.95m9ft 8"
Draught1.14m3ft 9"
Headroom2.44m8ft

Nantwich to Autherley Junction

Length21.95m72ft
Width2.13m7ft
Draught1.14m3ft 9"
Headroom2.44m8ft

River Dee Branch

Length21.95m72ft
Width4.3m14ft 1"
Draught1.37m4ft 6"
Headroom2.34m7ft 8"

Booking passage

Passage through Marsh Lock on the Weaver Navigation and Lock 1, Whitby Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal, via the Manchester Ship Canal, can be booked via your online account

Dee Branch

Access to the River Dee remains closed, with no unauthorised passage past Lock 2, Dee Branch.

Local to you

Show me places within...

Explore your nearest canals and ways to enjoy them Find walks, activities and more within:

of

Last Edited: 05 June 2025

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect canals and help nature thrive