Groups of walkers with dogs along the Shropshire Union Canal where several boats are moored

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 take time out.

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.

A narrowboat passes under a high, arched brick bridge in dappled autumnal sunlight.

Are you a boater?

All you need to know about boating the Shropshire Union Canal

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.