Short
Breaks

Chester & Return from Nantwich Canal Centre

3-4 Nights
TOTAL LOCKS: 22
CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 7 (17 TOTAL)

Maps & Guides for this route: N4, P3, L8 | Click here buy maps

A scenic cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Chester, with lots to see enroute.

Your cruise commences in Nantwich, a quaint mediaeval town on the banks of the River Weaver. Nantwich has many timber framed buildings and independent shops to explore.

Shortly after departing, you will pass Hurleston Reservoir and the entrance to the Llangollen canal on your left.  The reservoir is fed by water from the River Dee, which then travels the entire route of the Llangollen canal at a rate of 12 million gallons a day!  The resultant reservoir is used to supply the canals and drinking water for the area.  There are walks around the reservoir if you fancy stretching your legs.

Continue on the Shropshire Union Canal and you soon reach the town of Barbridge (there is a pub and good moorings at Bremilows Bridge No.100).

Passing the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal on your right, the next village is Bunbury, where the restored and fully working 19th century Bunbury Watermill is situated up the hill and is open to the public for tours.

Pass through the Bunbury staircase locks (just 2 locks but 14 feet wide so you may find yourself enjoying a chat with the crew of another boat next to you!) and continue to Wharton’s Lock. Look to your left here and you’ll see, perched on the hilltop, the majestic ruins of Beeston Castle. Built by the Earl of Chester in 1337, the castle is open for visits from May to September and there are 40 acres of woodland trails for enthusiastic ramblers.

Your final destination before turning to return to Nantwich is the amazing Roman city of Chester. There’s lots to do here – you can walk the city walls, visit the Zoo, join a Ghost Tour, and visit the Roman Ampitheatre. And of course, there’s a multitude of eateries and pubs to sample!

You can turn your boat just before Cow Lane Bridge and wend your way back to Nantwich.

Featured Boats

Featured Boats from Nantwich Canal Centre, Cheshire

Two to Five berth Boats

Alvechurch Wren

Max: 4 People

Length: 49ft

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Six to eight berth Boats

Alvechurch Partridge

Max: 6 People

Length: 66ft

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Alvechurch Warbler

Max: 8 People

Length: 69ft

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