North West Greater Manchester | Cheshire | Merseyside | Lancashire Discover Little Adventures on Your Doorstep Go for a Boat Ride on the Anderton Boat Lift

North West Greater Manchester | Cheshire | Merseyside | Lancashire Discover little adventures on your doorstep Go for a boat ride on the Anderton Boat Lift. It’s a must!

Watch boats pass through the flight of locks in Audlem and chat to boaters

Take binoculars and keep look out for wagtails and dippers feeding off insects

Stop by Northgate Locks in Chester, the deepest in the country

Get to a canalside pub in time for lunch

There are no locks on the Lancaster Canal so it’s a great place to explore by canoe

Spot Herons, buzzards, lapwings and Kingfishers at Lune Aqueduct

Check out the viaduct, aqueduct and the quirky footbridges at Marple Locks

Have a picnic on the banks of the canal

Step inside a traditional narrowboat at the National Waterways Museum

Lune Aqueduct, Lancaster & Penny, Street Basin, Garstang, Bilsborrow, Albert Dock & Liverpool Canal Link, Rufford/Burscough, Wigan Pier, Portland Basin, Uppermill, Marple Locks, Clarence Mill & Adelphi Mill, Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre, Middlewich, National Waterways Museum, Chester, Hurleston, Nantwich, Audlem Are you looking for inspiring places to visit with the family? Then look no further than your local canal or river. This guide features a selection of our best waterside places to visit in the North West – whatever the weather! Each location includes a map, suggestions of fun-packed activities you can do and useful information on where to park, places to eat, toilets and boat trips.

Have a look on our map and find a little adventure on your doorstep!

So many to choose from

1. Lune Aqueduct 2. Lancaster & Penny Street Basin 3. Garstang 4. Bilsborrow 5. Albert Dock & Liverpool Canal Link 6. Rufford/Burscough 7. Wigan Pier 8. Portland Basin 9. Uppermill 10. Marple Locks 11. Clarence Mill & Adelphi Mill 12. Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre 13. Middlewich 14. National Waterways Museum 15. Chester 16. Hurleston 17. Nantwich 18. Audlem

* AINA Waterways

* This map shows waterways managed by members of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA). We have not featured places to visit on waterways managed by these organisations. There are other inland waterways that have not been shown, the information on this map is for guidance only, for accurate information please visit our website.

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Bulk Aqueduct 8 3 6 Discover A Lune Aqueduct The Lune Aqueduct is one of the ‘Wonders of the Waterways’. It’s a Grade 1 listed building, which means it’s as important as the Forth Road Bridge!

STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Lancaster the Edge Map not to scale: covers approx 0.5 miles/0.8km A little bit of history John Rennie, the canal engineer, designed the beautiful Lune Aqueduct to take the Lancaster Canal across the River Lune without the need for locks. He built it in the classical style because wealthy Lancaster merchants who had invested in it, wanted a fine aqueduct to grace their city.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things to do a t Lun Information e Aqu educt Caton Road Take the Lune Aqueduct waterbus from Lancaster City Centre over the aqueduct and learn more Lancaster LA1 3PE about the Lancaster Canal. Parking

Go birdspotting. Herons, buzzards, lapwings, canada Toilets geese and kingfishers are regularly spotted here. Café Look for the QR codes on waymarkers and explore the Lune Aqueduct digital memories trail. Pub Watch boats passing over the aqueduct. Walk down Lune Aqueduct into the valley and view the aqueduct from below. QR trail Cycle along the newly opened cycle path passing waymarkers underneath the aqueduct and along the banks of Cycling the River Lune. Boat trips Path Allow 1-1½ hours for this visit Did you know?... * Don’t forget: It’s best to feed ducks tasty Although the site is always open the facilities and boat treats like: trips may not be and some • porridge oats may be chargeable. Please • rice check with local businesses before setting out. • peas • chopped lettuce • birdseed Whilst they will gobble up white bread, crisps and chips its junk Sign up for our newsletter and get regular food for you and ducks! updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Visit Lancaster and Penny Street Basin The Lancaster Canal runs through the heart of Lancaster. So, shop till you drop then relax in a pub or café by the water’s edge!

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Scotforth Gatgate STAY SAFE: Stay Away From the Edge Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km A little bit of history The Lancaster Canal is the ‘Black and White’ canal so-called because it carried limestone (white) and coal (black). The canal bought wealth to the city, delivering cheap coal that fuelled the steam-powered cotton mills beside the canal. Many of the fine houses in Lancaster were built by the cotton merchants.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

ve thi Fi ngs to d Lanca o at ster an Information d Pe nny Water Witch Basin Stree Spot narrowboats moored near Waterwitcht Bas Basin.in Aldcliffe Lane Lancaster LA1 1SU Take a trip on the canal. Choose the waterbus, a trip boat or a special afternoon tea cruise. Parking Walk along the towpath to the spectacular Lune Toilets Aqueduct, about 40 minutes beyond Penny Street Bridge. Look out for QR trail waymarkers. Café Keep a look out for wildlife. Otters have been Pub spotted beyond Penny Street Bridge. Information Lancaster is a Roman city so there’s plenty of history. Visit Lancaster Castle, the Maritime Boat trips Museum, the City Museum or the cathedral. Path Allow 2-3 hours for this visit

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Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Explore Garstang Glasson Dock There are no locks on the Lancaster Lune Aqueduct Lancaster Canal that runs Cathouse By-Pass Bridge through the pretty market town of Garstang. That means Fylde Water its flat – and a great place for Board Crossing family bike rides and walks.

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Wyre Aqueduct

re Wy er Riv STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Steps to the Edge river path Bilsborrow Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km A little bit of history The Lancaster Canal is the ‘Black and White’ canal so-called because it carried limestone (white) and coal (black). Designed by John Rennie the famous canal engineer, the canal was used to transport coal, slate, timber, food, rope and limestone. Today, Garstang is more famous for being the world’s first Fairtrade town.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things t o do at Ga rstang Information Walk down the towpath and check out quaint Kepple Lane Garstang PR3 1PA bridges and the lovely stone aqueduct which takes the canal over the River Wyre. Parking Relax by the basin and watch boats. Café There are no locks on the Lancaster Canal so it’s a Pub great place to explore by canoe. See how many water birds you can spot and name Tourist Information in five minutes. Go shopping for world food in the Fairtrade shops. Cycling Path Allow 2 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some may be chargeable. Please Did you know?... check with local businesses before setting out. Coots have a white spot on the front of their head and moorhens have a bright red beak tipped with yellow, and a white stripe on their side.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

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Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km A little bit of history It’s difficult to imagine that the Lancaster Canal, known today for it’s peaceful beauty, once carried limestone (white) and coal (black). It was known as the Black & White Canal. Today, Bilsborrow is the perfect spot to stop off and explore the historic village with its medieval barn and historic aqueduct.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things to do at Bilsb orrow Information Take binoculars and keep look out for wagtails and Canalside, dippers feeding off insects attracted to water. You St Michaels Road, may even spot a kingfisher! Near Gardtang, Bilsborrow, PR3 0RS Brave the weather and go for a bracing walk. Wear wellies and let children splash around in puddles. Parking Take a leisurely boat trip and admire the beautiful (at pubs) landscape from the water. Toilets Bike up the towpath to Brock Aqueduct opened in Pub 1797. It was built by John Rennie, the famous 18th century canal engineer. Path Take a break in one of the picturesque canal-side Allow 2 hours pubs. for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some Did you know?... may be chargeable. Please check with local businesses It’s best to feed ducks tasty before setting out. treats like: • porridge oats • rice • peas • chopped lettuce • birdseed Whilst they will gobble up white bread, crisps and chips its junk Sign up for our newsletter and get regular food for you and ducks! updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Discover Liverpool Albert Dock James Street Albert Dock is where M62 Pier Head wonderful architecture Mersey Ferry meets must-see Liverpool Canal Link attractions on the historic waterfront in Liverpool. What’s not to like! Museum of Liverpool Canning Dock Liverpool Canning ONE Graving Docks Canning Half Tide Canning Dock S River S t a r a Entrance l Hartley Quay t n

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Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km A little bit of history Albert Dock fell into disuse after the Second World War. Now regenerated, it is the focus of world-class architecture and attractions – all within walking distance of each other. There’s even a new canal link that connects the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with the Liverpool South Docks.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

ve thi Fi ngs to d o at Alber t Dock Information Spot big ships such as ocean-going cruisers, Albert Dock liners, tall ships and warships. Liverpool L3 4AA Walk along the Liverpool Canal link and look Parking out for iconic buildings such as the Royal Liver Building and the Cunard Building. Toilets Go to the new Museum of Liverpool and learn Café about dockland life. Pub

Take a trip on the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Cycling Visit the Mersey Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool (Riverside Walk or the International Slavery Museum. only) Riverside Walk Allow half to a full day for this visit

* Don’t forget: Did you know?... Although the site is always open the facilities and boat It’s best to feed ducks tasty trips may not be and some treats like: may be chargeable. Please • porridge oats check with local businesses before setting out. • rice • peas • chopped lettuce • birdseed Whilst they will gobble up white bread, crisps and chips its junk Sign up for our food for you and ducks! newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Burscough Martinmere Bridge Wetland Centre Rufford Old Hall Burscough Rufford Branch & Preston village centre (Leeds & Liverpool Canal)

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Best of all it’s FREE!*

ve things to Information Fi do at Ruff Burscough Wharf ord T op Loc Liverpool Road North Check out the dry dock (now disused) kwhere/Bur sboatscou gh Burcough were once repaired. It’s one of the oldest on the Lancashire L40 5RZ canal system. Parking (free at Take a break at the Ship Inn, formerly called the pubs, Burscough Blood Tub. But don’t let that put you off – it’s located Wharf and roadside) next to Lock 2 and serves great pub food! Toilets Hire a bike and explore the entire length of the (pubs and village) Rufford Branch Canal (7miles/11 km). With eight locks, Café seventeen bridges including a swing bridge and Pub unusual paddle gears, there’s plenty to see . Keep a look out for top birds such as barn owls, Cycle hire kingfishers, dippers and wagtails. Boat hire

Visit Rufford Old Hall (National Trust) originally built in Path 1530 and which still retains its Tudor Great Hall. Allow 2 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some Did you know?... may be chargeable. Please check with local businesses Coots have a white spot on before setting out. the front of their head and moorhens have a bright red beak tipped with yellow, and a white stripe on their side. Sign up for our newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

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Marple Map not to scale: covers approx 0.5 miles/0.8km Manchester A little bit of history Portland Basin was an important interchange between three canals. Ashton Canal delivered coal to nearby textile mills and made the return journey with cloth to Manchester. The Peak Forest Canal delivered cargo to the north west, and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal crossed the Pennines to the north east. Best of all it’s FREE!* ve thi Fi ngs to d o at P ortlan Visit the highly rated Portland Basind B Museumasin housed in a Victorian warehouse. There are lots of family friendly activities including an under 5s play Information area, craft activities and trails. And it’s FREE! Portland Place Walk along the scenic Peak Forest Canal Heritage Wharf towards Marple. Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0QA Walk round Portland Basin and chat to visiting boaters. Parking + Spot six restored old wooden narrowboats decorated with traditional patterns, rope work Toilets and lettering. Café Picnic by the aqueduct and watch boats pass from the Peak Forest Canal over the River Tame and Picnic bench into Portland Basin. Boat trips

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The names of A face two boats or animal in the Sign up for our An interesting clouds newsletter and get regular stone or brick   updates and offers from  the Canal & River Trust. Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

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Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km A little bit of history Uppermill was once famous for its wool and cotton mills. The River Tame supplied the power and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal provided the transport. Building the canal was a great achievement. There are 74 locks along its length, raising the canal to 196.6 metres (645 feet) above sea level. It’s Britain’s highest canal!

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things to do a t Upp ermill Take a trip on the trip boat. Information Walk up the towpath to where the canal Wool Road disappears into the three-mile-long Standedge Uppermill Tunnel – one of the wonders of the waterways (2 OL3 5QR miles, uphill) Parking Look for the Wool Road Transhipment Shed. While the Standedge Tunnel was being built, Toilets goods were off-loaded here and then transported Pub across the Pennines by packhorse. Information Check out the magnificent railway viaduct, opened in 1849. Picnic Visit Saddleworth Museum to discover more Boat trips about Uppermill and the local area. Path Allow 2-3 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always Did you know?... open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some Our lock gates are handbuilt may be chargeable. Please by skilled carpenters in check with local businesses our workshops in the West before setting out. Midlands and Yorkshire, from FSC Green Oak. Each one is unique and can take up to a month to make. Once built they last for about 25 years. Sign up for our newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

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Lock 1 River Goyt Marple Peak Forest Canal Brabyns Marple Park Bridge

Discover River Brabyns Goyt Marple Flight of Locks Brow The flight of sixteen locks at The Midland Marple is a spectacular sight. Plus the beautiful countryside Horse roller makes it a wonderful place for A626 Station Road a family day out. Memorial Old Know’s Park Warehouse

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Whaley STAY SAFE: Bridge Stay Away From Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km the Edge A little bit of history The Peak Forest Canal was built to transport bulky materials, especially limestone, from nearby quarries. The lock flight, and the ingenious ways of taking the railway over the canal and the canal over the River Goyt, means there are plenty of interesting features to spot. And the woods are great for exploring too!

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things t o do at Ma Information rple F light of Locks Marple Locks Watch boats pass through the locks. It takes Station Road SK6 7DA at least three hours to clear them so boaters Parking might like a hand. But be careful to follow their instructions carefully. Toilets Inspect the locks – they are some of the deepest Café in the country. Pub Check out the viaduct, aqueduct and the quirky footbridges with carved stone faces on them. Picnic area Stop and look at the fantastic views from the locks. Boat trips (pre-bookable Take binoculars – the surrounding woodlands are only) great places to spot birds. Path Allow 2-3 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always Did you know?... open the facilities and boat Our lock gates are handbuilt trips may not be and some may be chargeable. Please by skilled carpenters in check with local businesses our workshops in the West before setting out. Midlands and Yorkshire, from FSC Green Oak. Each one is unique and can take up to a month to make. Once built Sign up for our they last for about 25 years. newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

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Adelphi Mill STAY SAFE: Stay Away From the Edge Bollington Macclesfield Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km A little bit of history The Macclesfield Canal played a vital role in the cotton trade that bought fame and prosperity to this area. Raw cotton and coal to power the machinery was delivered to Clarence and Adelphi Mills built alongside the canal. The return journey was made with the very fine cotton and exported all over the world.

Best of all it’s FREE!* Five thing s to do Claren at ce Mi ll and Information Ade Visit Bollington Discovery Centrelp htoi findMil lmore Clarence Mill about the Macclesfield Canal opened in 1831and Clarence Road Bollington SK10 5JZ Clarence Mill built alongside it in 1834. Cycle up the towpath and visit Adelphi Mill built in Parking 1856 and have a go on the trip boat. Toilets Check out Bollington Aqueduct built by Thomas Café Telford, the famous canal engineer. Pub Pick up a free Majestic Mills guide at the Discovery Centre and discover where the people Information Centre who worked in the mills lived. Picnic Take a picnic and admire the impressive five storey Clarence Mill from the opposite bank. Play area Boat trips Path Allow 2 hours for this visit * Don’t forget: Although the site is always Did you know?... open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some Coots have a white spot on may be chargeable. Please the front of their head and check with local businesses before setting out. moorhens have a bright red beak tipped with yellow, and a white stripe on their side. Sign up for our newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Marbury Country Park M56 Middlewich Warrington & Lion Salt Works Alvechurch Marina holiday boat hire nt & Me re rse T y Can Visitor centre al Visit Anderton Boat Lift Anderton Dairy House The mighty Anderton Village Meadows Boat Lift is one of the Stanley Lift Uplands ‘Severn Wonders of the Arms Waterways’. It’s one of New Road Lane Marina only two working boat Northwich lifts in the country. Anderton Unmissable! Preston Nature Park Brook Newman’s Flashes Runcorn Anderton R i Boat Lift v Little adventures e r on your doorstep W e av er

Marshall’s Carey Park Wood STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Map not to scale: covers approx 0.5 miles/0.8km Northwich the Edge A little bit of history The Anderton Boat Lift moved boats between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver about 14 metres (50 feet) below. Built in 1875, it shortened journeys by cutting out the old route via the Bridgewater Canal. Boats were lifted up, two at a time, in giant tanks of water. Genius!

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things to do a t And Information erton Boat Lift Anderton Boat Lift Go for a boat ride on the Anderton Boat Lift. Visitor Centre, Lift Lane It’s a must! Northwich Have a go on the interactives in the Visitor Centre Cheshire CW9 6FW to find out how and why the boat lift was built. Parking Take a break in the Visitor Centre café which overlooks the amazing boat lift. Toilets Take a walk through Northwich Woodlands and Coffee shop discover the willow and wood sculptures. Pub Look out for the mosaic that tells the story of this area from industrial site to wildlife haven. Information Picnic Boat trips Path Allow half a day for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always Did you know?... open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some Coots have a white spot on may be chargeable. Please the front of their head and check with local businesses moorhens have a bright red before setting out. beak tipped with yellow, and a white stripe on their side. Sign up for our newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Visit Middlewich Middlewich, once famous for the production of salt, Northwich is located on the junctions of three canals and three Big Lock Big Lock rivers. It’s great place for waterway walks and wildlife!

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Sandbach Chip Shop STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km the Edge A little bit of history Salt has been produced in Middlewich since Roman times. 200 years ago, when the canals arrived, they brought coal to fuel steam-powered machinery. Middlewich became an important inland ‘port’ as salt was delivered all over the country via Trent & Mersey Canal, the Shropshire Union Canal and other canals.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things to do at Midd lewich Information Hire a boat and discover more about the Trent & Civic Way Mersey Canal. Middlewich Walk down the towpath to the Wardle Canal – CW11 1HZ just 47m long and the shortest canal in the country. Parking It was built to link the Trent & Mersey Canal to the Middlewhich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Toilets Find the plaque on the bridge Café Follow the Canal and Salt Trail in Middlewich Pub Have a picnic on the banks of the canal and Play area watch boats. Name all the water birds on the canal you can see Boat hire in five minutes. Path Allow 2-3 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Can you name the different Although the site is always open the facilities and boat parts of a narrowboat? trips may not be and some may be chargeable. Please 1 2 3 check with local businesses before setting out.

4 5 updates and offers from Answers: 1 bow; 2 cabin; 3 tiller; 4 hull; 5 stern 5 hull; 4 tiller; 3 cabin; 2 bow; 1 Answers: the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Visit the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port Sited on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal, the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port offers a terrific day out for families.

River Mersey Manchester Ship Canal

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Little adventures on your doorstep Heritage J9 boatyard

Chester & Ellesmere Cheshire Oaks Port

STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km the Edge A little bit of history The National Waterways Museum occupies the old dock buildings of Ellesmere Port which originally linked the Shropshire Union Canal to the River Mersey. The museum has the largest collection of canal boats in the world, from brightly painted narrowboats to icebreakers.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things t o do the Nati at onal W Information ater ways South Pier Road Discover boats of all shapes and sizes,Mu soldeu docks,m Ellesmere Port warehouses, locks and the cottages where the CH65 4FW workers once lived. Parking Step inside a traditional narrowboat and find out (free on site) what it must have been like to live on the canals. Toilets Go on a 30 minute boat trip and discover the Shropshire Union Canal. Café Check out the website for more information and Boat trips events. Path Look out for the sculpture commemorating the Allow up to a days when boats were towed by horses. half to full day for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always open the facilities and boat Can you name the different parts trips may not be and some may be chargeable. Please of a narrowboat? check with local businesses before setting out. 1 2 3

4 5 updates and offers from Answers: 1 bow; 2 cabin; 3 tiller; 4 hull; 5 stern 5 hull; 4 tiller; 3 cabin; 2 bow; 1 Answers: the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

The Shropshire Union Canal Little adventures runs through the heart of on your doorstep Chester. Shop till you drop Ellesmere Port then relax by the water’s edge! & National Waterways Liverpool Museum

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Shropshire Union Canal Taylor’s Northgate Boatyard Dry Dock Bridge Manchester t Tower tree al S Can Mill House Wharf Hotel

R iv er D City e e d Centre oa Chester r R owe City Walls City Centre A458 T Dee Branch

STAY SAFE: Northgate Stay Away From the Edge Chester Locks Map not to scale: covers approx 0.5 miles/0.8km A little bit of history Minutes from the historic city of Chester, and overlooked by the tourists who flock to the city each year, is the secret world of the Shropshire Union Canal. In this great city, the River Dee joins the canal to complete the once important trade route from Ellesmere Port to the Midlands.

Best of all it’s FREE!* ve thi Fi ngs to d o at C hest Have a bite to eat on board a boater and discover Information more about the Shropshire Union Canal. Gorse Stacks Look out for the Bridge of Sighs (Northgate Chester CH1 3EQ Bridge). Condemned prisoners once passed from Parking the city gaol across the bridge to the place of execution. Toilets Stop by Northgate Locks – carved out of solid Café sandstone and the deepest in the country. Pub

Go along to King Charles’s Tower. Here, the king Picnic is said to have watched his defeated army fleeing after the Battle of Rowton Moor. Information Walk to Tower Wharf and see a working boatyard Restaurant boat and dry dock, and an old canal warehouse Path converted to leisure uses. Allow 3-4 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Can you name the different parts Although the site is always open the facilities and boat of a narrowboat? trips may not be and some may be chargeable. Please 1 2 3 check with local businesses before setting out.

4 5 updates and offers from Answers: 1 bow; 2 cabin; 3 tiller; 4 hull; 5 stern 5 hull; 4 tiller; 3 cabin; 2 bow; 1 Answers: the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Discover Hurleston The Llangollen Canal runs through stunning scenery at Hurleston Barbridge and there are plenty of interesting canal

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Straw sculpture

Lees Bridge No. 4 Little adventures Snugbury’s Ice Cream on your doorstep

STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km the Edge A little bit of history Hurleston is on the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Here, it splits into two with the main line running north - south and the other line running west, ascending 34 feet via the four Hurleston Locks, and then south. It’s one of the busiest canals in the country Best of all and the gateway to Wales. it’s FREE!* Five things to do at Hur Call in at the Welcome Stationls andeto learnn more about Hurleston Locks. It’s housed in the old canal stables where the horses, which once towed boats were fed, watered and rested overnight. Check out the roving bridge and see how it enabled Information horses to cross to the other side of the canal without Lock 1 being unhitched. Hurleston Bridge CW5 5SF Cross the stile and walk down the field edge to Snugbury’s Ice Cream (open winter 9.30am/5pm, Parking summer 9.30am /6pm). It’s got to be good with a name like that! Toilets Look out for the straw sculpture on the way to Snugbury’s Pub (it might be muddy in wet weather so wear wellies). Path Watch boaters negotiating the narrow locks and count the boats going through the locks. Allow 1 hour for this visit

* Don’t forget: What to Spot Although the site is always Explore the waterside together. open the facilities and boat trips may not be and some How many of these can you spot? may be chargeable. Please check with local businesses A duck quacking before setting out.

The number of a  A fascinating insect  bridge or lock 

The names of A face two boats or animal Sign up for our in the An interesting clouds newsletter and get regular stone or brick   updates and offers from  the Canal & River Trust. Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Discover Nantwich Located on the Shropshire Union Nantwich & Canal, the market town of Nantwich Border Counties was once famous for the production Chester Yacht Club of salt. Today, it’s a great place for country walks and wildlife!

Nantwich Canal Centre

Little adventures on your doorstep Sh r o p s Basin End h ir e

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Nantwich Town Centre 5 mins Audlem & museum Map not to scale: covers approx 1/2 miles/1km A little bit of history Basin End in Nantwich is the terminus of the old Chester Canal built in 1772 to connect Chester to Nantwich. The canal crosses the flat Cheshire plains through an area famous for salt production since Roman times. Once busy with canal trade, the Basin is now a popular place for boats and boaters.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things to do a t Nan twich Information Walk down the towpath to the cast iron aqueduct First Wood St built by the famous canal engineer Thomas Telford. Nantwich CW5 5EG It carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the main road to Chester. Parking (pay & display) Spot the brightly painted narrowboats in Basin End. Toilets Take a day hire boat trip and discover more about the Shropshire Union Canal, known to canal lovers Café as ‘The Shroppie’. Pub and see how many waterbirds you Pack a picnic Information can spot in five minutes. Visit Nantwich Museum and find out more about Picnic salt-making. Day hire boats Path Allow 2-3 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Although the site is always open the facilities and boat Did you know?... trips may not be and some may be chargeable. Please Coots have a white spot check with local businesses on the front of their head before setting out. and moorhens have a bright red beak tipped with yellow, and a white stripe on their side. Sign up for our newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

© Canal & River Trust Charity no. 1146792 A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped produce these. 02/18 Explore Audlem Discover the pretty village of Audlem on the Shropshire Union Canal. The gentle landscape, plenty Overwater of wildlife and the flight of locks Marina ensure a great day out.

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Adderley

STAY SAFE: Stay Away From Map not to scale: covers approx 1.4 miles/2.4km the Edge A little bit of history The Shropshire Union Canal was the last big project of Thomas Telford, the great Victorian canal engineer. Opened in 1835, ‘the Shroppie’ was an industrial highway transporting coal and other bulky materials. Today, the canal is busy again, but with leisure boats enjoying the trip through the pretty Cheshire countryside.

Best of all it’s FREE!*

Five things t o do at Au dlem Information Check out the pretty village of of Audlem with its Cheshire Street 13th century church. Audlem CW3 0AH Catch the water taxi from Audlem to the marina Parking and walk back along the towpath. Toilets Watch boats pass through the flight of locks and chat to boaters. Café Visit Audlem Mill Craft Centre and Canal Shop, Pub once a corn mill served by the canal. Information Look out for birds such as Canada Geese, swans, Picnic coots, moorhens, herons and ducks. You might be lucky and spot a kingfisher! Water taxi Path Allow 2-3 hours for this visit

* Don’t forget: Did you know?... Although the site is always open the facilities and boat Our lock gates are handbuilt trips may not be and some by skilled carpenters in may be chargeable. Please check with local businesses our workshops in the West before setting out. Midlands and Yorkshire, from FSC Green Oak. Each one is unique and can take up to a month to make. Once built they last for about 25 years. Sign up for our newsletter and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust.

Simply go online and search for ’. Go to canalriverexplorers.org.uk ‘canal newsletter to discover lots of fun things to do with the family.

A place to walk, somewhere to feed the ducks or a place to simply be. Life by water is relaxing, friendly and healthy, Sign up for our newsletter it makes a difference to how we feel. and get regular updates and offers from the Canal & River Trust. At Canal & River Trust we believe life is better by water. We care for these Simply go online and search waterways so they exist for you to for ‘canal newsletter’. enjoy, for free, every day.

Discover, explore, enjoy.

T: 0303 040 4040 @CanalRiverTrust /canalrivertrust /canalrivertrust