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Routes from Bunbury
Llangollen & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
7 nights 
97 miles 
47 hours 
46 locks 
All levels
Llangollen & back from Bunbury
Barbridge Junction Head south from our Bunbury base and just under 3 miles later you’ll reach Barbridge Junction. Here the Middlewich Branch meets the Shropshire Union Canal main line. And it’s home to the popular canalside Olde Barbridge Inn. Continue cruising down the main line.
Hurleston Junction Just over 1 mile later, you’ll reach Hurleston Junction, where the Llangollen Canal connects with the Shropshire Union Canal main line. Turn right onto the Llangollen Canal and go through the 4 Hurleston Locks.
Swanley locks Soon after you’ll reach the first of two locks at Swanley.
Baddiley Locks About 1.5 miles on from Swanley locks, you’ll reach the 3 locks at Baddiley.
Wrenbury Next you’ll reach the picturesque village of Wrenbury where the centre of the village is a conservation area with a range of historic houses and St Margaret’s Church overlooking the village green. There is a Post Office with general stores and the canalside Dusty Miller in a converted corn mill.
Marbury There are visitor moorings just after Marbury Lock where you can moor up and walk into the village of Marbury, with its Big Mere, Little Mere and Swan Inn.
Grindley Brook Locks There are 6 locks at Grindley Brook and the canalside Horse & Jockey pub.
Whitchurch Close to 1 mile after Grindley Brook Locks you’ll reach the Whitchurch Arm, where you can moor up to explore the picturesque historic market town of Whitchurch, once famous for its clock-making. There are half-timbered buildings, way-marked circular walks, independent shops and restaurants, and the award-winning Black Bear pub.
Lift Bridges As you continue cruising through the Shropshire countryside, you’ll encounter 4 lift bridges before you reach the Prees Arm. Just before the 2nd lift bridge, you’ll pass the Hadley Farm Cafe. To the left you can see Pan Castle.
Whixall Moss Just before the junction to the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can moor up close to Whixall Moss Roving Bridge to visit Whixall Moss, part of the Fen’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve.
The Shropshire Lake District Continue cruising, passing Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park in the Shropshire Lake District, formed around 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age.
Ellesmere Tunnel Just after Blake Mere, you’ll go through the 87-yard long Ellesmere Tunnel.
Ellesmere Just over 3 miles along, you can turn into the Ellesemere Branch and moor up to explore this beautiful medieval market town. As well as its famous Mere, with woodland walks, castle, gardens and Boathouse cafe, there’s a range of places to eat out, including The White Hart and The Red Lion. Turn the boat around at the end of the Ellesmere Arm and then continue on towards Chirk.
Frankton Junction Just over three miles on you’ll pass Frankton Junction, where the Montgomery Canal meets the Llangollen Canal.
New Marton Locks Another 3 miles later you’ll reach the two locks at New Marton, and nearly two miles later you’ll pass the Lion Quays Resort.
Gledrid Nearly a mile later you’ll pass the canalside Poacher’s Pocket pub at Gledrid.
Chirk Bank Half a mile later you’ll pass the canalside Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank, also known as “The Trap”. From Chirk Bank you can walk up the hill to explore the National Trust’s awesome Chirk Castle.
Chirk Aqueduct Cross over the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct, part of the 11-mile section of the canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chirk Aqueduct takes you across the border into Wales, carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Ceiriog, with the railway viaduct running alongside it.
Two Tunnels Go through the 420-metre long Chirk Tunnel, pass Chirk Marina and then you go through Whitehouses Tunnel.
The Offa’s Dyke Path follows the canal for a while and you’ll pass Ty Mawr Country Park. The Britannia Inn is close by in Froncysllte.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct You’ll pass the Aqueduct Inn just before you begin crossing the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, carrying the canal 38 metres above the River Dee.
Trevor Just after the aqueduct, you’ll reach Trevor Basin. You can moor up to visit the Canal & River Trust’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Visitor Centre and the Pontcysyllte Tea Room.
The Sun Continuing on towards Llangollen, the canal narrows after Trevor and you’ll need someone to hop off with a mobile phone to check that the navigation is clear. You’ll pass the canalside Sun pub and enjoy views of the valley below.
Llangollen You can moor up in Llangollen Basin (charges apply) and explore the town, including the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens and the Horseshoe Falls. There are many independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with stunning river and mountain views. And you can climb up to Castell Dinas Bran for amazing views.
*NB The Llangollen Canal transports drinking water from the River Dee at Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen to Hurleston Reservoir. So when you head towards Whitchurch, it’s slightly quicker than the return journey as you’re going with the flow.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
