The Cheshire Ring

Barbridge Junction Head south from our Bunbury base and just under three miles later you’ll reach Barbridge Junction. Here the Middlewich Branch meets the Shropshire Union Canal mainline. And it’s home to the popular canalside Olde Barbridge Inn.

Cholmondeston Lock Turn left and head up the Middlewich Branch, taking you through beautiful Cheshire scenery. Just over a mile later you’ll reach Choldmondeston Lock. Just after the lock, you’ll pass Venetian Marina on the right.

Minshull Lock Less than two miles later you’ll reach Minshull Lock and soon after you’ll cross an aqueduct carrying the canal over the River Weaver.

Church Minshull Almost two miles later you can moor up the other side of Bridge 12 and walk into the village of Church Minshull to visit the Badger Inn.

Stanthorne Lock Four miles later you’ll reach Stanthorne Lock and soon after you’ll cross an aqueduct carrying the canal over the River Wheelock.

Wardle Lock Less than one mile later you’ll reach Wardle Lock. Go through the lock and then turn the boat around in Middlewich Junction, where the Middlewich Branch meets the Trent & Mersey Canal. This section of canal is the Wardle Branch Canal and is the shortest canal in the UK.

Middlewich Junction Go back through Wardle Lock and transfer onto the Trent & Mersey Canal. You can moor up to explore Middlewich, famous for its salt making, Roman and military heritage.

The Cheshire Locks Go through the 31 Cheshire Locks, also known as ‘Heartbreak Hill’ with amazing views of the Cheshire Plains.

Harding’s Wood Junction At Harding’s Wood Junction, home of the Broughton Arms, transfer onto the Macclesfield Canal.

Congleton Travel across the Pool Aqueduct and then shortly afterwards cross the Red Bull Aqueduct. Cruise on through the countryside and then through Congleton.