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Routes from Whixall
Chester & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
10 or 11 nights 
71 miles 
42 hours 
60 locks 
All levels
Chester & back from Whixall
Prees Branch From Whixall Marina, you’ll cruise for almost a mile down the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, negotiating 2 lift bridges along the way.
Prees Junction You’ll transfer onto the Llangollen Canal at Prees Junction. Turn right and 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.
Lift Bridges As you continue cruising through the Shropshire countryside, you’ll encounter 4 lift bridges before you reach Whitchurch. Just after the 3rd lift bridge, you’ll pass the Hadley Farm Cafe. To the right you can see Pan Castle.
Whitchurch Just before you reach the Whitchurch Arm, 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.
Grindley Brook Locks Close to a mile after Whitchurch you’ll reach the 6 locks at Grindley Brook and canalside Horse & Jockey pub.
Marbury Nearly 4 miles and 3 locks later you’ll reach Marbury Lock. There are visitor moorings just before the lock where you can moor up and walk into the village of Marbury, with its Big Mere, Little Mere and Swan Inn.
Wrenbury Just under 2 miles later you’ll reach Wrenbury Frith Lift Bridge and then the entrance to Wrenbury Marina, where you can turn the boat around. 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.
Baddiley Locks About 1.5 miles on from Wrenbury, you’ll pass through the 3 locks at Baddiley.
Swanley locks Almost 1.5 miles on from Baddiley Locks you’ll reach the first of two locks at Swanley.
Hurleston Junction Less than 2 miles later you’ll pass through the 4 locks at Hurleston, taking you onto Hurleston Junction, where the Llangollen Canal meets the Shropshire Union Canal. Turn left and head north up the Shropshire Union Canal.
Barbridge Junction You’ll soon pass Barbridge Junction where the Middlewich Branch meets the Shropshire Union Canal main line. The Olde Barbridge Inn is next to the canal here. Continue heading north along the main line.
Bunbury Locks Go through the staircase locks at Bunbury, next to our Bunbury base.
Tilstone Lock Head north up the Shropshire Union Canal and after around 2/3 of a miles you’ll reach Tilstone Lock. Half a mile later you’ll the two locks at Beeston, close to the Beeston Castle Hotel.
Beeston Castle About a mile later you’ll reach Wharton’s Lock. You can moor-up just below Wharton’s Lock and walk half-a-mile to English Heritage’s Beeston Castle & Woodland Park, one of the most dramatic ruins in the English landscape.
Shady Oak Soon after Wharton’s Lock, you’ll see the canalside Shady Oak pub. There are visitor moorings opposite.
Tattenhall Two miles later, you can moor up before Bridge 113 and the Famous Cheshire Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall is a short walk away.
Waverton The canal becomes less rural, passing through Waverton, and the site of the Battle of Rowton Moor (one of the last major battles of the English Civil War).
Christleton Then you’ll travel through Christleton, with its Cheshire Cat canalside pub and the Ring ‘o’ Bells pub in the village. Soon after the village, you’ll go through Christleton Lock.
Greenfield Lock There are visitor moorings just before Greenfield Lock where you can moor up and walk into Boughton Heath where there’s a Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Tarvin Road Lock Go through Tarvin Road Lock and soon after Chemistry Lock and Hoole Lane Lock. Turn the boat around in the winding hole close to Chester Cathedral at Cow Lane Bridge 123D and moor up to explore the City of Chester.
Chester There’s so much to explore in the ancient City of Chester including the City’s Roman Amphitheatre, Museum, Roman City walls, River Dee, Chester Rows, Shops, Chester Cathedral, Chester Castle and racecourse.
*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.
