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Routes from Trevor
Nantwich & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
7 nights 
83 miles 
45 hours 
42 locks 
All levels
Nantwich & back
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct About 10 minutes after leaving Trevor Basin, you’ll reach UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, carrying the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tearoom is nearby in Trevor.
Aqueduct Inn & lift bridge On the other side of the Aqueduct, you’ll pass the Aqueduct Inn at Froncysyllte and you’ll need to operate a lift bridge there. The Offa’s Dyke Path joins the towpath for a while here and you’ll pass Ty Mawr Country Park.
Whitehouses Tunnel Next you’ll navigate through the 191 yard long Whitehouses Tunnel and soon after you’ll pass Chirk Marina.
Chirk Tunnel After cruising for just over 1 mile, you’ll reach the 459-yard long Chirk Tunnel.
Chirk Aqueduct Straight after Chirk Tunnel, you’ll start crossing the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct, taking you across the Welsh border into England. Chirk Aqueduct takes the Llangollen Canal across the River Ceiriog and has a massive railway viaduct running alongside.
Chirk Bank At Chirk Bank you’ll pass the canalside Bridge Inn, also known as “The Trap”. From Chirk Bank you can walk up the hill to explore the National Trust’s awesome Chirk Castle.
Gledrid Just half a mile later at Gledrid, you’ll pass the canalside Poacher’s Pocket pub. Another half mile on, you’ll pass the Lion Quays Resort.
New Marton Locks 1.5 miles later you’ll reach the two locks at New Marton and just over three miles later you’ll pass Frankton Junction, where the Montgomery Canal meets the Llangollen Canal.
Ellesmere Just over 3 miles later, you can turn into the Ellesemere Branch and moor up to explore this medieval market town, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. 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.
Whixall Moss Continue cruising on through the Shropshire Lake District, past Colemere & Country Park. Just after 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.
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 right and head south down the Shropshire Union Canal through a couple of bridges before reaching Nantwich Basin where you can turn.
Nantwich The historic market town of Nantwich was once the centre of the salt mining industry. You can find out more about it at the Nantwich Museum. Nantwich has a great choice of places to eat, including the Wickstead Arms.
*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.
