Completed in 1835, this part of the “Shroppie” canal is pretty rural even as it skirts the outer reaches of Nantwich (population 12,500) on a raised embankment. This is a complete contrast to its path through Chester which it leaves through an area which does not reflect the beauty and character of the city centre.

So, travelling along the canal is a relaxing affair with views of trees and farm fields with the odd hamlet adding reality. There are some attractive locks along the route to add interest and some exercise to a cruise.

Bunbury area is really quite attractive with some low hills visible including the one with the ruins of Bunbury Castle atop. The unusual Beeston Locks – one being built of iron – are in a particularly beautiful setting. Bunbury Staircase Locks are also of structural interest with characterful buildings alongside the canal and a welcoming place to stop awhile at the Anglo Welsh shop and chandlers. You can pick up a hire boat here for a your cruise into Wales or the Four Counties and Cheshire Rings.

Hurelston Locks lower the Llangollen Canal to its junction with the Shroppie – a very attractice series of four locks close together.

Perhaps the jewell in the crown is Audlem which provides a gentle relief from the rural scene having a lovely canal side pub, The Shroppie Fly, and a converted mill selling canal goods and crafts. The pleasant village is adjacent to the canal.

Here is a slideshow of the photos I took along the route travelling north to south.

Below is a Google map of the route with the main places marked.

View Bunbury to Audlem in a larger map