The Shropshire Union Canal runs from the outskirts of Wolverhampton to Ellesmere Port covering some 66 miles, with 47 locks. The "Shroppie" was one of the last canals to be built and was a "union" of the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal, the Chester Canal and the Wirral line of the Ellesmere Canal.In 1846, when the Shropshire Union Railway & Canal Company was formed, railways were beginning to gain popularity and their influence can be seen in the stretch between Autherley and Nantwich where Thomas Telford designed cuttings and embankments to provide long lock free sections.

From Autherley the canal passes Brewood, Wheaton Aston and on to Gnosall - all with a good selection of shops and pubs, then Shelmore Embankment takes the canal on to Norbury - The Wrekin can be seen to the West. At Norbury Juction is the beginning of the now defunct Newport Branch to Shrewsbury, it is now used for moorings and the junction is a popular stopping point for its pub, shop and water etc.

From Norbury the canal enters Grub Street Cutting with its much-photographed High Bridge with two arches and a telegraph pole on the top of the lower arch. An aqueduct marks the beginning of Shebdon embankment and, after Woodseaves cutting, is the first set of locks for some miles - the Tyrley flight that leads into Market Drayton an ancient market town with plenty of shops and watering holes. You might need a break here before tackling the five Adderley locks and the flight of fifteen that lead in to Audlem.

Now in Cheshire, the canal leads on to Nantwich where it crosses a splendid cast iron aqueduct and you'll find moorings to allow you to visit the town which is a short walk away. Just north of Nantwich is Hurleston Junction where the Llangollen Canal begins and a mile further on is Barbridge Junction where the Middlewich branch takes the boater on to the Trent & Mersey Canal.

From Barbridge the canal runs parallel with a busy road for some distance then follows a more peaceful route to Bunbury and a little further on you will see Beeston Castle, which is open to the public. Continuing westward, the canal enters the outskirts of Chester - there is a park and ride facility at Christleton to take you in to the centre of the city or a further five locks lead into the centre where moorings are available.