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.
Map Ref 42 
Brewood A charming village dating back to medieval times, just a few minute walk
from Bridge 14.
Map Ref 43 
the mess 3 The Market Place, Brewood Tel: 01902 851694
Family-run bistro open from 9am Daytime bistro menu available until 5pm - 2 Courses £8.95 Evening restaurant menu and on Sundays there's brunch from 9.30 - Noon and traditional roast lunch or bistro menu from Noon to 3pm. www.the-mess.co.uk
Map Ref 44 
The Admiral Rodney, Dean Street, Brewood Tel : 01902 580583
Five minutes walk from Bridge 14. The Admiral Rodney reputedly has the best beer garden in Brewood. Open 11am-11pm daily Noon -10.30pm Sunday Food served Mon-Sat. Breakfast 8.30 - 11.30, Lunch Noon - 3pm,Dinner 6pm - 9pm.
"Very good food, not pricey, pleasant dining room. Worth walking down to"
"We had a warm welcome. The menu was interesting and varied and very reasonably priced. The food was well presented and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend"
Map Ref 45 
The Navigation Inn, Newport Road, Gnosall Tel :01785 822327
At Bridge 35 Built in 1800s for the canal navvies, at bridge 35. Beer garden, children's play area, full a la carte menu along with daily specials and bar snacks. Food served daily Noon - 2.30pm and 6pm - 9pm Mon - Sat, Noon - 8pm Sun
"Evening meal very good, excellent choices - good value"
"Excellent food and service"
"Fantastic food, nice staff, lovely garden with separate children's play area"
Map Ref 46 
The Junction Inn, Norbury Junction Tel :01785 284288
Canalside at Norbury Junction. Popular boaters' inn, traditional home-made food served daily Noon-9pm, breakfast and coffee from 9.30am. Sunday carvery, beer garden. Kids Fun Days, and weekend barbecue(subject to weather), throughout summer.
"Food very good and they catered for children."
"Food good, bar staff friendly and sociable, nice atmosphere"
"Very good food"
"Great - scores on all counts! good food/staff/facilities"
Map Ref 47 
The Wharf Tavern, Goldstone Tel :01680 661226
Canalside at Bridge 55 with customer moorings. Canalside gardens, children welcome. Open Noon-3 and 6.30 - 11. Food served Noon-2 and 6.30-9. Menu offers a wide selection of freshly cooked meals including excellent steaks. Bar snacks and sandwiches available at lunchtime. Roast lunch on Sunday.
"Pub with a nice garden and good beer and good food"
"Just what we needed!"
"Excellent food and good friendly service. Worth a visit"
Map Ref 48 
The Four Alls, Woodseaves, Market DraytonTel :01630 652995
10 mins from Tyrley Top Lock. Carvery, bar snacks, restaurant meals. Children welcome. Food served Noon-2.30 and 5.30-9.30 booking advisable for restaurant. www.thefouralls.com
"The food was excellent and service was very good. Bombardier beer has to be tasted it's excellent. Steaks were mouthwatering. Prices very reasonable"
"Hot baguettes on bar snack menu were excellent and very filling. Carvery looked wonderful"
"Staff helpful. Quite busy. Clean toilets."
Map Ref 49 
The Bridge Inn 12 Shropshire Street, Audlem Tel: 01270 8112167
Refurbished throughout in 2008, new owners Bridie and Nigel Walker welcome boaters and families with traditional home-cooked food and cask ales. Curry night Tuesday, Quiz Wednesday and Thursday, Sunday Carvery
Map Ref 50 
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Tel: 01270 629219
200 yards from bridge 85. Moorings at Hack Green Lock.A secret underground complex built at the height of the cold war with something to interest all the family. Bunker bistro and shop, open daily from 10.30 Mar - Oct
" Well worth a visit, do a great menu for lunch"
" excellent museum "
"very interesting, worth a visit, a scary reality "
" An exciting one-of-a-kind attraction. It is interesting and ergonomically friendly.."