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The Shropshire Union has an unusual anomaly. The Shroppie Shelf! This is a shelf that was cut or added at the time of building in an attempt to eradicate the erosion caused by a boats wake (the wash).
In places, it's easy to run aground and sometimes tricky to get off. Take care when mooring, especially in open stretches and even allow nearly a foot from the bank. Use the gangplank if needed.
Note: Loading Locks & Bridges at the same time on large & complex maps can be cluttered.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Shropshire Union Canal is now a boater’s paradise, known for its long, straight stretches, well-kept towpaths, and abundant mooring spots. It forms part of the Four Counties Ring, a popular circular route for narrowboat holidays.
Walking, Cycling, and Wildlife Watching
The towpath offers miles of scenic walking and cycling routes, with opportunities to spot kingfishers, herons, and water voles among the reeds and hedgerows.
The Charm of the “Shroppie” Canal
Nicknamed “The Shroppie” by locals and enthusiasts, the canal retains a tranquil, unspoiled character — perfect for those seeking peace, nature, and a taste of old England.
Ellesmere Port and the National Waterways Museum
At the canal’s northern end, Ellesmere Port houses the National Waterways Museum, offering fascinating exhibits, historic boats, and restored dock buildings.
Chester and Its Historic City Walls
The canal runs beneath Chester’s ancient city walls, providing one of the most scenic urban stretches in the UK, complete with moorings and canal-side dining.
Audlem and Its Famous Lock Flight
With 15 locks rising over 93 feet, the Audlem flight is one of the most impressive engineering features on the canal. The nearby village is a gem for moorers, full of charm and hospitality.
Market Drayton and Norbury Junction
These locations are favourites for boating enthusiasts, offering quiet moorings, historic wharves, and great pubs.
Autherley Junction and the Staffordshire Connection
At its southern terminus, the Shroppie meets the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, forming part of a vast interconnected network beloved by canal cruisers.
The Shroppie Fly, Audlem
A legendary canal-side pub built in a converted warehouse, the Shroppie Fly is a favourite among boaters for its lively atmosphere and local ales.
The Bridge Inn, Audlem
Situated beside Lock 12, this traditional pub offers hearty food and an excellent view of passing boats.
The Anchor Inn, High Offley
A wonderfully traditional and unspoiled pub — a must-visit for those seeking authentic canal hospitality.
The Wharf Tavern, Goldstone
Perfect for moorers, with great food, open fires, and a garden overlooking the canal.
The Lock Keeper, Chester
A modern venue with stunning waterside dining and views of Chester’s historic basin.
A Living Link Between Past and Present
The canal stands as a living monument to Britain’s industrial heritage, connecting the modern leisure world to the ingenuity of the 19th century.
Heritage, Community, and Sustainable Tourism
From restored wharves to local festivals, the Shropshire Union continues to foster community pride and sustainable tourism across the Midlands and North West.
Discover the history and beauty of the Shropshire Union Canal — from its construction by Thomas Telford to its modern revival as a haven for boaters, walkers, and heritage lovers.
The Shropshire Union Canal, often affectionately known as “The Shroppie,” is one of Britain’s most beautiful and best-preserved waterways. Stretching from the River Mersey at Ellesmere Port to Autherley Junction near Wolverhampton, this canal once powered Britain’s industrial heart — and today serves as a peaceful retreat for boaters, walkers, and nature enthusiasts.
A Canal Linking Countryside, Industry, and Heritage
Built during the golden age of canal construction, the Shropshire Union Canal cuts through rolling countryside, market towns, and historic cities, blending engineering genius with natural beauty.
The Vision and Construction of the Canal
Why the Shropshire Union Canal Was Built
By the early 19th century, canals had become the lifeblood of Britain’s industrial economy. The Shropshire Union Canal was created to link the industrial Midlands with the ports of Liverpool and the River Mersey, ensuring the efficient movement of goods like coal, iron, and agricultural produce.
The Role of Thomas Telford: The Master Engineer
The canal was designed and engineered by Thomas Telford, one of the greatest civil engineers of his time. Telford, known for his bold use of cuttings and embankments, envisioned a modern, direct canal with minimal locks and sweeping curves — a design that set it apart from earlier, winding waterways.
Building the Canal – Engineering Challenges and Achievements
Construction began in 1827 and was completed in 1835, incorporating earlier waterways like the Chester Canal and Ellesmere Canal. The result of Telford's work was a unified network, including the Llangollen Canal, with massive embankments, deep cuttings, and elegant aqueducts, including the iconic Chirk Aqueduct and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal (the latter now a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The Route and Key Connections
Linking the River Mersey to the Midlands
The Shropshire Union runs for approximately 66 miles, from Ellesmere Port, through Chester, Audlem, and Market Drayton, to Autherley Junction, where it connects with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
Major Branches and Junctions
Branches connect the main line to Llangollen, Montgomery, and Middlewich and on to the Trent & Mersey, making the Shropshire Union a central link in Britain’s northern canal system.
Architectural Highlights – Cuttings, Aqueducts, and Embankments
Wappenshall Junction, Woodseaves Cutting, and the spectacular Nantwich Embankment — feats of engineering that showcase Telford’s visionary design.
The Canal’s Golden Age of Trade
Goods and Industries Served
The canal played a vital role in transporting coal, iron ore, slate, limestone, and farm produce across the region. Towns like Chester, Nantwich, and Market Drayton flourished as trade hubs along the route.
The Canal Towns That Thrived
Ellesmere Port became a bustling industrial centre, with wharves, warehouses, and boatyards that are now part of the National Waterways Museum — a lasting reminder of the canal’s importance.
Decline and Near Disappearance
The Impact of the Railways
By the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railway network spelled trouble for the canal trade. Faster, cheaper, and unaffected by weather, rail transport quickly replaced the need for most canal freight.
The Fall of Commercial Traffic
The Shropshire Union Canal Company struggled to compete and was eventually taken over by the London & North Western Railway in 1846 — a move that effectively marked the end of its commercial dominance.
The Struggle to Stay Afloat
By the early 20th century, many sections of the canal faced closure and disrepair. Once-busy locks fell silent, and vegetation crept over neglected towpaths.
Post-war Britain saw a renewed appreciation for canals as part of the nation’s heritage. Volunteers and enthusiasts began restoring neglected stretches, leading to the creation of societies like the Shropshire Union Canal Society.
Restoration and the British Waterways Era
Under British Waterways, many sections were dredged and repaired, reopening the route to leisure traffic. Today, it’s maintained by the Canal & River Trust, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
Modern Canal Management and Community Care
Community groups, local councils, and volunteers continue to enhance access, preserve wildlife habitats, and maintain facilities for boaters and visitors alike.
Q1. When was the Shropshire Union Canal built?
Construction began in 1827 and was completed by 1835, designed by Thomas Telford.
Q2. How long is the canal?
The main line runs for about 66 miles, with numerous branches extending its reach.
Q3. Why was it built?
It was built to connect the industrial Midlands with the River Mersey and northern ports for trade.
Q4. Is the canal still navigable today?
Yes, it’s fully open to leisure craft and forms part of the Four Counties Ring.
Q5. What are the best places to visit along the canal?
Ellesmere Port, Chester, Audlem, Norbury Junction, and Market Drayton are among the highlights.
Q6. Can I walk or cycle along the canal?
Absolutely! The towpath is open to walkers and cyclists, with plenty of scenic and wildlife-rich stretches.
The Shropshire Union Canal is more than a waterway — it’s a journey through time. From the vision of Thomas Telford to its near-decline and eventual revival, it remains a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring love of Britain’s canals.
Today, as narrowboats glide past wildflower-strewn banks and pub gardens hum with life, the Shroppie continues to unite communities, preserve history, and inspire all who travel its peaceful path.
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