The Badger Inn - Church Minshull – Canal-Side Pubon the Shropshire Union Canal Middlewich Branch

Location on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal

The Badger Inn sits directly beside the Middlewich Branch, close to Church Minshull and just south of Minshull Lock. This section of canal is known for its quiet cruising, open farmland views, and gentle pace, making it ideal for leisure boaters.

The Badger Inn is a well-known and much-loved waterside pub located at Church Minshull on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Set in peaceful Cheshire countryside, it is a popular stopping point for canal boat users cruising between Middlewich, Barbridge Junction, and the wider Shropshire Union Canal network.

With its rural setting, traditional pub atmosphere, and close proximity to the canal, The Badger Inn has become a firm favourite with narrowboat crews looking for a relaxed mooring stop and quality food and drink.

Why this location works well for canal boat users:

• Easy access from the canal towpath
• Visitor moorings close to the pub
• Peaceful countryside surroundings
• Convenient stopping point between Middlewich and Barbridge Junction

Many boaters plan an overnight stop here to enjoy the pub before continuing their cruise.

The Shropshire Union Canal – Middlewich Branch

The Middlewich Branch connects the Shropshire Union Canal with the Trent & Mersey Canal at Middlewich, forming an important link in the national canal network.

For canal boat users, this branch offers:

• A quieter alternative to busier main lines
• Rural cruising through Cheshire countryside
• Traditional locks and historic bridges
• Access to popular canal rings and routes

The Badger Inn is perfectly placed along this route, offering a welcome break from cruising.

Mooring Near The Badger Inn

Visitor moorings are available on the canal close to The Badger Inn, allowing narrowboat crews to stop safely and conveniently.

Mooring highlights include:

• Short, level walk from boat to pub
• Quiet rural moorings away from road noise
• Suitable for overnight stays
• Popular but not overly crowded

These moorings make The Badger Inn an excellent lunchtime or evening stop.

Food and Drink for Canal Boat Crews

The Badger Inn is known for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional pub dining, making it especially appealing to canal boat users after a day on the water.

Why boaters enjoy stopping here:

• Classic countryside pub setting
• Comfortable indoor seating
• Outdoor areas suitable for warm-weather visits
• Friendly atmosphere shared by locals and boaters

It’s the sort of pub where muddy boots and boating clothes feel right at home.

Church Minshull and the Surrounding Area

Church Minshull is a small Cheshire village surrounded by farmland, waterways, and quiet lanes. For boaters, it offers a peaceful contrast to busier canal towns.

Nearby highlights include:

• Riverside walks along the River Weaver
• Open countryside and wildlife spotting
• Traditional village character
• Unspoilt canal scenery

This makes the area ideal for rest days and gentle exploration.

Why The Badger Inn Is Popular with Canal Boat Users

• Located directly on the Middlewich Branch
• Easy access from canal-side moorings
• Quiet rural setting
• Traditional pub atmosphere
• Well placed between key canal junctions

It fits perfectly into a relaxed cruising itinerary.

Conclusion

The Badger Inn at Church Minshull is a classic canal-side pub on the Shropshire Union Canal Middlewich Branch and an ideal stop for canal boat users. With convenient moorings, a welcoming countryside setting, and easy access from the towpath, it remains one of the most enjoyable waterside pubs on this quieter stretch of the canal network. For narrowboat crews seeking a peaceful mooring and a traditional pub experience, The Badger Inn is an excellent choice.