Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Tuesday 13th May 2008

Cycling along the Shropshire Union Canal

The canal provides an excellent off-road route through the Staffordshire and Cheshire countryside, running close to the Chester Cycleway in places. A British Waterways cycling permit is required to cycle along the canal. These can be downloaded for free.

Cycling is permitted on the following sections of the main line:

  • Autherley (Bridge 1) to Audlem (Bridge 79) (54km): generally good quality towpath, but take extra care through Tyrley Cutting.
  • Waverton (Egg Bridge 119) through Chester to Ellesmere Port (22km): take extra care, as this section is popular with other users
  • Wardle Lock to Clive Green Bridge 24 on the Middlewich Branch (3km)