Shropshire Union Canal - Walks for All

This level canal towpath offers an elevated position for views over Nantwich town and the surrounding Cheshire plain countryside. You’ll pass over the impressive aqueduct across the Chester Road and be able to ‘gongoozle’ at the narrowboats both moored and cruising - the active marina at Basin End is a great place for this! You’ll also be able to watch the wildlife on the canal.

START: what3words: ///warp.patio.modest

DISTANCE: Approx 2km (1mile) each way, or 4km (2miles) there and back.

TIME: Approximately 45 minutes each way.

SURFACE: Good, level and sealed surface throughout, of 1.5m (12/3 yds) width. Over the aqueduct, just before point 2, the path is narrower at 96cm (38”) between the railings and the surface is brick, with 5cm (2“) ridges. This section can be bypassed by starting at point 2. Under Basin End Bridge at point 3, the path is narrower at 87cm (34”) wide and the surface is brick, with 5cm (2“) ridges. This section can be bypassed by the use of two ramps.

GRADIENTS: The towpath itself is level, with maximum cross slopes of 6% (1:15). Access to the canal towpath at point 1 is via a short path with a 13% (1:8) gradient over 8m (9yds). Access at point 2 by the aqueduct is by a 1.6m (1¾yds) wide 100m (100yds) long ramp of gradient 6% (1:18). The ramps at Basin End Bridge have a maximum gradient of 17% (1:6) over 10m (11yds), and can be bypassed by going under the bridge.