CHESTER AND RETURN FROM ANDERTON
Route Info | Boats | Map overview of route | Cruising Notes | Maps & Guides | Links | Pub Guide
You can do this route from :
Anderton Marina.
There is a wealth of things to do in the Roman City of Chester which can be seen on foot, because of the amazing survival of the old city wall. You can walk right round Chester on this superb footpath.
There has been a church on the site of The Cathedral for over 1,000 years originally a Saxon Minster then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey this magnificent building is a national treasure in the heart of the city.
Grosvenor Park miniature Railway is one of Chester's premier attractions for 9-90 year olds!. You can experience this steam railway laid out in the Grosvenor Park amongst the ducks, moorhens & geese.
Lying outside the town is Chester Zoo is home to 7000 animals including some of the most endangered species on the planet.
Route Info
Route Facts & Figures
Read the Cruising Notes
Read our cruising notes to help you plan your canal boat holiday
Read our cruising notes.
Cruising Notes
Day 1
From Anderton marina you head south along the Trent & Mersey canal.
Away on your left you will see Marbury Country park which has woodlands carpeted with bluebells in the springtime, or relax under the shade of the lime avenues. Wander along the mere with splendid views over the water to the church at Great Budworth, or explore the arboretum and community orchard. Children will enjoy the play area, close to the picnic area.
There are attractive short stay moorings here if you have had a long trip and want to moor up somewhere local for the night.
You have now travelled around 4 miles in 2 hours.
Day 2
As the canal heads towards Middlewich you move out into fine open country on a beautiful stretch of canal, often overhung by trees following the delightful valley of the River Dane.
There are pleasant moorings with picnic tables & BBQ just before Bridge 176.
As you descend into Middlewich there are 4 locks to be negotiated before you turn off right down the Middlewich Branch Canal. The canalside area of Middlewich is a haven of peace below the busy streets. The town has been extracting salt since Roman times, and there is an interesting town trail north of Bridge 172. There are various pubs canalside along this stretch.
As you go under the Bridge on the Middlewich Branch you encounter another lock, and after Bridge 27 as you head out of town there is another lock- Stanthorne Lock, and then you can relax & enjoy the scenery in the next lock free section of the canal.
This attractive & often under rated canal provides some wonderfully tranquil rural moorings. This is a quiet section of the canal, passing through rich farmland interspersed with woods.
There are no towns and only one small village, so no pubs I am afraid until you reach the Junction of the Shropshire Union Canal at Barbridge where you'll find the Jolly Tar pub.
You have cruised about 11 miles and navigated 6 locks in about 5½ hours.
Day 3
Turn right at the Junction and head towards Chester, you are joined by a busy road until it turns away at Calveley. There is a bar & grill here.
At Bunbury Wharf, 2 staircase locks require thought before action, they are 14 feet wide like all subsequent locks between here and Chester. The village of Bunbury is 1 mile south west of the Locks and has stores, butcher & take away fish & chips & a couple of pubs.
Bunbury water mill is up the hill from Bunbury Wharf, & is open Easter-Sep & gives guided tours around its fully restored watermill.
From Wharton Lock is an excellent view of Beeston castle- a massive ruin dating back to the 14th century which is visible from 30 miles away. The castle was built by the Earl of Chester in 1337, & is situated on the top of a steep hill dominating the surrounding countryside. It is open April to September.
Beeston Castle is also known as the the formidable ‘Castle of the Rock’. Climb to the top of this impressive crag with incredible views over eight counties, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. Legend has it that Beeston still guards King Richard II’s lost treasure – maybe your family can find it? An exciting exhibition details the secrets of 4,000 years of Beeston Castle’s history, from Bronze Age settlement to Iron Age hill fort, the Castle itself was begun in 1225.
With over 40 acres of unspoiled woodland trails to explore and an abundance of wildlife Beeston Castle and Woodland Park makes for a truly exhilarating and enchanting day out for all the family.
The Canal continues through the flat but green Cheshire landscape, the Cheshire cycle way following the canal here, and continues all the way into Chester.
Off to the left by bridge 113 there is a pub- the Poachers Pocket & in Waverton there is a shop.
Just past Waverton off to your left was the site of the Battle of Rowton Moor in 1645, where one of the last major battles of the Civil War took place, with the Parliamentarians beating the Royalists.
You are now on the outskirts of Chester and some of you may wish to moor up here and turn around at Christleton, near bridge 121, near the Cheshire Cat pub, thus saving 6 hours of cruising time to negotiate the 10 locks down into Chester and back. There is a very convenient Park & Ride here which can take you into the city of Chester in a few minutes.
For those wanting to moor up in the centre of Chester, (it will be noisier there at night) continue on through the 5 locks to the turning point near Cow lane Bridge 123e, Chester city centre is easily accessed from here.
Day 4
CHESTER-
There is a wealth of things to do in this Roman City which can be seen on foot, because of the amazing survival of the old city wall. You can walk right round Chester on this superb footpath.
There has been a church on the site of The Cathedral for over 1,000 years originally a Saxon Minster then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey this magnificent building is a national treasure in the heart of the city. Visitors can view the Norman arches and Gothic columns and the medieval shrine of St. Werburgh. The Cloisters and Church form one of the most complete medieval monastic complexes in the country.
Handel gave his first public performance of the Messiah here in 1742.
Discover 1,000 of shops behind the facades of the black and white buildings, find high street brands to designer boutiques. Shop in Chester's Rows where 21st century stores thrive in a Medieval setting. Take home some Cheshire cheese which is one of the oldest recorded cheeses in British history and is even referred to in the Domesday Book.
Discover 2000 years of Chester life in the Grosvenor Museum see the impressive collection of Roman tombstones and displays depicting Roman Chester - look out for the Roman soldiers on the way. Discover the world of the famous naturalist Charles Kingsley and explore hands-on' the geology and natural history of the area. Also visit the Cheshire Military museum situated inside the tower of Chester castle. Little of the Castle remains but the 13th century tower is open to the public.
Grosvenor Park miniature Railway is one of Chester's premier attractions for 9-90 year olds!. Open April to Oct Sat Sun & school holidays, where you can experience this steam railway laid out in the Grosvenor Park amongst the ducks, moorhens & geese.
Lying outside the town is Chester Zoo is home to 7000 animals including some of the most endangered species on the planet.
Take a journey through the Butterfly house a 400sq meters tropical house and is home to more than 30 species of butterfly from South America, Africa and South East Asia. One of the most critically threatened species around, the Philippine Crocodile is new to Chester Zoo and a breeding programme is in place for this species to ensure its long-term survival.
The Chester Visitor & Craft Centre, is open Mon-Sat 9-5, and has working craft shops and cafe.
Chester Heritage Tours – see highlights of Historic Chester from an open top 1930s vintage omnibus. Or experience Chester in an open top bus, the tour takes 55 minutes.
Chester Market in Princess Street is that site of an undercover market with up to 100 stalls selling fresh produce, and conditions the tradition of a market in the city that started in the 14th Century.
Open Mon-Sat 8am to 5pm.
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
It is 17 hours back to the marina
From Anderton marina you head south along the Trent & Mersey canal.
Away on your left you will see Marbury Country park which has woodlands carpeted with bluebells in the springtime, or relax under the shade of the lime avenues. Wander along the mere with splendid views over the water to the church at Great Budworth, or explore the arboretum and community orchard. Children will enjoy the play area, close to the picnic area.
There are attractive short stay moorings here if you have had a long trip and want to moor up somewhere local for the night.
You have now travelled around 4 miles in 2 hours.
Day 2
As the canal heads towards Middlewich you move out into fine open country on a beautiful stretch of canal, often overhung by trees following the delightful valley of the River Dane.
There are pleasant moorings with picnic tables & BBQ just before Bridge 176.
As you descend into Middlewich there are 4 locks to be negotiated before you turn off right down the Middlewich Branch Canal. The canalside area of Middlewich is a haven of peace below the busy streets. The town has been extracting salt since Roman times, and there is an interesting town trail north of Bridge 172. There are various pubs canalside along this stretch.
As you go under the Bridge on the Middlewich Branch you encounter another lock, and after Bridge 27 as you head out of town there is another lock- Stanthorne Lock, and then you can relax & enjoy the scenery in the next lock free section of the canal.
This attractive & often under rated canal provides some wonderfully tranquil rural moorings. This is a quiet section of the canal, passing through rich farmland interspersed with woods.
There are no towns and only one small village, so no pubs I am afraid until you reach the Junction of the Shropshire Union Canal at Barbridge where you'll find the Jolly Tar pub.
You have cruised about 11 miles and navigated 6 locks in about 5½ hours.
Day 3
Turn right at the Junction and head towards Chester, you are joined by a busy road until it turns away at Calveley. There is a bar & grill here.
At Bunbury Wharf, 2 staircase locks require thought before action, they are 14 feet wide like all subsequent locks between here and Chester. The village of Bunbury is 1 mile south west of the Locks and has stores, butcher & take away fish & chips & a couple of pubs.
Bunbury water mill is up the hill from Bunbury Wharf, & is open Easter-Sep & gives guided tours around its fully restored watermill.
From Wharton Lock is an excellent view of Beeston castle- a massive ruin dating back to the 14th century which is visible from 30 miles away. The castle was built by the Earl of Chester in 1337, & is situated on the top of a steep hill dominating the surrounding countryside. It is open April to September.
Beeston Castle is also known as the the formidable ‘Castle of the Rock’. Climb to the top of this impressive crag with incredible views over eight counties, from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. Legend has it that Beeston still guards King Richard II’s lost treasure – maybe your family can find it? An exciting exhibition details the secrets of 4,000 years of Beeston Castle’s history, from Bronze Age settlement to Iron Age hill fort, the Castle itself was begun in 1225.
With over 40 acres of unspoiled woodland trails to explore and an abundance of wildlife Beeston Castle and Woodland Park makes for a truly exhilarating and enchanting day out for all the family.
The Canal continues through the flat but green Cheshire landscape, the Cheshire cycle way following the canal here, and continues all the way into Chester.
Off to the left by bridge 113 there is a pub- the Poachers Pocket & in Waverton there is a shop.
Just past Waverton off to your left was the site of the Battle of Rowton Moor in 1645, where one of the last major battles of the Civil War took place, with the Parliamentarians beating the Royalists.
You are now on the outskirts of Chester and some of you may wish to moor up here and turn around at Christleton, near bridge 121, near the Cheshire Cat pub, thus saving 6 hours of cruising time to negotiate the 10 locks down into Chester and back. There is a very convenient Park & Ride here which can take you into the city of Chester in a few minutes.
For those wanting to moor up in the centre of Chester, (it will be noisier there at night) continue on through the 5 locks to the turning point near Cow lane Bridge 123e, Chester city centre is easily accessed from here.
Day 4
CHESTER-
There is a wealth of things to do in this Roman City which can be seen on foot, because of the amazing survival of the old city wall. You can walk right round Chester on this superb footpath.
There has been a church on the site of The Cathedral for over 1,000 years originally a Saxon Minster then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey this magnificent building is a national treasure in the heart of the city. Visitors can view the Norman arches and Gothic columns and the medieval shrine of St. Werburgh. The Cloisters and Church form one of the most complete medieval monastic complexes in the country.
Handel gave his first public performance of the Messiah here in 1742.
Discover 1,000 of shops behind the facades of the black and white buildings, find high street brands to designer boutiques. Shop in Chester's Rows where 21st century stores thrive in a Medieval setting. Take home some Cheshire cheese which is one of the oldest recorded cheeses in British history and is even referred to in the Domesday Book.
Discover 2000 years of Chester life in the Grosvenor Museum see the impressive collection of Roman tombstones and displays depicting Roman Chester - look out for the Roman soldiers on the way. Discover the world of the famous naturalist Charles Kingsley and explore hands-on' the geology and natural history of the area. Also visit the Cheshire Military museum situated inside the tower of Chester castle. Little of the Castle remains but the 13th century tower is open to the public.
Grosvenor Park miniature Railway is one of Chester's premier attractions for 9-90 year olds!. Open April to Oct Sat Sun & school holidays, where you can experience this steam railway laid out in the Grosvenor Park amongst the ducks, moorhens & geese.
Lying outside the town is Chester Zoo is home to 7000 animals including some of the most endangered species on the planet.
Take a journey through the Butterfly house a 400sq meters tropical house and is home to more than 30 species of butterfly from South America, Africa and South East Asia. One of the most critically threatened species around, the Philippine Crocodile is new to Chester Zoo and a breeding programme is in place for this species to ensure its long-term survival.
The Chester Visitor & Craft Centre, is open Mon-Sat 9-5, and has working craft shops and cafe.
Chester Heritage Tours – see highlights of Historic Chester from an open top 1930s vintage omnibus. Or experience Chester in an open top bus, the tour takes 55 minutes.
Chester Market in Princess Street is that site of an undercover market with up to 100 stalls selling fresh produce, and conditions the tradition of a market in the city that started in the 14th Century.
Open Mon-Sat 8am to 5pm.
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
It is 17 hours back to the marina
NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.
Boats
The following boats operate on this route (subject to availability)
Maps and Guides
Useful Links
| Link Description | Website | Telephone |
|---|
Pub Guide
Pubs available on this canal route:-
| Pub Name | Pub Address | Distance from Anderton | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Harkers Arms | 1 Russell Street, Chester CH3 5AL | Full Details | ||
| The Bull And Stirrup | Upper Northgate Street, Chester CH1 4EE | Full Details | ||
| The Frog And Nightingale | Canal Side, Chester CH1 3LH | Full Details | ||
| The Narrowboat | 22 Lewin Street, Midddlewich CW10 9AS | Full Details | ||
| The Newton Brewery | Webbs Lane, Middlewich CW10 9DN | Full Details | ||
| The Plough Inn | Plough Lane, Chester CH3 7PT | Full Details | ||
| The Stanley Arms | Old Road, Anderton CW9 6AG | Full Details | ||
|
The Albion Inn | Park Street, Chester CH1 1RN | Full Details | |
|
Alexanders Bar | Rufus Court, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2JW | Full Details | |
|
Bear And Billet | 94 Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RU | Full Details | |
|
The Bunbury Arms | 2 Little Stanney Lane, Stoak, Chester CH2 4HW | Full Details | |
|
The Pied Bull Hotel | Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ | Full Details | |
|
Telfords Warehouse | Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ | Full Details |
NB: Distances are as the crow flies and will vary for actual canal boating travel distance.
Routes Menu
The information above is provided in good faith to assist you with planning your canal boat holiday. Information accuracy cannot be guaranteed, however, if you do see something that needs updating, please don't hesitate to contact us.