Wednesday, 17 May 2017

The Shropshire Union Canal - Ellesmere to Chester.



So our journey down the Shropshire Union Canal begins. 66 1/2 miles to Autherley  Junction, Wolverhampton.
Its nine miles to Chester and with no firm opening date for the Northgate Staircase Locks we begin to slowly meander our way down.


First moving boat we have seen for days.



Canal side art and walkers keep us entertained.


Just love it when the trees are in blossom


Hard to imagine Stanlow Refineries and Cheshire Oaks retail complex lurk beyond this gorgeous green corridor.


Stoak Church 


Now the plan was to travel to bridge 134 where Chester Zoo is within walking distance. Spontaneity  took over and we visited the excellent pub - Bunberry Arms. The staff very welcoming and friendly serving real ales and food to die for.


We awoke the following day to glorious sunshine and after an hours cruising we are moored at Bridge 134 ready for a the Chester Zoo visit.



Chester Zoo is half a mile walk from this sign post, that is if you turn right down the path and ignore the pink sign!!!!  We had a lovely day at the zoo and it was well worth the entry fee. 


Leaving the zoo we enter remote pastureland and linear moorings before reaching the outskirt of Chester.


Approaching Tower Wharf






The Telford Warehouse
now a vibrant bar


The ever popular canal side apartments


The historic boatyard at the head of the arm leading down into the River Dee


The dry dock very much still in use.


The arm leading to the River Dee is now permanent moorings.


now named Williams Moorings.


Waiting patiently for the lock to open again.

















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