Chester Canal Walk

20 miles (32 km)

Follow the route of the old Chester Canal on this waterside walk in Cheshire. The canal route runs for about 20 miles from Chester to Nantwich, passing Waverton, Beeston Castle, Tiverton and Barbridge. Along the way there are lots of pretty locks, nice villages, historic old mills and great views of the countryside of the Cheshire Plain.
The walk starts at the Chester Canal basin, on the Wirral Line of the Ellesmere Canal, at Raymond Street, near the junction with the�River Dee. The basin is located just to the north west of the city centre. You follow the canal east along the city walls, passing the Grade I listed Northgate and Phoenix Tower before coming to Great Boughton.
The next stage takes you through Christleton, where there is a large�grade II listed mill building, which was once steam powered and includes bays in the right gable from which boats were loaded.
The canal then meanders through the villages of Waverton and Tiverton. Just before you arrive at Tiverton there's the option of taking a short detour south along the Sandstone Trail to Beeston Castle. You can climb up to the ruins of the 13th century castle and enjoy wonderful views over the Cheshire Plain.
You continue to the Bunbury Staircase Locks, Calveley�and Barbridge where you pass Hurleston Reservoir before arriving at Hurleston�Junction where the Llangollen Canal terminates and meets the Shropshire Union Canal main line.
The final section runs from Barbridge to the market town of Nantwich where you will pass the Nantwich Aqueduct. At the Nantwich basin there is a pretty marina and Dorfold Hall, a�grade I listed�mansion, built in 1616 for Ralph Wilbraham.
To extend the walk you can continue south along the Shropshire Union Canal to Audlem. There's also the option of picking up the Crewe and Nantwich Circular Walk. The waymarked long distance trail explores the countryside and villages surrounding Crewe and Nantwich.

Postcode

CH1 4EZ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Chester Canal Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Chester Canal Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Chester Canal Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Chester Canal Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Christleton the Cheshire Cat is located in a lovely spot next to the canal. The dog friendly inn dates back to 1801 and serves good quality food. You can find them at Whitchurch Rd, Christleton, CH3 6AE.
At the end of the route you'll pass the Nantwich Canal centre where you can visit the Waterside Cafe. The cafe is in a splendid location right next to the canal so you can enjoy your lunch outside and watch the boats go by. It's located on Chester Road at postcode CW5 8LB. The centre also includes the lovely canal basin, some fine wooden sculptures and good facilities with a cafe, toilets and a shop.

Dog Walking

The towpath is a fine place for a dog walk and the Waterside Cafe mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At the end of the route you can pick up the Nantwich Canal Walk. This circular walk explores the main branch and the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.
Bunbury is an attractive village just off the canal near Tarporley. There's some picturesque old cottages, a watermill dating from 1844 and the 16th century Chantry House to see here.