Backford - Shropshire Union Canal - Croughton - Backford

Derek Smith

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Close to Chester, this circular walk is not only gentle and rural but has a transport theme. Some of the route is along pavements, and the long canal section is along the excellent multi-use tarmacked 'North Cheshire Way'. The walk takes you long the main road then down the steps from the bridge, (photo on the right), to follow a long length of the Shropshire Union Canal along the old tow path, this is followed at Croughton hamlet by a mile of footpaths; these long sections take you through several meadows back to the start. Although all the stiles are well marked the footpaths are not well used and may not be visible. Part of the route passes across a meadow frequently also used for pony events during the summer. If you are lucky, you may see an unusual airbus passing low overhead on its regular journey to Hawarden factory airport where they manufacture airbus wings. The aircraft resembles a beluga whale and was specially built to transport airbus wings to the assembly factory in France. This walk includes instructions for walkers from moored canal boats.

The walk is suitable for older children, senior citizens and anyone in-between, but is unsuitable for buggies and hopeless for wheelchairs. Suitable footwear will be stout trainers, but boots will be best. It will be a pleasant challenge but avoid wearing shorts as nettles encroach on some short sections and the stiles are not dog friendly. There are no toilets, refreshments or picnic tables on the route, but you will find the odd bench seat alongside the towpath.

England - North England - Cheshire - Canal Walk