Shady Oak - Beeston Hill - Beeston - Iron Lock - Shropshire Union Canal - Shady Oak

Derek Smith

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The walk takes you round Beeston Hill, with the old castle on top, and halfway round the walk you will be passing between two castles, with Peckforton castle close to your right. In this popular hiking locality, all of the paths are quite well used, but some are better than others, and on this route, you can expect to find some boggy patches even in summer, mainly through the woods. With careful observation you can work your way round most of them. All of the footpath signs are good, but at five locations the route is different from the green dashes shown on the map. There are still a few stiles to climb over, but most have been replaced with steel kissing gates. There are no steep uphill slopes, and the walk includes instructions for moored canal boat walkers. When you reach the canal take a very short excursion up the towpath on the right of the bridge to view the unique old Iron Lock which is a scheduled ancient monument. Built by Thomas Telford in 1828, it is one of his last major works. It was built of iron to avoid acute water loss in the unstable sand substrate. It is constructed of flanged plates and anchored to piles of H-section and 12 feet deep. Additional piles support the hinge plates of the lower gates. Plate joints within the lock basin are protected by rubbing strakes. It is believed to have superseded a stone lock which proved too heavy for the unstable ground.

The walk is probably suitable for most children, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies. Suitable footwear will be anything flat soled, but boots will be best and probably essential in winter or after heavy rain; and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. On your route there are bench seats half way round at Beeston village but no other facilities except for refreshments and food at the Shady Oak pub at the start and end of the walk. If you book in advance, you should be able to get a good meal with your pint; an excellent finish to a good walk.

England - North England - Cheshire - Canal Walk