Four Counties & Cheshire Rings

A “Ring” is often a more attractive proposition for boaters than the route that brings you back along the same waterway. However, to fully enjoy this cruising experience, please allow yourself more time and remember that on boats, unlike in cars, you cannot simply accelerate to make up time if you fall behind schedule. We therefore recommend a two week holiday to explore the two rings described.

4 COUNTIES RING

This route takes you through some of the most attractive and varied scenery in England and is the most popular cruising ring on the canal system. Starting from our Festival Park Marina base, which is ideally situated, you can either travel North or South. If you choose the Northern route you will have the advantage of being able to avoid any possible queues at the Harecastle Tunnel which could hold you up on your return journey . The route takes you through the Cheshire Locks to Middlewich where you will join the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal that links up with the main line of the Shropshire Union Canal at Barbridge Junction.Turning left at the Junction you will then travel along the Shroppie through Nantwich, Audlem, Market Drayton, Norbury Junction, Gnosall and Wheaton Aston before turning left on to the Staffs & Worcs Canal at Autherley Junction. The Canal then winds its way up to Great Haywood where it joins the Trent & Mersey Canal at Haywood Junction. The final leg of your Journey takes you back to Festival Park Marina passing through Stone and Barlaston on the way. Full descriptions of the above canals can be found our elsehwere on our website.

CHESHIRE RING

Starting from our Festival Park Marina base you will head North towards the Harecastle Tunnel and shortly after, at Hardings Junction, you will turn left on to the Macclesfield Canal. This canal will take you to Marple Junction where it joins the Peak Forest Canal descending Marple Locks and eventually arriving at Portland Basin. It is here you will turn left and join the Ashton Canal on its journey into central Manchester and with good moorings available at Castlefield. On your way to Castlefield you will pass through the flight of 9 Rochdale Locks which are double locks and quite heavy to operate. After you have spent some time exploring Manchester your journey continues along The Bridgewater Canal and,after passing through Preston Brook Tunnel, you will be reunited with the Trent & Mersey Canal which will carry you along for the rest of your journey passing the famous Anderton Boat Lift before your final ascent up the Cheshire Locks to the Harecastle Tunnel and Festival Park Marina.

More Informative Canal Guides, Route Maps and DVD's can be purchased from the Waterway Routes website.