Cruising Routes
Discover the wide variety of routes available from our Marina,
from the map and links below.
Swanley Bridge Marina is ideally located on the Llangollen Canal and just a short cruise away from the Hurleston Junction which adjoins the Shropshire Union Canal. Our Marina has access to a variety of local market towns, bustling cities and pretty landscapes, making us the perfect location to moor your narrowboat. The following pages will give you some more information about some of our popular cruising routes, when to go and what to do whilst you’re there.
Llangollen Canal
The Llangollen Canal is 41 miles long and takes 3 days to cruise one way. It is consistently voted the most beautiful canal in Great Britain.
It leaves the Shropshire Union Canal just north of Nantwich in rural Cheshire and climbs through Shropshire countryside to cross the border into Wales near Chirk. It then winds alongside the River Dee just above Llangollen.
Shropshire Union
The Shropshire Union Canal links the Midlands, Wales and North West together with 66 miles of waterway.
Starting in Wolverhampton, the Shropshire Union Canal runs through Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire until it reaches its end point at the Manchester ship canal in Ellesmere port.
Wrenbury
A short 4 hour cruise from Swanley Bridge Marina is to the village of Wrenbury.
Its routes date back to the early thousands and it’s mentioned in the historic Domesday book which was completed in 1086, however it is listed is Wareneberie. This name was later changed to Wrennebury in 1230. Now known as Wrenbury, it is home to a number of grade 1 and 2 listed buildings.
Whitchurch
A 3 night return cruise to the local market town of Whitchurch is a nice short cruise from Swanley Bridge Marina.
The route passes through some extremely peaceful and unspoilt countryside along the way. Taking you through a number of small villages such as Wrenbury, home of the Dusty Miller pub, Marbury, home of the recently renovated Swan pub and Grindley Brook.
Ellesmere
Another stunning cruise from Swanley Bridge Marina, is the 50 mile trip to the beautiful market town of Ellesmere.
Taking around 4 nights and travelling through no less than 30 locks, this cruise will take you through some of the best scenery the UK’s canals have to offer. When you arrive in Ellesmere there are plenty of things to see and do.
Chirk
A tranquil 40 hour cruise to the Welsh town of Chirk makes for a great week’s cruising.
Passing through some of our popular cruising routes, Wrenbury, Whitchurch and Ellesmere, there are many places to eat, drink and stay along the way. When in Chirk there are numerous things to see and do, from visiting the 700 year old castle to the Berwyn Mountain Range.
The Cheshire Ring
The Cheshire Ring is one of the most famous canal routes in the country. Comprising of 6 canals, the Trent And Mersey, the Macclesfield Canal, the Peak Forest Canal, the Ashton Canal, the Rochdale Canal and the Bridgewater Canal. When you cruise on the Cheshire Ring you will pass through the heart of Manchester, the North West of England and a number of towns in Cheshire.
The Four
Counties Ring
The Four Counties ring is another must do cruise. Passing through the four counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands. When passing through these counties you will be cruising along the, Shropshire Union, Staffordshire and Worcestershire and the Trent and Mersey Canal (Middlewich branch).
Nantwich
Based only 2 miles away from Swanley Bridge Marina is the historic market town of Nantwich.
Dating back to the Roman Times, Nantwich has some of the highest numbers of listed buildings in the UK for a single town. Nantwich is home to some wonderful restaurants and cafes and Chatwins Bakery. It offers much more than a few shops and supermarkets.
Audlem
A short 2 night cruise from Swanley Bridge Marina is the village of Audlem.
Often described as a friendly village, Audlem is home to 3 pubs, The Shroppie Fly, which is located on the side of the canal, The Bridge Inn, which is also located a few minutes away on the side of the canal and The Lord Combermere, nestled right in the centre of Audlem.
Chester
Deva, as Chester was originally called by the Romans, is a short, 4 night return cruise away from Swanley Bridge Marina. On your way to this historic city you will pass through 36 locks with around 20 hours of cruising time.
Chester is considered by many Historians and Archaeologists the best preserved walled city in the UK, in fact Chester is home to the largest amphitheatre in the UK.