The Chester or Ellesmere Port & return is an ideal
canal boat holidays cruising route
for you to explore.

A fascinating trip that takes you through the heart of Manchester and the Peak District with its distinctive stone architecture.

Moor at Castlefields to explore the city of Manchester, including Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C., the huge Arndale shopping centre and the Science & Industry Museum. The trip will let you enjoy glorious scenery as the Pennine Range overlooks the canal and, if time allows, detour along the Peak Forest canal to its terminus.

Enjoy the stunning views from Marple and at Anderton pause to visit the fabulously restored boat lift which now operates throughout the cruising season to link the canal with the River Weaver.

On this popular countryside route the locks are well spaced for easy cruising. You can choose to travel to Chester and then retrace your steps back to the marina or continue along the Shropshire Union main line to it’s historic terminal on the River Mersey at Ellesmere Port. Mooring in Chester is within easy reach of the walled city centre with its medieval‘rows’ where there are a variety of shops, galleries and the majestic cathedral.

The fascinating Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port is a few locks beyond Chester, near to the junction with the Manchester Ship Canal. The museum has an extensive collection of preserved inland waterway craft and display areas in many of the former warehouses.

Read our full Anderton detailed Chester or Ellesmere Port & return cruising notes >