Pearson’s P3, Nicholson’s N4, Lockmaster L8, Geo G20.

The short breaks from Wrenbury are superb, with plenty of glorious scenery.

3 nights, 10 hours, 20 locks (Whitchurch)

• Grindley Brook has six locks, three as a staircase with a lock-keeper in attendance.

• With several good shops, Whitchurch is very good to either explore, or stock up on supplies.

3 nights, 17 hours, 20 locks (Ellesmere)

• The run into Ellesmere is through an area of outstanding beauty, with a series of Ice-Age lakes known as 'meres' very close to the canal.

4 nights, 26 hours, 24 locks (Chirk)

Towards the Welsh border at Chirk, the country's fine hills come into view and the scenery becomes altogether more dramatic.

Pearson’s P3, Nicholson’s N4, Lockmaster L8, Geo G20.
1 week, 36 hours, 24 locks
Pearson’s 46, Nicholson’s 4, Lockmaster 33
The Llangollen Canal is arguably the most beautiful canal on the whole system and also boasts the striking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

• Unusually, this canal has a flow of 2mph, so the outbound journey will be slower than the return.

• With time, detour along the Montgomery canal.

• The last locks are at New Marton from where, as it clings to the hillside contours, an enchanting blend of aqueducts and tunnels takes the canal, lock free, to Llangollen.

• Take a steam train ride from Llangollen up the Dee Valley or visit the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran.

(Please note mooring charges apply at Llangollen)

4 nights or 1 week, 24 hours, 46 locks (Chester)
1 week, 32 hours, 52 locks (Ellesmere Port)
Pearson's P3, Nicholson's N4, Lockmaster L8
A few hours closer to Chester than Anderton, this makes for an excellent midweek break, but take a week to fully appreciate this beautiful city.

Pearson’s 46, Nicholson’s 4, Lockmaster 34
3 nights, 13 hours, 28 locks (Tiverton)
From Wrenbury the canal travels down to the Cheshire Plain where open pastures, woodland and hills accompany the wide canal towards Tiverton.

4 nights, 18 hours, 30 locks (Christleton)
With only one lock between Tiverton and Christleton, this is a leisurely cruise, turning before the descent into Chester.

10 - 11 nights, 62 hours, 112 locks
Pearson’s P4, Nicholson’s N4, Lockmaster L10
The starting point for this ring from Wrenbury Mill is Hurleston Junction, just 4 hours cruising from the marina.

• The scenery on the climb up 'Heartbreak Hill' to the summit at Kidsgrove is fantastic.

• As well as sights of the potteries, such as the Bottle Kilns at Etruria, visit the Wedgwood Pottery Centre at Barlaston (01782 204218 www.thewedgwoodstory.com).

• The National Trust Shugborough Hall is a short walk from moorings at Great Haywood (01889 881388 www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

3 nights, 14 hours, 28 locks
Pearson’s P3, Nicholson’s N4, Lockmaster L10
Heading south from Hurleston on the Shropshire Union takes a route through open countryside. With just a few, evenly spaced locks until the foot of the Audlem
flight, this is an extremely relaxing cruise to an attractive village.