The Shropshire Union Canal lies in the counties of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire in the north-west English Midlands. It links the canal system of the West Midlands, at Wolverhampton, with the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The canal is 66 miles (106 km) long and was the last trunk narrow canal route to be built in England. It was not completed until 1835 and was the last major civil engineering accomplishment of Thomas Telford.

PART 1: Wolverhampton to Brewood: In this first walk we begin at Aldersley Junction where the Birmingham Mainline Canal joins the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal near Aldersley Leisure Village, Wolverhampton. I make the short walk along the Staffs and Worcs Canal to Autherley Junction where it meets with the Shropshire Union Canal. Then We head along the towpath to Brewood, finishing at Bridge 14 next to the Bridge Inn, Brewood. We also meet the Staffordshire Way along the route.

PART 2: Brewood to Wheaton Aston: We continue from Brewood joining the Staffordshire Way to Bridge 17, then continuing to Wheaton Aston, finishing at Tavern Bridge next to The Hartley Arms Inn, Wheaton Aston

PART 3: Wheaton Aston to Gnosall Heath We continue our towpath walk, starting at Tavern Bridge, Wheaton Aston where I finished in part 2 and continue to Gnosall Heath passing through the Cowley Tunnel

PART 4: Gnosall Heath to Norbury Junction We continue along the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal a short walk of only about 2 Miles to the former Norbury Junction

PART 5: Norbury Junction to Knighton We continue from Norbury Junction, passing High Bridge, Cadbury Wharf along the way, seeing narrowboats, herons. Passing through valleys and walking on embankments, finishing at the small hamlet of Knighton

PART 6:Knighton to Goldstone (Nr Cheswardine) I continue along the towpath from Knighton on a relaxing walk, finishing at The Wharf Tavern (Bridge 55) Goldstone Bridge

• CANAL AND RIVER TRUST

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