Shropshire Canal Circular via River Dee Cycle Route


Cycle Route Details
Route NameShropshire Canal Circular via River Dee
Distance(miles)39.62
Duration(hh:mm)03:54
Difficulty4/10
Cycle Route Location
CountryEngland
Town/CityEllesmere Port
County/RegionCheshire
Start LocationGirton Road
End LocationGirton Road
Cycle Steps
1. The difficulty on this route is measured due to novices and age of 45. This route is taken along the Shropshire Union Canal at E'Port up to bridge 34 "Pretty Bridge" Caughall Rd you come off here and join the Bridle Path that runs alongside Chester Zoo, this brings you onto Flag Lane, you then pick up the Cycle signs onto Oakfield Drive and then onto Caughall Rd, that takes you up to the A41. At this point I thought it was going to be really hazardous crossing a dual carriageway, but this is part of the Millenium Cycle Path 56 and if you have your wits about you it is no trouble crossing. You will then take Marina Drive this is all sign posted all the way to the disused railway line, which is now Cycle Path 5, this takes you all the way to Connahs Quay, but you have to take a detour at Northgate Ponds as there is development work in progress for 8 weeks commencing 1st March until beginning of May there is a poster with the route as described on the map that will bring you back onto Cycle Path 5. You then continue down Cycle Path 5 were you will cross the A548 and B5441 by bridge, you can take two paths further down the path we took the right hand route but it will bring you back onto the path you detoured from, this takes you down alongside the Harwarden Rail Track to Harwarden Bridge, this brings you alonside the River Dee to Chester coming to the A548. We then took Tower Road, Charlotte Street, Soth View Road and Whipcord Lane back onto the Shropshire Union Canal back to Ellesmere Port, not before stopping off at the Bunbury Arms in Stoak for a well deserved pint. A great route in my opinion got a little by tiresome on the legs on home straight, but we did have a bit of wind in our faces. Hope you enjoy and please leave feedback and let us know how you got on. Cheers
Landmarks/Sites to see?
Interesting views along the Shrop Canal if you stop at Stoak there is an info board were you can see some history regarding this part of the route. The Bridle path takes you past Chester Zoo. Interesting ride along the old railway line and shows you where Blacon Station was situated. Great ride up towards the River Dee where you will see old jetty points and also the Airbus Factory.

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