Waterways Walks: The Shrewsbury Canal

Although I've done a fair amount of canal exploring recently (especially during Rail Rover Week), it's been ages since I last filed a dedicated Waterways Walks blogpost. Spurred into action, my inspiration would be the remains of the former Shrewsbury Canal between Shrewsbury town centre and Uffington...

- The Canal Tavern as was -

Historically part of the wider Shropshire Union network, the Shrewsbury Canal originally ran from Trench to Shrewsbury before being connected to Norbury Junction via the Newport Branch. The line was abandoned in the 1940s but it is possible to trace some of the route on foot, so on Friday 2nd July I'm aiming to cover the initial section out of Shrewsbury town centre. Catching the 9:44 train across from Wolverhampton, I start in the Castlefields vicinity (just below the prison) where a Morris Lubricants yard occupies the old basin terminus site. The Canal Tavern near Beacalls Lane is a very helpful clue even if the property is being overhauled; you can still see a painted Wem Ales sign around the back. 

- Site of Factory Bridge -

Picking up the footpath to the rear of the tavern, I proceed towards Ditherington with St Michael's Gate and New Park Close for company. A children's playground precedes my arrival at Factory Bridge where a nameplate has been retained as part of the current brickwork. The A5191 St Michael's Street crosses here and I join the main road for a while, marvelling at the progress being made in restoring the Flaxmill Maltings (hugely significant for being the world's first iron-framed building, a revolutionary forerunner of modern skyscrapers). Historic England are managing the project here while the visitor centre explaining the site's history is overseen by a voluntary Friends group - well worth a look!

- Introducing the Sundorne section -

The canal used to swoop round behind the Maltings but would then disappear under a housing estate, meaning the trail resumes courtesy of a path opposite the Coach pub. A short segment is flanked by Comet Drive before I tiptoe over the A5112 and join the extended stretch that runs roughly parallel with Sundorne Road. This particular portion is designated as a countryside site by Shrewsbury Town Council which may explain its popularity with walkers and cyclists. The River Severn apparently meanders nearby - not that I actually get to see it - and there are connecting walkways to Lesley Owen Way or the Shrewsbury Sports Village. 

- Is that a canal in there? -

It's at this point that the walk really comes alive for me as I can begin to see some genuine canal remains. Yes it resembles a stagnant swamp covered in green gunk (when the reeds don't get in the way) but these are tantalising glimpses of a line that was authorised in 1793 and operational by 1797. Tufty fronds float on the breeze as I quietly sneak past the mansion and barns of Pimley Manor, then I duck through the mural-lined A49 underpass to home in on Uffington. This is as far as I'll be going along the old canal today, and I exit beside some traditional wharf cottages to see what the village has to offer. 

- The Corbet Arms -

Uffington is three miles east of Shrewsbury and immediately beguiles me with its rural charm. Holy Trinity Church has an air of serenity as the morning clouds start to melt away, while a vintage parish pump outside the village hall adds to the sense of antiquity. The local hostelry is the Corbet Arms, a grand-looking establishment that offers hotel accommodation - I won't be needing a bed for the night but a pint would be appreciated, hence I partake of a refreshing Cleric's Cure (a 5% IPA from the Three Tuns Brewery). Lunchtime meals seem popular here and the beer garden/patio offers some inviting views out towards the river. 

- More Gunged-Up Remnants -

Having been clerically cured, I commence the return stroll to Shrewsbury by reprising my outward endeavours back past Pimley Manor. Brightening skies enable me to attempt further pictures of the canal bank and its lush vegetation, occasionally catching peeks of astroturf pitches or fishing pools - the former towpath doubles up as National Cycle Route 81 so it is well used. Beyond Uffington, the canal used to continue via Berwick Tunnel, Withington Wharf and Longdon-on-Tern Aqueduct (a notable cast iron structure) in order to reach Wappenshall Junction; one day I might see what I can discover of those locations too.

- The Steam Wagon -

For today though I'll finish off with some suburban Shrewsbury sightseeing. Sundorne Road brings me to the Heathgates Roundabout, named after the landmark boozer which stands guard over the junction. It isn't open right now so my second drink is instead sourced at the Steam Wagon, an elongated estate box specimen on Mount Pleasant Road just over from the BBC Shropshire radio studios. Arming myself with a Purity Mad Goose, I settle back for some Wimbledon-watching action albeit my tennis knowledge quickly runs out after Murray, Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. 

- Ditherington Community Centre -

My canal concentration earlier meant I didn't fully get to grips with Ditherington so I set about correcting that by investigating Long Row. The Compasses Inn has well-worn Bass branding whereas the Community Centre looks typically Victorian, based in an old schoolhouse complete with ornamental belfry. Spring Gardens takes me past Frank Painter & Sons Funeral Directors (established in 1936) to St Michael's Street where I indulge in a concluding drink thanks to the Dolphin, a Joules taphouse that serves up a superior Slumbering Monk. Fluids replenished I head home suitably satisfied with my latest waterways adventure - cheers!