“Tavern Bridge” at Wheaton Aston and the Shropshire Union Canal stretching out before you as we depart for nearby Brewood (Author’s Collection).
I met two different gentlemen by the name of Paul today as I gambolled along the three mile stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal that separates Wheaton Aston and Brewood (pronounced “Brood”). One was a retired teacher and chatterbox who’s company I revelled in for 15 minutes before the other Paul also kindly shared 15 minutes of his time as we approached Wheaton Aston together on my singular return after a 6 mile round trip walk in the sunshine. Neither of these gentlemen named Paul should be confused with another Paul, he of the kindly lift aboard his canal boat in Wales as I was lost, frustrated, and then standing on the back of Paul’s boat as I hitchhiked my way across the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
That my friends, is a story for another day.
Along with the two gentlemen named Paul I was also offered a piece of homemade quiche by some bemused pleasure boaters who couldn’t believe I was simply strolling up and down a canal taking pictures and given a brief education in English Maritime history and the wonders of Thomas Telford. Throw in as many “hello’s” and “good afternoon’s” as you can muster and that pretty much flavours the images that follow of a rather beautiful stroll along a canal in middle England, and in the middle of an early Summer burst of magnificent weather.
All hail the Great Fire God of the Sky!
Care to take a pictorial stroll in the beautiful May sunshine?
View from Bridge Number 19 or “Tavern Bridge” heading north toward Nantwich. If you squint your eyes there’s some Red Diesel available on your left and Bridge Number 20 or “Dirty Lane Bridge” straight ahead.
View south from “Tavern Bridge” and the beginning of the 7 mile stretch to the end/beginning of the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction. This walk is 3 of those miles to beautiful Brewood.
Beautiful colour captured from beneath “Tavern Bridge” heading north.
Bridge Number 19 of the Shropshire Union Canal — “Tavern Bridge”.
View from beneath “Tavern Bridge” and the beginning of our stroll along the canal.
“The Hartley Arms” at Wheaton Aston.
Reverse view of the Lock at Wheaton Aston and the beautiful walk undertaken hence far.
One of many pleasing “Perfect Timing” moments this afternoon.
View from atop Bridge Number 18 or “Wheaton Aston Bridge” and the entirety of the walk hence far.
View from atop Bridge Number 18 or “Wheaton Aston Bridge” heading south and the beginning of a number of straight sections of the “cut” and an aqueduct.
“Perfect Timing” moment — Part 1.
“Perfect Timing” moment — Part 2.
A return view from atop Bridge Number 17 or “Lapley Wood Bridge”.
A forward view heading south and the long straight leading to the “Stretton Aqueduct”.
“Perfect Timing” moment — Part 3.
In case you were feeling a little lost!
The beginning/end of the “Stretton Aqueduct”.
A return view from Bridge Number 16 or “Broom Hall Bridge” and the end of the long straight stretches of canal leading to Brewood.
View from atop Bridge Number 16 “Broom Hall Bridge” with “Skew Bridge” or Bridge Number 15 perfectly in view.
Beautiful return view of Bridge Number 16 or “Broom Hall Bridge” .
Bridge Number 15 or “Skew Bridge”.
Return view at Bridge Number 15 or “Skew Bridge”.
Say hello to “Happy Days” moored on the outskirts of Brewood.
View from atop Bridge Number 14 or “Brewood Bridge” heading south and the remaining 4 miles to the end/beginning of the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction.
St Mary’s Catholic Church of Brewood — Part 1.
St Mary’s Catholic Church of Brewood — Part 2.
St Mary’s Catholic Church of Brewood — Part 3.
Are you ready for the return walk?
Thanks for reading. There are now over 100 separate articles contained within my “UK Travel” library for you to enjoy from the canals of England and Wales through to castles, cathedrals and centuries old ruins that dot the border between these two countries. Alternatively, here are my three most recently published articles:
