Canal at Allman's Bridge

Stage 12: Wem to Ellesmere and Whitchurch

22/12/25

A major embankment failure on the Llangollen Canal at Whitchurch has led to the closure of a key section of the waterway. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 22 December 2025, close to New Mills Lift Bridge, and resulted in a large loss of water from the canal and disruption to both navigation and towpath access. A reroute is now in place to avoid the closure - see map

7/5/25 Water-logging at Brown Moss. Please use the lane to the East at Brown Moss instead of the signed Footpath to the West, as currently there are serious drainage issues - see map

31/07/24 - Owing to a drainage problem, the Shropshire Way is blocked at The Oaklands. If walking northwards, please turn left at SJ515323 and use the lanes to re-join the SW at SJ511335. See map below

This route gives you a choice from the junction near Welsh End. Westwards will take you to Ellesmere while Eastwards will show you more of the North Shropshire Mosses and the market town of Whitchurch. From the most Northerly point it is possible to make a circular route by following the canal from Grindley Brook to Marl Allotment and Roundthorn Bridge where you will rejoin the Shropshire Way Main Route.

You are strongly advised to take an OS map and/or a GPS to walk the route. Please note the digital OS maps will show the new Main Route from January 2019.