The Montgomery Canal

After reading a lot about the beauty and restoration of the Montgomery, it was with great anticipation we moored by Frankton Locks, about to explore the Monty.

Before one can get through the locks on to the canal, a booking MUST be made 24 hours prior to your arrival. Access is between 12.00 and 1400 only.

A lock keeper is in attendance to unlock the gates, and assist passage.

The first locks are a staircase of 2 locks, followed by two more single locks. These locks are all in an extremely attractive setting, and easy to operate.

The Western Branch, heading off to the left, offers mooring rings, water, and rubbish disposal.

The Graham Parker Lock (7ft9in drop) comes next, then the aqueduct over the River Perry.

There is limited mooring just before and after the aqueduct.There is a strict speed limit along the Montgomery canal; of 2 to 3 mph. White posts are mounted along the towpath for boaters to check their speed.

A quiet and agricultural landscape accompanies the boater to Heath House, where the former packet terminal and old passenger terminal still stand either side of the canal.

Moorings at Queens Head are limited. There are some just before bridge 76, and between bridges 76 and 76a.

But the noisy road, the average outlook, the not over friendly welcome at the Queens Head pub put us off, and we headed off for Measbury Marsh.

Accompanied by lots of dragon flies, and water lilles, it is an attractive part of the canal.

The 3 Aston Locks are easy to use, and in lobvely locations.

Again at Maesbury Marsh, the moorings are in demand.There are some right opposite the Navigation Inn, just before bridge 79, then more after bridge80, before the lift bridge.

Through a gate in the fence here, is a Post Office, off license, and shop, and have tables and chairs available outside on the lawns.

The Navigation, back by bridge 79, has been nicely upgraded. It is closed on Wednesdays, and of course we were there on a …..Wednesday.

It is a pleasant walk from here down passed the lift bridge, to where the canal is being restored.

There is a winding hole past the Maesbury Wharf,(no cruises any more) for your return journey.

The Montgomery is very shallow in parts, so look out, the bottm sometimes scrapes.

As you can see, someone left the paddles open when we moored by the Western Arm, and here is the result!

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