Kidsgrove to Etruria Via Congleton
Harecastle Tunnel
(Macclesfield and  Trent & Mersey Canals)
£624pp (£1248 per charter)
Trip 17 - 16th to 19th August 2026 (3 nights)
£

Nantwich (Shropshire Union Canal) to Etruria (Trent  & Mersey canal)

 

This is the penultimate 'proper' trip of the 2026  season for 'Ellis' – Capt. E will be quite tired… probably a bit grumpy and ready to plug into shoreline back in the marina for a few months R & R.  THAT Said, IF (and it's a big IF at the time of writing) the Bridgewater breach has been fixed, we may sneak in a trip to Liverpool and back following completion of the official final trip (cruise 18).   

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This trip however is really just an excuse to head up the Macclesfield canal  to Congleton for a jaunt before going back to Kidsgrove and through Harecastle Tunnel.

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Guests will arrive approximately 1.30pm on day one and after an introductory blah blah (and most probably glass of something fizzy) we’ll chug off and spend tonight on the Visitor Moorings at Congleton Wharf.

 

Next morning (after a simple DIY breakfast), we’ll cast off and retrace our chugs - the plan being to pass through Harecastle tunnel in the afternoon (slot will be booked ) and then moor for the night at Westport Lake.  It's a nice walk around and a chance for a bit of bird-watching.

 

We can have a leisurely start next day before we chug towards our final mooring spot at Etruria.  Middleport pottery centre is an excellent stopping point on route and guests can explore under their own steam or  go on a guided tour of what is said to be the oldest still working pottery in England.

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Once finished at Middleport we'll move on to the visitor moorings at Etruria - a perfect opportunity to visit what has to be the BEST named pub - "The  Holy Inadequate"... it's set back from the canal a short walk away but has a really friendly vibe and is well worth a visit.

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Assuming guests (and crew) haven't taken too many libations in the pub, this trip will end after breakfast on the final morning, and when guests are expected to eave around 9.30am.

 

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