Crickheath Winding Hole, Montgomery Canal

Accessible to all craft kept on the connected inland waterways

Visit the new winding hole at Crickheath on the extended restored Montgomery Canal by boat or canoe.

It has been chosen as a Silver Propeller Location to support the restoration of the Montgomery Canal because it is where a navigable waterway meets active restoration. A photo of your boat in the vicinity of the bridge or winding hole, for instance, is a good proof of your visit.

Complete our challenge by visiting 20 locations from our list, you will receive our exclusive plaque and goody bag.

About the Montgomery Canal

The present day Montgomery Canal runs from Frankton Junction for 35 miles to Newtown with 25 locks. Previously, the original Montgomery Canal from Llanymynech to Newtown, became part of the Shropshire Union amalgamated canal network. It was constructed mainly to transport limestone from the Llanymynech quarries and coal from Chirk and Oswestry, for example, to canal side kilns. Quicklime was made in these kilns and used to improve the soil quality and crop yield. However, with the introduction of the motor lorry, the use of the canal gradually diminished. The Canal was formally closed in an Act of 1944 following de facto closure in 1936 after a major breach.

[Photo: Lock at Carreghofa – by Andrew Denny]

Crickheath – the new terminus for visitors

The restored section of the waterway connected to the Llangollen Canal was extended further south from Gronwen Wharf to Crickheath in early 2023. Crickheath was once a busy canal/tramway interchange for limestone and coal. Prior to 2023, Gronwen Wharf was the Silver Propellor destination. Gronwen Wharf was linked to local coal mines by horse-drawn tramway. Peates Mill, nearby, had a fleet of ex-Shropshire Union horse boats. They were the last major users of the canal until 1933, when they moved to lorries. Cressy was one of their boats that was sold off to LTC Rolt’s uncle in 1929 and converted for leisure use at Frankton. This boat and Rolt’s book Narrowboat were instrumental in the formation of IWA. The extended restoration is now within two miles of the Welsh border at Llanymynech and work continues.

Photo: The new winding hole by Bridge 85 on the Montgomery Canal – by Alan Wilding.

Montgomery Canal Notes

Montgomery Canal Dimensions

The maximum size of boat that can navigate the Montgomery Canal is:-

Length: 73′ 10” (22.51m) – Frankton Locks
Beam: 7′ 0″ (2.13m) – Frankton Locks
Height: 7′ 0″ (2.13m)
Draught: 3′ 11″ (1.20m) – Frankton Locks

Canoeing & Boat Hire

Canoeing is encouraged on the Montgomery Canal with a Canal & River Trust licence or British Canoeing membership.

Sadly, horse-boat trips no longer operate on the Montgomery Canal.

Things to see and do

Canal Central at Maesbury Marsh. – tea room, miniature railway and camping.

The Navigation Inn at Maesbury serves quality food and has moorings.

Walk north from Bridge 78 across the fields to the mediaeval well chapel at St Winefride’s Well. (available for holiday lets by The Landmark Trust)

Challenge Location

Bridge 85 winding hole

Crickheath Wharf, Montgomery Canal

Discover more nearby

Waterway

Montgomery Canal

Navigable

Branch

IWA Shrewsbury District & North Wales Branch

News

Canal and river heritage: 5 good reasons it matters

Boating

Feature

History and heritage of Britain’s canal and river bridges

Heritage

Related activities

Silver Propeller Challenge