Montgomery Canal
A 35-mile long-distance walk in Powys, Wales, and Shropshire, England, following the path of the Montgomery Canal from Newtown to Lower Frankton Lock, east of Oswestry. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SJ 371 318
Distance: 35 miles (56 km)
Time: 13–17 hours
Duration: 2–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
214 Llanidloes and Newtown / Y Drenewydd
215 Newtown / Y Drenewydd and Machynlleth
216 Welshpool and Montgomery
240 Oswestry / Croesoswallt
Summary
The Montgomery Canal (Shropshire Union Canal) walk runs in a south-to-north direction from Newtown to Lower Frankton Lock, east of Oswestry (though it can, of course, be walked in either direction). From Newtown, the walk visits Aberbechan, Abermule, Fron, Garthmyl, Berriew (Aberriw), Belan, Welshpool, Arddleen, Llanymynech, Pant, Maesbury Marsh, and Queens Head before finishing at Lower Frankton.
The Montgomery Canal is renowned for its wildlife and is one of the most important canals in the country for nature. Much of the route is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the Welsh section is of international importance, designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its aquatic plants.