Ellche four

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Ellche here.

A good alternative route to the other versions, although the reason for the diversion appears to have ended and the towpath is now fully open once more, although there is still building works at time of survey, more of which in a bit.

From Ellesmere Port station, we turn up a long road, a mix of residential and industrial. The pavement isn't too bad, although a little rougher as we get near the end. At the end, a pinch gap at a locked gate takes us over our first bridge to gain access to the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal. The towpath is tarmac, and we pass beneath a number of bridges, the terrain varying between trees, hedges and open fields once we are past the many warehouses, industrial units and Cheshire Oaks. We eventually curve around the tiny hamlet of Stoak, and, once we are under the M56 and M53 viaducts, we exit the canal at the next bridge.

An unpaved road leads us through Croughton; there's quite a few blind turns with the tall hedges, and slight uphill sections. Eventually, after we are past a number of farms and ignoring a junction right, where there is a building site for the controversial new CO2 pipeline. From here, we head back down towards the canal; over the bridge, we dogleg left and then under the bridge, continuing ahead on the towpath once more. Above us on the left is the unseen Chester Zoo, and the towpath is now a little rougher, being dirt and loose stones. To the right, however, the fields bear the scars of the pipeline excavation. One more road viaduct a railway bridge, and, as we meet the next bridge, which accesses the Countess of Chester Country Park, the towpath becomes tarmac once more.

Passing under a few more bridges, we pass the campus of the University of Chester and soon arrive into Chester itself. Passing over the bridge at the marina, we follow the main canal to the left, under a road and rail bridge, and then head uphill on cobbles between canal and the now visible ancient city wall. Taking a cobbled ramp uphill, we pass under an arch and into the city. A side road brings us onto Northgate Street, and we pass Storyhouse, the Town Hall and cathedral and arrive at the end of the route. Lots of shops and eateries, and nearby transport links (bus and train).

A good, although now redundant route, but with the noted building works, it may still be needed in the near future. The pinch gap access in Ellesmere Port may hamper some wheeled users, as will the steps over the footbridge at Chester marina, so this must be considered a foot-only route.

The route started well from Chester and soon got me via an accessible route on to the Shropshire Union Canal. I must admit I took the opportunity to climb up and walk along the city wall which runs parallel prior to the canal. Ellche Three then follows the canal all the way to Ellesmere Port and this was the route I was following to start with but reached a "towpath closed" sign just north of Chester Zoo. I wasn't able to gauge how long the stretch of towpath will be closed. The diversion which makes this route into Ellche Four is along a quiet country lane with good sight and I was happy to take it. Having reached the end of the diversion, the next decision was to divert into Stoak. The lane to the pub in the village has no pavement and is a blind bend which locals seem to hare around. It's a bit contrary to the stopping points requirement of Slow Ways but I decided that sticking to the towpath is the better option and that if you really need to visit the pub (there are no shops in the village) you'd be best following the footpath there and back from Densions Bridge. A lack of places to stop is a serious problem for this route, the only one I encountered was a cafe at the Harley Davidson showroom as you reach the outskirts of Ellesmere Port. I left the route as it is, as plotted by Hiking Historian as it maintains the accessibility of the route. This route is accessible, easy to follow and safe. The ease of navigation does come at a price of directness as you follow a large inverted S shape. Looking at the route, there is no obvious alternative. The only thing I would possible change is at the Ellesmere Port end, to follow the canal for further and approach the end from the east rather than the south which appears to be shorter. Overall it was enjoyable and relaxing, in peaceful friendly surroundings. But I'd recommend you bring your own supplies!.

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