The 66-mile Shropshire Union Canal is a canal of two halves. North
of Nantwich, the canal - built originally as the Chester Canal - is
a wide waterway following the gentle rolling landscape of western
Cheshire to Ellesmere Port.
But the southern half of the canal - built in the twilight of
the canal age - is an astonishing feat of engineering. Its long
embankments, deep cuttings and grandiose bridges frequently
dominate the scenery.
In contrast to the winding contours of early canals, the
Shroppie kept the same course across valley and through hills,
speeding cargoes on their way from the North-West to Wolverhampton
and the Midlands. Concrete 'pill boxes' are an artefact from later
times, a reminder of how the line was defended in wartime.
This is a lock n lock box hidden in a difficult place to
grab. I have made this difficulty 3 because the area is very busy
indeed with picnic tables and narrowboats, it is going to be
difficult to nab without being seen. You are going to have to be so
careful so the cache is not muggled after you. This might be a good
one to do later in the evenings or you might have to come back
another time.
YOU MUST WEAR GLOVES AND A LONG SLEEVED
GARMENT!