Section now open for navigation.(Opened spring 2003.)

Queens Head to Maesbury Marsh section.

The two mile section from Queens Head to Maesbury Marsh provides an enjoyable walk and embraces the Aston off line nature reserve. The three Aston Locks. (The bottom lock is approx. 1 mile.) Two restored bridges, and the remains of a winding point.

Click on the paragraph number to view the photo.

(1) Queens Head. Leaving Queens Head in the direction of Newtown, the first bridge that the canal passes under is the new road bridge carrying the A5 London to Hollyhead trunk road.

(2) Queens Head. Looking back towards the new road bridge and wharf area. Additional visitor moorings are available this side of the bridge.

(3) Between Queens Head and Aston Top Lock. A short pastoral section is found.

(4) Looking towards Aston Top Lock. Photo taken from the same area as the previous photo.

(5) Above Aston Top Lock. A British Waterways work boat reminds us that work is still ongoing.

(6) Below Aston Top Lock. Access to the off line nature reserve is across the lock gate.

Link to Aston off line nature reserve photos.

(7) Pound below Aston Top Lock. To the left of the photo is the Aston off line nature reserve and, to the right, screened by a tree, the lock keepers cottage (now a private dwelling).

(8) Aston Middle Lock. The channel is narrow due to reeds on both the off side and along the tow paths edge.

(9) Aston Middle Lock. Looking back from the top of the lock at the dense reed growth.

(10) Aston Middle Lock. Looking from the bottom gate in the direction of Maesbury Marsh.

(11) Aston Middle Lock. Bottom gates as seen from the towpath on the Maesbury side.

(12) Aston Bottom Lock. Top gate and shelter from the direction of Queens Head . A lock keepers cottage was once situated nearby.

(14) Aston Bottom Lock. The view back towards Queens Head from the top gate.

(15) Aston Bottom Lock. Bottom gates looking south from the lock top..

(16) Aston Bottom Lock. Reflections. Below the bottom gates, the bye weir re enters the canal.

(17) After leaving Aston Bottom Lock. Heading towards Maesbury Marsh, Red Bridge (number 77) is seen in the distance.

(18) Looking back in the direction of Aston. As seen from the same area as the previous photo.

(19) Red Bridge (Number 77). A closer view. The parapet walls having been replaced by wooden railings.

(20) Red Bridge (Number 77). Seen from the tow path on the Maesbury Marsh side.

(21) Park Mill Bridge (Number 78). Approaching Park Mill Bridge from the Frankton direction. Maps show a winding point before the bridge but as can be seen , it is no longer usable.

(22) Park Mill Bridge. A closer view of the "winding point!".

(23) Park Mill Bridge. Seen from under the bridge. As can be seen, dredging has completely blocked access to the winding point between the bridge and a large clump of reeds situated in its centre.

(24) Park Mill Bridge. View of the bridge from the Maesbury side showing dredgings along the tow path. There is plenty of room to pass on foot if walking this section.

(25) South of Park Mill Bridge. A Waterway Recovery Group work boat is moored adjacent to the site of an ancient spill way, currently under restoration.

(26) South of Park Mill Bridge. Looking back towards the site of the previous photo. The spill way is to be seen to the left of the photo. Dredgings on the tow path still allow room to pass on foot.

(27) Maesbury Marsh. Seen in the distance. A dense covering of duck weed covers this section.

(28) Nearer to Maesbury Marsh. The duck weed covering has been broken down by the action of swans. The chimney seen on the far bank belonged to the old bone works that used to produce fertiliser and glue.

(29) Maesbury Marsh. A narrow boat moored by the off side bank showing that the section is navigable. (Opening to navigation spring 2003.)

(30) Maesbury Marsh. This original building is now part of the Navigation Inn. On this site was a malt kiln converted to a stable in 1901.

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