The Montgomery Canal joins the popular Llangollen Canal at Frankton Junction and is therefore easily accessible to boats from across the UK and, in particular, those hire boats which start their journeys from places such as Ellesmere, Whitchurch or Llangollen.
Both the Montgomery Canal and the Llangollen canal cross between Wales and England and are situated in an area rich with impressive landscapes, market towns and wildlife.
A two week hire from the marinas on these canals would allow you to take in not only the beautiful Monty, but also the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the highest canal aqueduct in the world, standing at 38 meters above the River Dee.
The Montgomery Canal itself can be accessed by boats on the main canal network at Frankton Junction where the Montgomery Canal meets the Llangollen Canal.
Frankton Locks
Opening Times: 09:00—12:00 daily (including Bank Holidays)
Booking is required for passage through the locks. Bookings can be made up to the end of the day before passage. Bookings are not accepted on the day of passage.
Online booking is available on the CRT website below. If you have difficulty booking online, please contact 0303 0404040 between 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on
Saturday & Sunday.
Booking website: Canal & River Trust.
As a beautiful canal, access is limited to 12 boats per day, with a minimum of a one night stay and a maximum of 14 nights.
As a guide only, maximum boat dimensions are:
- Length 21.95m (72ft)
- Width 2.13m (7ft)
- Draught 1.2m (3ft 11’’)
- Headroom 1.83m (6ft)
Please Note: It has been drawn to our attention recently, that the draught may be lower than 3 feet, so be aware. As always, skippers are responsible for checking sizes, draught and water levels.
Extent of navigation
Currently, heading south on the Montgomery Canal towards Wales, the last winding hole is at Crickheath (Bridge 85).
If, like us, you would like to see the canal restored further towards the Welsh section, why not consider making a donation to the restoration appeal? Click here.
Moorings
Here is a list of moorings on the Montgomery Canal.
- Weston Arm Leisure Area (by Bridge 70) – there is a services point with toilet, Elsan and water
- Maesbury Marsh (north of Bridge 79, opposite Navigation Inn) – there is a services area (pictured above) south of Bridge 79 with shower, water, Elsan and toilets
- Maesbury Marsh (south of Bridge 80, by Canal Central)
- Gronwen (north of Bridge 81, Crofts Mill Lift Bridge)
- Crickheath (north of Bridge 85)
- Belan (below Belan bottom lock) Leisure Area
- Brithdir (south of Bridge 126) Horseshoe Pub
- Berriew (south of aqueduct) – Berriew village has a Post Office and other facilities
