The Montgomery canal starts at Lower Frankton where it leaves the Llangollen canal and now finishes at Gronwyn Wharf near Maesbury Marsh. There are partial remains of the old Weston branch at the northern end; the first part of which has been restored for mooring and boat services. The old line of the branch can be followed on foot for a few miles.
There are four locks at Frankton junction where the Montgomery canal starts its journey from the Llangollen canal. The first two are a staircase of two locks which together are known as lock number 1.The Montgomery is currently navigable by narrowboats for seven miles through eight locks down to Gronwyn Wharf which is just west of Maesbury Marsh. All the locks are narrow width locks.
The canal suffered a major breach at the Perry aqueduct near its northern end in 1936 which led to its closure in 1944. The first seven miles are now restored and there are plans to restore the remaining sections which are a further 28 miles and 18 locks down to Newtown, west of Aberbechan.
The canal was opened in 1797 although the final section down to Newtown wasn’t opened until 1821.
Most of the unrestored sections are still in water and navigable by unpowered craft. Most of the route can now be walked and makes for very interesting hiking.
Lock 1 - Frankton Double staircase locks
Lock 2 - Frankton Middle lock
Lock 3 - Frankton Bottom lock
Lock 4 - Graham Palmer lock
Lock 5 - Aston lock 1
Lock 6 - Aston lock 2
Lock 7 - Aston lock 3
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