Take a walk from Colemere into Ellesmere

Canal towpaths offer easy links through towns, villages, open spaces and countryside due to their nature of being relatively flat and usually well maintained. They are particularly easy to navigate so it is not easy to get lost and if you tire of your walk just retrace your steps and return to your start point.

For more information on the Shropshire Union Canal visit the Canal and Rivers Trust webpage.

Colemere is one of Shropshire’s most beautiful Meres – it is almost completely surrounded by mature woodland with two very attractive hay meadows. The site attracts a variety of wildfowl and waders, including snipe, curlew, goldeneye, and pochard. During the spring and summer flowers such as southern marsh orchid, meadow cranesbill and lady’s smock can be seen in the meadows. Numerous species of insects are attracted to the site including the brown hawker dragonfly and common blue damselfly.

Blakemere was referred to years ago as ‘Black Mere’ due to its peaty water colour. It was formed in the ice ages along with most of the other Shropshire meres and is abundant in natural life. There is no public access to Blakemere but it can be viewed from the canal towpath. Blakemere is one of the leading fisheries is this part of the Country not least because of its beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

Ellesmere is a traditional market town and one of its key attractions is the Mere, the largest and most spectacular of the 9 glacial lakes in this area of Shropshire. The Mere and its immediate setting demonstrate a rich diversity of natural and cultural heritage.

Parking is available at both Colemere and Ellesmere.