Travelling north from Weedon along the North Oxford. On to Autherley junction. The Shropshire Union is well known for its deep wooded cuttings and high embankments. Carry straight on past the junction with the Llangollen canal and turn right to Middlewich with its salt works. The tunnel keeper will tell you when you can enter.
Harecastle tunnel is an eerie place with reddy brown water at one end and clear at the other.
Having survived Harecastle tunnel, travel on south through the Potteries, rejoining your outward track at Great Haywood. This two week Shropshire Union Cruise can be nicely extended into three weeks to include the Llangollen Canal with its two spectacular aqueducts.