The opening of Schoolhouse Bridge on the Montgomery Canal at the end of June 2024 was not only a triumph for the relatively small number of volunteers from Restore the Montgomery that worked so hard for so long to make it happen – and of course – raise all that money from public donations, but it is also a triumph for those who wish to close the ‘Shropshire Gap’ and see the waterway reach the Welsh border.

A spokesperson said, “The Shropshire Gap is the colloquial name for the unrestored section between Crickheath and Llanymynech. Of course, the work at Schoolhouse is not finished as plans to re-water the section is now in full swing with consulting engineers, engaged by Canal & River Trust, designing two graceful curves in the canal so that one day, boats can slide effortlessly under the structure and on towards the border.  The bridge was, by necessity, designed with road traffic in mind, meaning that it crosses the canal at an angle, so the channel must accommodate the bridge, rather than the other way around. It really is worth a visit, if you’re in the area!”

A short dog-walk up the towpath finds the Shropshire Union Canal Society hard at work restoring the canal channel from Crickheath Bridge (85) towards Schoolhouse and the project manager, Tom Fulda said, “Parts are all but ready for water testing this winter and the rebuilding of the Wharf wall at Crickheath is nearly complete. The Society is also very grateful for the help of members of the Dry-Stone Walling Association who have been present at all the work parties this year. We’ve had to have some extra work parties this summer and it’s great to see so many, old and new, volunteers that have stepped up – or down as the case maybe – to keep the project on schedule”.

“It’s strange, that when you see a canal in mid-restoration you can see all the materials and imagine how much work must have gone into it, but when it’s full of water, you look at it and think, “Oh, it’s a canal”. – Some know the truth!”

Photo credits: Grum and Shropshire Union Canal Society.