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Video - Shropshire Union Ref: 510
What we now know as the Shropshire Union Canal, or 'Shroppie', includes what were originally four separate canals, each built to a different style and standard. This video captures these different styles, together with the rich scenic variety through which the canal passes.

The southern section of the Shroppie is one of the latest of the narrow canals, using the 'cut and fill' construction technique, with deep, sheer sided cuttings and massive embankments. To the north the much older wide beam canal meanders around the contours. The canal terminates at a basin within the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, a 'must' for any canal enthusiast.

Running time: 40 mins approx. VHS (PAL).
Price: £12.35

Video - Trent & Mersey Ref: 513
When this canal was opened in 1777 it joined the east and west coasts. At 93 miles in length, it was a massive undertaking. It crossed one of the country's major watersheds at Kidsgrove by tunnelling through the centre of Harecastle Hill, 2 miles in length.

The journey starts at the western end, clinging tightly to the edge of the Weaver valley. It traverses the heart of Cheshire's salt extraction industry, then passes right through the Staffordshire potteries. It meanders through rich dairy farmlands, through brewing country, coalfields and on to the flood plain of the Trent valley.

Running time: 57 mins approx. VHS (PAL). Updated 2004.
Price: £12.35

Video - Worcs & Birmingham Ref: 514
This canal was planned as a wide beam canal but fierce opposition from existing canal interests resulted in a physical barrier isolating it from the rest of the canal system - the famous Worcester Bar. The canal was built wide beam down to Kings Norton Junction, where the money ran out. To reduce cost it eventually resumed as a narrow canal through one of the most heavily locked sections in the country. The views from the canal across the Severn valley are breath-taking.

It also includes an interview with a former narrowboat captain, holder of a record time with a loaded boat from Birmingham to the Severn, set in 1933.

Running time: 57 mins approx. VHS (PAL).
Price: £12.35