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THIS is the renowned Nantwich wooden horse which
stands by the side of the Shropshire Union Canal (seen to the left of the
picture above). It used to be lock gates until two artists, John Merrill
(who recycled the wood) and Julian Taylor (who did the iron work) came along
and produced the very solid sculpture at an open studio at Reaseheath
College.
Not seen in this picture is a
new plaque (seen right) which
 marks
the Nantwich Embankment Sculpture Trail, including the horse, and smaller sculptures created by schoolchildren
(one of which is seen below.)
The Visitor Information desk at
Nantwich Civic Hall in Market Street (formerly known as Nantwich Tourist
Information Centre) used to have a leaflet covering this, but the last time
I asked they had run out. Lucky you have this page then . . . !
But I can tell you that the leaflet
said: "(The trail) is the culmination of a collaborative Community Arts
Project, initiated to celebrate the restoration of the Nantwich Embankment."
It tells how local schools and community groups "took part in a variety of
creative workshops and celebratory events."
 THE Basin End, a British
Waterways-owned canal terminus, was created - I understand - as the result
of a dispute between the canal navigators and the Roundell family of Dorfold
Hall, Acton. The canal was heading for the hall's land just over the Chester
Road, when (the story goes) the family said "No". The new transport system could not cross
their land. So the main channel had to take a detour around the hall land,
leaving the original route to be widened and become a stopping place for
canal traffic. Of course, it might have been intended to be like that all
along, but the version I have always understood to be the case is more
interesting.
lLocation:
The canal and the various sculptures
are on the outskirts of Nantwich on the A534, one of two roads towards the city of Chester,
called Chester Road (!) - not to be confused with the A51 Nantwich by-pass route to the county town
which sets off along Barony Road. Take that and you would miss the Basin
End - unless your map reading picked up Welshman's Lane, a route across
countryside between the two routes. This would bring you out by the aqueduct
(turn right to the Basin End).
You
can travel by car and park at the Basin End, which is the home of the
Nantwich Canal Centre, or take the C84 bus from the bus station next to
Nantwich Civic Hall, or - if you are feeling fit, and it's a nice day - you
could walk the route. It is around a mile and a half (1.75km or so).
You will reach Telford's aqueduct first,
which is the best access to the canal if you are on foot. Or use the metal
structure (which carries the canal over the road) as a landmark telling you
that the Basin End is just ahead on the right. The smaller sculptures are on
the canal towpath to
the left and right of the aqueduct. Turn right as you go up to the towpath
to see the horse.
lOpening
times: This is an open air site with
no closed times, except for the Canal Centre and Empress Holidays.
lAdmission:
There is no charge for admission, of course
lDisabled
access?: Yes. Visitors by car or bus will find there is just a slight
incline in the area of the Basin End, although you might have a little
difficulty negotiating the old stone bridge over the canal to get to the horse.
But you can easily see the horse across the water if you decide not to risk it.
Those approaching the canal on foot or in a wheelchair from the town centre will reach the aqueduct
over Welsh Row before the Basin End. You will find a long, gentle slope up from
ground level to the canal towpath, running alongside
a set of steps cut into the embankment.
lCar park:
Parking is permitted at the Basin End marina - under the aqueduct and first
right about 50 yards further on. (On the left as you see the aqueduct ahead, if
approaching from Chester or North Wales directions).
lWebsites:
The Canal Centre:
http://www.nantwichcc.co.uk and Empress Holidays.
Shropshire Union Canal Society: www.shropshireunion.org.uk.
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