THE YEARS OF THE MONTGOMERY RESTORATION has certainly paid off for it has been discovered it has both boosted visitor numbers and local spending, in addition to more navigation for boats.
More people
The findings of a local 2026 towpath survey has shown that all the restoration work and reopening of sections of the waterway have brought a significantly more people to the area with overall use of the towpath increasing by around 25% since 2024, with many visitors returning more often and others discovering the canal for the first time.
[The pictures show work on the Aberbechan Aqueduct, and below, the cyclists on the triathlon.]
It has also, the finding have shown, delivered additional economic benefits, helping to boost local spending.
The research shows the canal is beginning to deliver tangible value to the local economy, for though an estimated just over half of visitors are local, many are travelling from further afield.
This progress reflects a long-standing partnership between us, Shropshire Council and the Montgomery Canal Partnership, supported by government funding, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to restore the Montgomery Canal.
Open to boating
The most recent restoration section, completed at Crickheath in Shropshire in 2023, was largely funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Today, around 60% of the canal is open to boating, including 13 miles in Welshpool, mid Wales, and eight miles in Shropshire.
Restoration work has focused on reopening sections of the canal, improving towpaths, replacing stiles with gates to improve accessibility, and enhancing the natural environment.
Together, these improvements are helping to reconnect the canal to the rest of the network and create a more welcoming and inclusive space for both visitors and boaters. In turn, this is helping to position the Montgomery Canal as an increasingly important leisure destination.