River Weaver

Thursday August 10th.. After spending an interesting week on the River Weaver we are currently moored on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Elworth, just west of Sandbach.


During our week on the river we completed the full navigable stretch from Winsford Flash on the south end to Runcorn and the industrial section to the northwest. Winsford Flash is a large expanse of water in an attractive setting among wooded slopes which was created by subsidence following salt extraction in the vicinity. The rivers navigable length is only 19 miles and has 5 manned locks. It rises in Peckforton Hills and proceeds via Wrenbury, Audlem, Nantwich, Church Minsall and Winsford to Northwich and Frodsham and is just over 50 miles in total. Originally a shallow and tidal stream, it was long used for carrying salt away from the Cheshire salt area.
The mineral was carried down by men and horses to meet the incoming tide. The sailing barges would load at high water , then depart with the ebbing tide. In 1721 three gentlemen of Cheshire obtained an act of parliament to make and maintain the river as a navigation from Frodsham to Winsford and is still navigable today. Maintenance appears to be an issue for us! The locks are badly out of date and the huge Vale Lock is till operated manually. Moorings on the river are few and far between and from Dutton Lock on the northern end be careful of the shallow banks and rock when approaching anything that looks moorable. However, the scenery on this stretch is beautiful, no houses or roads are seen for long periods.
The industrial top end of the river to Western Point won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but we found it fascinating. After passing the giant ICI complex you reach Weston Marsh where there is a lock down (pictured Above...) onto the Manchester Ship Canal, well worth exploring. Beyond, the navigation runs right along side the Ship Canal from which its separated by a tall bank. Eventually, after passing the entrance lock up onto the now abandoned Runcorn and Western Canal you arrive at a low 5feet swing bridge and unless your pre-booked and certified to enter the Ship Canal this is where your journey ends.
On Sunday we moored unexpectedly overnight at Dutton Lock which failed just as we were about to enter, the repairs took most of the afternoon. On the Monday we booked passage on the Anderton Boat Lift for 4pm and cruised up to Northwich first for shopping and lunch. By 5pm Sunday we were back ont the canal system.