03/09/2026
Did you know you can paddle to the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’? 👀
Follow the River Weaver through the Cheshire countryside, and you’ll reach the incredible Anderton Boat Lift.
Built in 1875, this historic feat of engineering is one of only two working boat lifts in the UK — and it’s an amazing sight from the water!
Along the way, you’ll discover peaceful, tree-lined stretches of river, historic locks and reminders of the area’s industrial past.
📍 Launch: Newbridge Swing Bridge
📍 Finish: Acton Swing Bridge
🛶 15km / 9.3 miles
⏱️ 3–4 hours
🚗 This is a one-way route. We left one car near Acton Swing Bridge before heading back to Newbridge Swing Bridge to start the paddle.
💡 Some portages are a little tricky and require a bit of walking
After launching, paddle downstream towards Northwich, setting off along tree-lined banks.
After 1.2 miles, you’ll reach your first set of locks, Vale Royal. Portage around them, exiting at a pontoon on the right bank and walking around 300m along the towpath to re-enter via another pontoon. The left bank is private, so don’t portage there.
Keep a lookout for nature reclaiming some of the old machinery and buildings along the way.
After around 3 miles, you’ll reach Hunt’s Lock. Exit on the right bank at the rowing club, then walk along the footpath to the swing bridge and cross to the Lock Keeper’s House.
Head right at the lock and down the steps to access the river via the pontoon.
As you head through Northwich, the buildings gradually give way to open countryside as the river winds left, then right.
At 5 miles, you’ll reach the Anderton Boat Lift. Stop off at the Canal & River Trust visitor centre and cafe, and take in this incredible piece of engineering.
As you leave the boat lift behind, you’ll enter a leafy stretch of winding river, continuing until Saltersford Lock at just over 7 miles.
Exit on the right-hand bank near the sluice gate and portage past the Lock Keeper’s Cottage before continuing down the track.
Then it’s the final stretch of the route, with more beautiful scenery before reaching Acton Swing Bridge.
📌 For the full route, visit: https://paddleuk.org.uk/places-to-paddle-river-weaver-cheshire-newbridge-swing-bridge-to-acton-swing-bridge/
