Page updated 7 January 2004 

The River Weaver

General

Locks - Opening Times N97#4p148 N2k#4p148 N03#4p162

Mon-Thu 08:00-16:15, Fri 08:00-15:45. Craft to arrive 30mins before closing time to be guaranteed passage. Lunch break 12:00-12:45 approximately.

5th April-October 2003, Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00 October 2nd -November 2003, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00
No swing bridges are operated at the weekend.

All above are inclusive of bank holidays.

During the open weekend season, Marsh Lock will be open for pleasure craft who have the necessary clearance and paperwork for the Manchester Ship Canal, once a weekend. Notice must be given to the Weaver Office by 16:30 the previous Thursday. Telephone 01606 872819 for more information.

Weston Point

Manchester Ship Canal (Not Covered)

Weston Point N97#4p156 N2k#4p156

The low swing bridge before Weston Point is effectively the limit of navigation, since a BW key does not fit any of the padlocks securing it.

Historically, the part of the waterway is not the Weaver Navigation (as marked), but the Weston Canal, as explained in the main text on p154.

M56 Bridge N97#4p154 N2k#4p154 N03#4p168

Rocksavage Visitor Moorings are located just north of the bridge. However, lock-keepers do not recommend leaving your boat unattended or mooring overnight in this area.

Sutton Swing Bridge N97#4p154#5p172 N2k#4p154#5p172 N03#4p168

There is a water point adjacent to the bridge. Mooring is not recommended by lock keepers any where near the bridge due to vandals. ("However don't miss out on cruising Dutton Locks to Sutton Bridge. Its the best part of the river.")

Sutton Weir N97#4p154#5p172 N2k#4p154#5p172 N03#4p168#5p186

The map suggests that there are three navigable channels (just below the word "Weir") to the south-east of Sutton Weir. This is misleading: There is only one navigable channel - look out for the weir warning sign, and keep to the right when going downstream. (The other channels on the map are probably the remains of the Sutton flood locks)

Brine Spring N97#4p154#5p172 N2k#4p154#5p172 N03#4p168#5p186

There are excellent moorings approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Dutton Locks.

Dutton Locks N97#4p155#5p173 N2k#4p155#5p173 N03#4p169#5p187

Use the South Lock (LHS going down-stream). There is a water point immediately below the locks.

Acton Bridge

Acton Swing Bridge N97#4p150#5p173 N2k#4p150#5p173 N03#4p164#5p187 P2kCR#34

There are visitor moorings just north of Acton Swing Bridge.

The Riverside Inn is the only pub indicated south of the river by the Swing Bridge but has no description in Nicholson. The symbol in Nicholson Guide #5 is misplaced (too near the bridge). Pearson shows it as a restaurant under its old name of "The Reingold". It is a pub, but does offer some restaurant-style tables for eating.

Moorings at the Riverside Inn are too shallow for narrow boats.

Booking is advised for meals at weekends at all the local pubs listed.

Saltersford Locks N97#4p150 N2k#4p150 N03#4p164 P2kCR#32

At the locks use the South lock (LHS going down-stream). There is a Water Point immediately below the locks.

About half a mile above the locks, there are moorings on the towpath side.

Barnton Cut N97#4p150#5p168 N2k#4p150#5p168

Good quiet, remote, moorings are available in Barnton Cut.

Anderton Lift

Trent and Mersey Canal

Anderton Lift N97#4p150 N2k#4p150

In the main text, 2/3 of way down, reference is made to no more than two craft per week plying between Winnington and Scotland. In fact, since 1998 there has been NO commercial traffic past here.

Town Swing Bridge N97#4p151 N2k#4p151

The facilities at the bridge also include refuse disposal and toilets.

There are visitor moorings above the bridge opposite the boat yard.

Hunts Locks N97#4p151 N2k#4p151 N03#4p165

At Hunt's Locks use the East lock (LHS going up-stream).

There is a missing boatyard symbol for Jalsea Marine, approximately a third of a mile south of the lock.

Vale Royal Locks N97#4p149 N2k#4p149 N03#4p165

At the locks use the West lock (RHS going up-stream).

There are good visitor moorings south of the locks, opposite the entrance to the weir stream.

Winsford

Winsford Bridge N97#4p149 N2k#4p149 N03#4p165

The "winding stretch of little interest" downstream of Winsford Bridge in fact runs past the oldest and deepest rock salt mine in the country.

There are moorings in the inlet south of the second bridge. Take care, it's shallow!

The Red Lion does not serve food on Mondays. Food is available Tue-Fri.12:00-2:00pm and 5.30-8:00pm and Sat-Sun.12:00-4:00pm

The Top House does not serve food.

Brewsters (Brewers Fayre). 750yds up the hill east of Winsford Bridge. Located by the roundabout on the dual carriageway, near the industrial estate with Morrisons super market and Focus DIY next door. Food all day 7 days a week.

Winsford Bottom Flash N97#4p148 N2k#4p148

This appears to be navigable to canal craft (at least up the centre).

Head of Navigation