Although obviously this trip started at the Anderton lift it may be simpler to describe the Weaver from one end to the other so we'll start with a flash! There's been enough discussion about going onto the flash now let's retreat to the pub riverside as you head downstream. We had wanted to lunch here but the landing was completely thronged with fishermen so we left them to it and tied up on Vernons Cut for lunch and snooze. Snoozing is compulsory as father was with us at the age of 91 at the time and I'm quite fond of a post lunch snooze anyway. You can tie up at Newbridge Swing Bridge which has not likely swung in years but the occasional traffic might interfere with your peace. Downstream further are Vale Royal locks where I think they are still using the large lock (while the small lock awaits repairs) and hours are a bit limited. Halfway between Hartford Bridge and Hunt's lock there are excellent quiet country moorings just where the river leaves over the weir. There are many species of water birds using the weir for fishing.
Northwich. There are moorings opposite the Floatel (if you don't know what that is you will when you see it if it's still there (see narrowboatworld.co.uk)) and this is a handy point for town centre activities like shopping (cross the swing bridge for the centre). Just below the swing bridge are the BW facilities (self pumpout with BW card get one before you descend the lift), water and rubbish. The is a reasonable current under the bridge and should you wish to wind to use the facilities it's better to come through to the Floatel and use the current from the River Dane entering there to help you turn. Twenty minutes downstream brings you to Anderton and the lift. I nearly made a fool of myself here by not realising how strong the current was when untying to approach the lift I should have used reverse and ferry glided out into the river (benefit of hindsight) but actually untied the front and pushed off and found myself proceeding diagonally towards the boat in front! Only a heavy burst of power avoided an encounter. The lift area and centre is interesting but unlikely to teach the reader of this list a great deal. Downstream from the lift about two miles are the most excellent, quiet and peaceful moorings you'll find anywhere (on the right just as Saltersford locks come into view). Below the locks and through to Acton Swing bridge will be the busiest section of the river that you will see on a summer weekend. I did eat at the `Horns' near Acton Bridge many years ago (too many to be able to comment meaningfully now). Dutton locks are the last on the river and the lockie here is well informed on all sorts of matters including of course whether any big boats are moving and keeps a register of locally observed wildlife. At the time of our visit he told us that we were the only boat moving downstream of there which is useful knowledge. There is a water point below the lock and then a footbridge under which the weir flow return to the river. If there is any fresh running there can be a significant outflow here. From here to Sutton is extremely rural with little or no mooring. In four miles the Frodsham cut leaves to the left and others may be able to let us know whether there is room to wind down there, we didn't try it in case there wasn't! Following Sutton Swing bridge, the railway bridge and the motorway there may (especially at weekends) be some canoe and small boat activity. The scenery now become industrial until you reach Marsh lock. We spent a night here looking out over the Mersey estuary and moored just to the right of the lock. Big mistake a strong wind came up blowing the length of the cut to Runcorn and bringing a heavy swell in our direction. I had to look out of the window every hour to check that the stone courses were still level to satisfy myself that we weren't taking water into the engine space as the waves were that big! Next time I'll moor in the sheltered corner to the left of the lock (provided the aforementioned lockie hasn't mentioned any ships using the lock). The trip towards Runcorn finishes at a fixed swing bridge where it is best to tie up on the right up to the bridge as you are on and industrial park and the company on the other side get a bit tetchy about people wondering around. Should you wish to leave the industrial estate you have to pass a security gate and there is very limited shopping here without going fully into Runcorn. The Weaver is a pleasure to cruise and well worth the visit. Feel free to sound your horn on approaching the locks, it's the accepted way of letting the lockie know you're there! You will find it much quieter than the areas we are more accustomed to and thus fill with water at every opportunity and aim to centre your shopping needs at Northwich. Sorry for the lack of pub report but getting a 91 year old off a boat on the river is a little hairy to put it mildly so we tend to drink on board. Those of you heading that way enjoy! John
