Guide to Narrowboating Weekends in Cheshire

Travel

Posted on November 12, 2024

Situated in the heart of England, Cheshire is a stunning region home to charming villages and picturesque countryside. The best way to explore Cheshire on a weekend getaway is by cruising along its winding canals on a narrow boat.

With narrowboating, you’ll glide along the peaceful canals, past lush landscapes and historical landmarks. Stop at quaint cafes or cosy pubs and discover hidden gems along the journey!

Here’s our guide to narrowboating weekend in Cheshire.

The Best Canal Route

The Cheshire Ring is an ideal route for a perfect narrowboating weekend in Cheshire. With options for canal boat hire in Cheshire, this circular route spans around 97 miles and covers six unique canals. Exploring the route on a hired narrowboat lets you discover diverse landscapes and charming towns at your own pace.

Begin on the Trent & Mersey Canal, then cruise through the picturesque countryside and into the iconic Anderton Boat Lift. Transition to the Bridgewater Canal, a historically significant route leading to Manchester.

The route then takes you towards the Rochdale Canal, with scenic and bustling cityscapes. This stretch is perfect for mooring and exploring nearby cosy pubs and shops. From there, enter the Ashton Canal, a smaller canal offering peaceful surroundings and passing through locks, making your journey more exciting.

The Peak Forest Canal follows, known for stunning views of the Peak District, making it one of the most scenic canals in Cheshire. Finally, end your journey on the Macclesfield Canal, which has tranquil waters, beautiful stone bridges, and a charming countryside setting.

Things to Do

Here are some of the best things to do on a narrowboating weekend in Cheshire:

Visit the Anderton Boat Lift – check out the Anderton Boat Lift, an impressive Victorian engineering marvel connecting the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Explore the Marple Aqueduct – marvel at the highest canal aqueduct in England. It’s a beautiful spot with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Discover Historic Middlewich – known for its salt-making history, Middlewich boasts picturesque streets, historic sites, and traditional pubs along the canal.

Stop by Lyme Park – moor your narrowboat near the Peak Forest Canal and explore this stunning estate, famous for its gardens, mansion, and as a filming location for Pride and Prejudice.

Relax in Lymm Village – this quaint village sits along the Bridgewater Canal, featuring a scenic setting with shops, pubs, and the beautiful Lymm Dam.

Cruise through Bosley Locks – on the Macclesfield Canal, tackle a flight of 12 locks set in scenic countryside. It’s an enjoyable challenge for boating enthusiasts!

Places to See

If you need help planning an itinerary for your narrowboating adventure in Cheshire, here are some of the best places to see in the region:

Chester – stroll through this picturesque city to discover its Roman walls, historic architecture, and beautiful riverside scenery.

Marple Aqueduct – this remarkable structure is the highest canal aqueduct in England. It boasts scenic views and is a perfect stop for stunning photo-ops.

Lymm Village – this charming village is a fantastic place to stop by along the Bridgewater Canal. It has cosy pubs, boutique shops, and beautiful views over the lovely Lymm Dam.

Anderton Boat Lift – known as the “Cathedral of the Canals,” this restored Victorian lift is an engineering marvel worth seeing on your narrowboating adventure of Cheshire.

Bosley Locks – located on the Macclesfield Canal, this flight of 12 locks offers beautiful countryside views and an exciting boating challenge for avid boaters.

Middlewich – known for its rich salt history, Middlewich has quaint streets, friendly pubs, and a peaceful canal atmosphere.

Ellesmere Port – discover the National Waterways Museum here to learn about the region’s canal history, featuring interactive exhibits and historic boats.

Nantwich – this charming market town on the Shropshire Union Canal is famous for its medieval timber buildings, traditional market, and welcoming pubs.

Bollington – dubbed the “Happy Valley,” this picturesque village along the Macclesfield Canal has lovely views, cosy cafes, and local history to discover, including Clarence Mill.

Pet-friendly Travel

Consider bringing your pets along on your narrowboating weekend adventure in Cheshire. It is a fun and rewarding way to spend quality time with furry friends. To make the most of your adventure, here are some tips:

Ensure the safety of your pets – have them wear a well-fitting life jacket, especially for dogs. It helps them stay safe as you cruise along the canals of Cheshire.

Don’t forget the essentials – pack pet supplies like food, water, bowls, a leash, and waste bags. Ensure they are comfortable and have familiar bedding on the narrowboat.

Visit Anderton Nature Park – located near the Anderton Boat Lift, this scenic park has pet-friendly walking trails. It’s a perfect spot for a stroll with your pets.

Check out Marple Aqueduct – dogs will love exploring the paths around this aqueduct and the nearby countryside. Just keep them on a leash around the water.

Stop by pet-friendly pubs – many canal-side pubs in Cheshire welcome pets, like The Old Broken Cross in Northwich. It’s a cosy spot to relax with a meal and your furry friend.

Plan breaks – your pets need regular stops to stretch and explore. Look for quiet areas along the canal with grassy spaces.

Watch out for wildlife – Cheshire’s canals are home to ducks, swans, and other wildlife. Always keep your pets on a leash to prevent them from disturbing the local animals.

What to Pack

Here’s what to pack for a narrowboating weekend in Cheshire:

Clothing Layers – pack warm layers and waterproofs. The weather can change quickly, and layers help keep you comfortable.

Non-Slip Footwear – shoes with good grip are essential on wet surfaces. Opt for sturdy, comfortable footwear.

Food and Snacks – stock up on easy-to-cook meals and snacks. Many canals have limited access to shops, so plan accordingly.

Torch and Batteries – a torch is handy for navigating the boat at night or checking locks in dim lighting.

First Aid Kit – when preparing a first aid kit, include the basics like bandages, pain relief, and seasickness tablets. It’s a must for minor injuries or emergencies.