ANDERTON BOAT LIFT WALK

Fancy a wander round Cheshire’s historic boat lift? With the Mersey Canal and the River Weaver as your backdrop, this is one of Cheshire’s best walks for scenic trails and uninterrupted re-charging

Start: Barnton, CW8 4EL

Distance: 3.45 miles

Duration: allow approx. an hour

Elevation: 100 feet

Navigation: follow the route here

Searching for a day out that’s perfect for the whole fam? A trip to Anderton Boat Lift is a must. This mighty lift is dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways — but for us, it’s the nearby woodlands and nature trails that make this place truly special.

Starting in Northwich, you’re never far away from the area’s many impressive waterways; taking you through some quintessential Cheshire countryside.

Plus, with its close proximity to nearby Cheshire walking gems like Marbury Country Park, Pickmere and Great Budworth, you can easily extend this walk into a full day’s adventure.

On arrival to the boat lift, you’ll soon learn this monument dates back to 1875, designed by Edwin Clark to transfer narrow boats from the River Weaver, or what’s now known as the Weaver Navigation.

It’s a steel superstructure capable of taking two narrow boats side by side… and seeing it in operation is something else, if not a little nerve-wracking!

Should you prefer to start at the Boat Lift, there’s ample parking to begin your adventure there. As for its surrounds, we were surprised at just how many trails you can take your pick from. On one side you have the Mersey Forest, the next a country park, a good pub, a pretty village and lots of waterways to reflect.

After wanting to head down to the Boat Lift for a while, we were taken aback by the unexpected scenery every way you turn — a must-visit if you ever find yourself in the area.

Sound like your ideal day out? Follow the walk here