Acton Bridge to Barbridge Short Route

Route: Acton Bridge to Barbridge and return

Locks: 16

Cruising Time: Around 20hrs return

This lovely canal holiday short break route offers a mix of gorgeous Cheshire countryside and some interesting attractions. It suits both boat novices with a manageable number of locks as well as the more experienced cruisers who are looking for somewhere new to explore.

Setting off south from the Acton Bridge base on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you’ll first pass the awe-inspiring Anderton Lift. Built in 1875 to haul cargo boats from the River Weaver up to the much higher Trent and Mersey Canal, the 72-foot-high Anderton Boat Lift is a remarkable feat of engineering.

Anderton Lift

Complete with visitor centre, coffee shop and a ‘trip boat’ that you can hop on to experience the lift and the River Weaver, it’s a great place to spot and picnic. Find out more about the Anderton Lift here.

From the Anderton lift continue on to Northwich, then turning onto the Middlewich arm to Barbridge Junction. Middlewich is famous for hosting the annual Folk and Boat festival, plus various Roman and Norman festivals and a host of farmer’s markets.

The route to your turning point at Barbridge features glorious Cheshire countryside dotted with these local towns, rich in tradition and history. A great short break on the waterways!

Middlewich

Other routes from this base

Wigan and Return – Nature Spotters Paradise

86 miles
6 locks
(for the total return trip)

Chester and return canal boat holiday

84 Miles
44 Locks
1 Week Cruise
6 hours per day

Four Counties Ring canal boat holiday

141 Miles
102 Locks
2 Week Cruise
5 hours per day

Liverpool & Return – Experienced Boaters Trip to Albert Dock

103 miles
8 locks
(for the total return trip)

Manchester and Return – Great Family Break for Teenagers

68 miles
2 locks (stop lock)
(for the total return trip)

Lymm and Return – The Perfect Beginners Break

1 stop lock
13 Miles
2 Locks
(for the total return trip)

Acton Bridge Short Route

Locks: 16
20hrs return

NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE? HAVE A QUESTION?

Call today on ++44 (0)1527 575 115 and a Black Prince team member will be happy to help!

contact us