Beeston and return from Anderton

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Cruise this route from : Anderton

Route Type : Rural

Days : 4.00

Cruising Hours : 25.00

Number of Locks : 28

 


 

Cruising Notes

Day 1

From Anderton marina you head south along the Trent & Mersey canal.

Away on your left you will see Marbury Country park which has woodlands carpeted with bluebells in the springtime, or relax under the shade of the lime avenues. Wander along the mere with splendid views over the water to the church at Great Budworth, or explore the arboretum and community orchard. Children will enjoy the play area, close to the picnic area.

There are attractive short stay moorings here if you have had a long trip and want to moor up somewhere local for the night.

As the canal heads towards Middlewich you move out into fine open country on a beautiful stretch of canal, often overhung by trees following the delightful valley of the River Dane.

Marston off to your right has late opening stores, there is a nice pub called The Wharf canalside by bridge 189 which has been converted from an old warehouse.

You can moor up at Broken Cross on the outskirts of Northwich by bridge 184 which is 1.5 hours from Anderton marina. The Old Broken Cross Pub is canalside at bridge 184.


Day 2

There are pleasant moorings with picnic tables & BBQ just before Bridge 176. (just over 3 hours to here from Anderton marina).

As you descend into Middlewich there are 4 locks to be negotiated before you turn off right down the Middlewich Branch Canal. The canalside area of Middlewich is a haven of peace below the busy streets. The town has been extracting salt since Roman times, and there is an interesting town trail north of Bridge 172. There are various pubs canalside along this stretch.

As you go under the Bridge on the Middlewich Branch you encounter another lock, and after Bridge 27 as you head out of town there is another lock- Stanthorne Lock, and then you can relax & enjoy the scenery in the next lock free section of the canal.

This attractive & often under rated canal provides some wonderfully tranquil rural moorings. This is a quiet section of the canal, passing through rich farmland interspersed with woods.

There are no towns and only one small village, so no pubs I am afraid until you reach the Junction of the Shropshire Union Canal at Barbridge where you'll find the Jolly Tar pub canalside with mooring, you will be turning right at the junction, towards Chester, but as you have cruised for 8 hours it is a good place to stop for the night.

Day 3

At Bunbury Wharf there are 2 interesting staircase locks that require a little thought.

After Beeston iron Lock there is a cafe south of Bridge 107 open 7 days a week.

Beeston Castle can be seen from places up to 30 miles away as it commands the hill to your left.

The impressive ruins are the remains of this 14th century castle built by the Earl of Chester in 1337 and it is situated on top of a steep hill, open March to Oct .

Turn your boat at the winding place after Bridge 107 , there is the Beeston Castle Hotel below bridge 107 serving snacks in the bar or restaurant.

Carry on cruising south it is 3.25 hours from Beeston winding hole to Barbridge Junction. When you reach the junction turn left up the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Cruise back to Eardswick Hall bridge 12 there are moorings just after this bridge or before bridge 14.
It is 8.25 hours cruising to here.

Day 4
Day 5

Its just under 8 hours back to Anderton marina, so if you saw a nice pub on the way, you can make a bee line for it on the way back!!

 

This route is provided courtesy of UK Canal Boating

The information above is provided in good faith to assist you with planning your canal boat holiday. Information accuracy cannot be guaranteed.