Narrow Boat Hire In Anderton.

Built in 1875 by Edwin Clarke the Anderton Boat Lift is known as the cathedral of the canals. Situated on the banks of the River Weaver in Cheshire the lift was used for over 100 years until it closed due to corrosion in 1983.

After restoration the lift was re opened in 2002 and now transports narrow boats from the Trent and Mersey canal to the River Weaver and vice versa. Built when the salt industry was still an important part of the Cheshire way of life the lift provided a direct link for narrow boats between the canal and river in a bid to make both waterways more profitable.

The Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre is opened seven days a week view the boat lift hauling the narrowboats up and go or one of the guided boat lift trip. Browse in the gift shop or have a cup of tea in the cafe. Take advantage of the outside picnic areas which is located in the impressive shadow of this mighty structure.

Rock salt has occurred in Cheshire for millions of years and it is the only place in Britain where it is still produced. In the museums gallery hear the stories about the people who lived and worked along side the River Weaver and how salt production was so important to the area.

A park converted from industrial wasteland the Anderton Nature Park is now a wildlife haven. There are many walks and you can follow and the trail posts provide information about the flowers and plants which can be found in that area.

Herbs grow in the salty soil along the River Weaver including the rare Penny Royal, which gives off a minty smell. Plants normally only found on the coast such as the sea spurrey and salt grass grow here because of the salt which is found in the soil here quite naturally creates the conditions that these plants need.

The builders of the 1,300ft long Saltersford Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal near Northwich, Cheshire, didn't quite succeed in meeting in the middle the result is that there is a kink in the tunnel. The Saltersford Tunnel is thought to be one of the most haunted tunnels on the canal system. Boatmen who knew of the stories would not take their narrow boats through the tunnel alone and would rather make a longer journey rather than go through it.

To experience the thrill of the boat lift, the Saltersford Tunnel and the surrounding areas book your narrow boat hire holiday from Anderton Marina on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Further narrow boat opportunities and routes easily reached from Anderton.

 

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