The River Weaver Navigation (RWN) really is a hidden gem and in my opinion is one of the most under rated sections of Britain's waterway network.
Many boats pass the Anderton Boat Lift without visiting the Weaver for two main reasons:-
- The word River conjours up visions of a wild flowing torrent - this one word alone puts people off the Weaver. The fact of the matter really, is that for most of the year the flow of the Trent & Mersey Canal above is often faster than on the River Navigation! Occasionally, (twice last season) following heavy and long bouts of rain the flow does increase. It is not strong enough to cause you harm and the worst scenario is that it will take you longer to go up-stream. But, you will save fuel on the way back! The levels on the Weaver Navigation are monitored 24 hours a day for your safety, ease of passage and to prevent flooding.
You can check what the flow is like on the river before you visit by going to the 'Navigation Conditions' section of this website. - For most it is seen as a dead end or not part of a ring. Whilst this is not strictly true (I will go into other ways of access in another article), it is a fact that you have to turn around at Winsford - upstream. But, the Llangollen is a dead end and like all waterways the view is always different coming back.
So, come down and explore the River Weaver Navigation!
