Acton Bridge

Cruising on the Weaver is a pleasure. It is a wonderful green corridor with occasional industrial interludes and it's wide enough to turn around whenever we want. The current isn't strong so Rainboat's engine doesn't need to strain and mooring is easy. The locks are large and staffed by CRT employees who only ask that we throw them our centre line They then tie to a bollard before doing everything that's needed, while we sit and twiddle our thumbs. Tiger is finding the easy going and open aspects less stressful too.

Will encountered another narrowboat on a canoe trip yesterday and today we passed another. Two narrowboats in a week! A far cry from any of our waterway travels to date. We discovered on social media that we are effectively trapped on the river, although our plan was already to stay here over the summer. We can't go back because the Shropshire Union canal has drained between Ellesmere Port and Chester due to a breach The Anderton Boat Lift which would take us to the Trent and Mersey is closed due to a problem with its river gates and we can't rejoin the canal system further up the Manchester Ship Canal because low water levels have forced closure at the top end. We are not alone. There are canal closures throughout the UK as a result of drought and breakages.

We moored at the bollards just before Acton Swing Bridge. There was a short scramble up a steep grass bank onto Dutton Bridleway but this was paved and therefore easy for Vicky's chair and the dogs' short legs. One direction led towards a CRT dredging site and the other towards a small car park with boater bins and water tap. Unfortunately the bins were used by non boaters and overflowing and the tap wasn't working. Will called the CRT to report it and they said they'd get someone out to investigate but it still wasn't working when we left after two nights.

The towpath took us under the bridge and a small track linked it to the Leigh Arms; an independent pub. It had been refurbished and the thoughtful decor provided interest and relaxation. The food was delicious and Vicky was in the rare situation of being spoilt for choice of vegan options. It was a real treat and we'll definitely revisit if we moor here again.Read more