Boating on the River Weaver Navigation

Find boating information for the River Weaver Navigation

River Weaver Navigation

Length	20 miles
Locks	5

Maximum boat dimensions

Weston Point Dock to Weston Marsh Lock

Length	65m	213ft 3"
Width	11.5m	37ft 9"
Draught	3.2m	10ft 6"
Headroom	18m	59ft

Weston Marsh Lock to Winnington

Length	65m	213ft 3"
Width	11.5m	37ft 9"
Draught	3.2m	10ft 6"
Headroom	18m	59ft

Winnington to Winsford

Length	60m	196ft 10"
Width	10.7m	35ft 1"
Draught	2.9m	9ft 6"
Headroom	9m	29ft 6"

Opening times

Winter Season update 2026/2027

Operating Arrangements for Weaver Navigation Locks From 1 November 2026 until, and inclusive of 31 March 2027.

Winter bookings required for all four main locks being Vale Royal, Hunts, Saltersford, Dutton and Marsh Lock, which can be made via your online account. Our commitment is to keep you informed, support enjoyable boating, and adapt where necessary as the seasons progress.

The below bridges along the Weaver Navigation are capable of being swung for larger vessels. Please contact our local team if you require navigation and exceed the below dimensions.

Weekend & Bank Holiday Operations – Normal Service (No Change)

Dutton, Saltersford, Hunts, Vale Royal Locks

Operating hours: 09:00 – 18:00 Last entry: 17:30 No Booking Required

Weekday Operations

Dutton & Saltersford Locks Monday–Friday (No Change)

Operating hours: 08:00 – 17:00 Last entry: 16:30 No Booking Required

Vale Royal & Hunts Locks Monday–Friday (Updated)

Bookings required Monday to Friday

Bookings can be made up until 10:00am on the day of passage via your online account or by calling our North West Customer Service Team on 01606 636199 (option 5)

Marsh Lock

Booking availability from 13 April on: Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week.

If you need to contact our lock keepers working these locks within the above operating times, please call 01606 636199 selecting the required lock.

From 1 November 2026 Until, and inclusive of 31 March 2027, Winter bookings required for all four locks which can be made via your online account.

The below bridges along the Weaver Navigation are capable of being swung for larger vessels. Please contact our local team if you require navigation and exceed the below dimensions.

Bridge	Headroom (ft, inch)	Headroom (m)
Sutton Weaver Bridge	9ft	2.74m
Acton Bridge	13ft, 6"	4.1m
Winnington Bridge	8ft, 10"	2.7m
Northwich Town Bridge	7ft, 6"	2.3m
Hayhurst Bridge	14ft, 6"	4.4m
Navigation Yard Bridge	8ft	2.4m
Newbridge	6ft, 4"	1.93m

Bookings can be made up to 48 hours prior to passage via your online account or by calling our North West Customer Service Team on 01606 636199 (option 5) Please note, the locks close to bookings from 2pm on 24 December and will open again on 2 January 2027.