News
November 11, 2025
Campaigners' proposed ‘Cheshire Ring II’ canal route could end future Boat Lift woes
The Winsford Incline Plane is a proposed system for connecting Winsford Bottom Flash to the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.
**Campaigners' proposed ‘Cheshire Ring II’ canal route could end future Boat Lift woes**
A bold new plan could revolutionize canal navigation in Cheshire and potentially prevent future disruptions like those recently experienced at the historic Anderton Boat Lift. Campaigners are championing the creation of a new canal route, dubbed the “Cheshire Ring II,” which hinges on a proposed innovative solution: the Winsford Incline Plane.
The current Cheshire Ring, a popular circular canal route, relies heavily on the Anderton Boat Lift to connect the Trent and Mersey Canal with the Weaver Navigation. However, the lift, while a marvel of Victorian engineering, is prone to closures for maintenance and repairs, causing significant disruption for boaters and businesses alike. The proposed "Cheshire Ring II" aims to offer an alternative, more resilient route.
At the heart of this alternative lies the Winsford Incline Plane. This ambitious project envisions a system that would connect Winsford Bottom Flash, a section of the River Weaver Navigation, to the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Incline planes are a historical method of moving canal boats up and down steep inclines using a system of rails and powered winches. While not common today, they offer a potentially efficient and reliable solution for overcoming significant changes in elevation.
The proposed Winsford Incline Plane would allow boats to bypass the Anderton Boat Lift altogether, creating a new loop in the Cheshire canal network. This would not only provide an alternative route during periods when the lift is out of service but also potentially alleviate pressure on the lift during peak seasons.
The campaigners believe that the "Cheshire Ring II," with the Winsford Incline Plane as its centerpiece, holds immense potential for boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall appeal of Cheshire's waterways. By providing a more reliable and diverse canal network, the project could attract more boaters and visitors to the region, generating economic benefits for the surrounding communities.
While still in the early stages of planning, the proposal is generating considerable interest among canal enthusiasts, local authorities, and businesses. The next steps will involve feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and securing funding for the ambitious project. If successful, the "Cheshire Ring II" promises to be a game-changer for canal navigation in the region, ensuring a more resilient and vibrant future for Cheshire's waterways.
A bold new plan could revolutionize canal navigation in Cheshire and potentially prevent future disruptions like those recently experienced at the historic Anderton Boat Lift. Campaigners are championing the creation of a new canal route, dubbed the “Cheshire Ring II,” which hinges on a proposed innovative solution: the Winsford Incline Plane.
The current Cheshire Ring, a popular circular canal route, relies heavily on the Anderton Boat Lift to connect the Trent and Mersey Canal with the Weaver Navigation. However, the lift, while a marvel of Victorian engineering, is prone to closures for maintenance and repairs, causing significant disruption for boaters and businesses alike. The proposed "Cheshire Ring II" aims to offer an alternative, more resilient route.
At the heart of this alternative lies the Winsford Incline Plane. This ambitious project envisions a system that would connect Winsford Bottom Flash, a section of the River Weaver Navigation, to the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Incline planes are a historical method of moving canal boats up and down steep inclines using a system of rails and powered winches. While not common today, they offer a potentially efficient and reliable solution for overcoming significant changes in elevation.
The proposed Winsford Incline Plane would allow boats to bypass the Anderton Boat Lift altogether, creating a new loop in the Cheshire canal network. This would not only provide an alternative route during periods when the lift is out of service but also potentially alleviate pressure on the lift during peak seasons.
The campaigners believe that the "Cheshire Ring II," with the Winsford Incline Plane as its centerpiece, holds immense potential for boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall appeal of Cheshire's waterways. By providing a more reliable and diverse canal network, the project could attract more boaters and visitors to the region, generating economic benefits for the surrounding communities.
While still in the early stages of planning, the proposal is generating considerable interest among canal enthusiasts, local authorities, and businesses. The next steps will involve feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and securing funding for the ambitious project. If successful, the "Cheshire Ring II" promises to be a game-changer for canal navigation in the region, ensuring a more resilient and vibrant future for Cheshire's waterways.
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Business