ACTON BRIDGE
Trent & Mersey Canal just north of bridge 209.
Acton Bridge boatyard is situated just north of the actual village, the yard itself being very easy to find. Assuming that you are coming off the motorway network, locate the M56, taking it in the direction of Runcorn, that is to say, away from Manchester, and leave at the first junction you come to, junction 10. Take the A49 south, towards Whitchurch, staying on this road until you come to a cross-roads where there are traffic lights, after about 4 miles. Go straight on at these lights and after about 1 mile the road will rise slightly where you cross the canal. Continue a little way until you see “The Horns” public house and take the turning opposite it. Follow the road round a “U” and up to the yard, which is through the gate at the end. Obviously if you are coming from the south on the A49 you will need to keep a sharp look out for the pub and turn just after it.
The boatyard itself is managed by Philip Dowling aided by his wife, Margaret. In addition to the boats OwnerShips have at the yard there is a fair sized hire fleet, which has Saturday as its change over day and some other boats moored just away from the wharf. All moorings are liner, two abreast when needed. Change overs are handled on the wharf which is located near the entrance and you are able to get your car almost along side your boat to load and unload. It is possible to drive along the towpath should your boat not be moored on the wharf when you come to collect it but this is not recommended! Indeed, if you are not able to arrive on the Friday it is as well to let the yard know and they will arrange to move the boat off the front so it is not in the way for the hire fleet’s return. There are two bridges quite close by and if you do arrive late and there is nobody around look just beyond these bridges for your boat should its location not be obvious, trying the one just to the right first.
Philip and Margaret live on site, on their own boat, James Henry. When you arrive for the first time it is as well to make their acquaintance even if it is outside of normal working hours as they keep an eye out for “strangers” and strange cars! The yard gate is locked at night but foot access is always possible. The key ring on the boat keys should have on it a key to the yard gate if you find it locked. Please leave your car in the car park, which is the area just inside the gate next to the main building.
The telephone number of the yard is 01606 852945 and Phil has a mobile, that being 07734 879100. Whilst in the area of telephone numbers, the local taxi firm is Langs who are on 01606 882335.
Most services are available at the yard including pump-out, gas and diesel and indeed I would ask that you use the yard for this on your return as, knowing Phil as I do, inevitably he does jobs for us for nothing and this income goes some way to cover it! Whilst on the subject of returning from your holiday if you would like the interior of your boat cleaned please book this before you depart. Should you need it they do have a small laundry on site, and adjacent to it there is a small garden area which you are welcome to use, but Phil asks for a sausage if you are planning to have a barbecue there!
Should you require them, life jackets and anchor are available and if you are heading in the direction of Manchester or Wigan please make sure that there is a BWB “cuff” key on board.
There are no shops locally but there are several pubs within walking distance which serve food and all, I am advised, allow children in. The nearest shops are in Weaverham which is about two miles south of the yard and the nearest banks are at Northwich, around 5 miles away. However, at the crossroads mentioned in the opening paragraph there is a petrol station with a small shop inside and a Little Chef and Transport Cafe, and having sampled the offerings at the latter I can recommend it.