An easy 7 mile walk by, or near to, the River Weaver south of Northwich as far as Vale Royal Locks.  The paths are good walking by the river or through wooded areas. Since the 17th century the River Weaver has been straightened in places to improve navigation, leaving the original line as a quiet backwater where wildlife thrives.  It was once an industrial highway allowing sailing barges to travel from the Mersey to Winsford taking coal in and salt back out.  There will be lots of fine views of the river, its large locks and the immense railway viaduct crossing the Weaver valley in Northwich.