BOAT trips have returned at Anderton Boat Lift after a gap of 17 months due to Covid-19 pandemic.

But that is not all that is happening on Cheshire's waterways this summer.

Organised by the Canal and River Trust, there will also be historic 'Canal Town' re-enactments further afield, as well as walking groups for the over 55s.

Anderton Boat Lift, described as 'Britain’s stunning Cathedral of the Canals’, is now fully open again for Covid-safe trips on Saturday and Sunday, and Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

The coffee shop, gift shop, gardens and visitor centre are free to enter and are now also operating normally, albeit with a request for the public to wear masks indoors and on the boat trip.

There is a boat-themed play area, a smart new viewing platform installed near to the visitor centre, and the trip boat embarkation point at the bottom of the lift has been re-surfaced.

And it’s not just boat trips – the waterways can be enjoyed in dozens of different ways.

The National Waterways Museum and café in Ellesmere Port is now open seven days a week if you want to make a bit of a trip, and on Sundays is bursting with working heritage.

For people aged over 55, there is a chance to improve fitness and wellbeing with the launch of a new series of guided active waterways walks around Northwich, as well as Chester, Ellesmere Port, Nantwich and Macclesfield.

Daniel Greenhalgh, regional director for Canal and River Trust, said: "As Britain enjoys a staycation this summer, there’s something on offer for everyone across the region’s wonderful waterways.

"Many people discovered their local towpath and canal during the pandemic as green and blue spaces to enjoy being outside.

"This summer, come and take part in an organised Canal and River Trust event or boat trip, explore the canal as a place to walk, cycle, canoe or paddle board, or simply appreciate nature and experience the wildlife that makes its home along the waterways."