Is there anywhere better to spend the summer than the waterways of Cheshire?

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) has published a free 'Places to Visit in the North West' guide.

Inside you will find maps as well as information about visitor facilities and free activities at a number of local sites.

Jon Horsfall, CRT's director for the North West, says: "The Canal and River Trust cares for over 438 miles (706 kilometres) of canals in the North West, providing free to visit outdoor open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature and the region's rich canal history.

"Every year, millions of people visit our waterways to be active, relax and to enjoy the scenic landscapes our canals offer.

"Our canals provide free and low-cost family-friendly days out by the water, and the chance to have some fabulous waterside experiences this summer.

"Even in city centres, people can spot a variety of birds, animals, insects and plants along our canals and rivers. And from locks and bridges, to tunnels and aqueducts, there are hundreds of historic structures to marvel at.

"We want to encourage more people to visit our canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks so they can experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by water, and find out more about the work of our charity to care for the nation's world-famous historic network."

The Naitonal Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port (Credit: CRT)

Cheshire locations in CRT's 'Places to Visit in the North West' guide

Clarence Mill, Clarence Road, Bollington SK10 5JZ

The Macclesfield Canal played a vital role in the cotton trade and the canal played a vital role in transporting raw materials as well as the finished products. Visitors to Clarence Mill can explore the Bollington Discovery Centre, cycle or walk along the towpath to Adelphi Mill, hire a boat at Bollington Wharf, take a look at Bollington Aqueduct and enjoy a waterside picnic.

Chester Canal Basin, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ

The Shropshire Union Canal passes through the ancient city of Chester and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Visitors can stroll along the towpath to Northgate Locks, carved out of solid sandstone and the deepest in the country, see King Charles' Tower, walk to Tower Wharf to see a working boatyard and dry dock, enjoy a boat trip on the River Dee and cycle along the towpath to Chester Zoo.

Audlem Mill, Shropshire Street, Audlem, Crewe CW3 0DX

The pretty canalside village of Audlem is famous for its 15 locks which raise the Shropshire Union Canal 93 feet (28 metres) over 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres). Visitors can walk along the towpath and watch boats going through the locks, take a stroll around the village to see its black and white timber buildings and 13^th century church, catch the water taxi from Audlem to Overwater Marina (weekends and bank holidays, Easter to October), and visit Audlem Mill Craft Centre and Canal Shop.

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, South Pier Road CH65 4FW

Occupying the old dock buildings of Ellesmere Port, which originally linked the Shropshire Union Canal to the River Mersey, the National Waterways Museum, sheds light on the fascinating history of our canals and the people who worked on them. There are 19 Grade II listed buildings to explore, including the Porters Row cottages built for dock workers in 1833, the forge and stables, all bought to life with the help of costumed interpreters and volunteers maintaining the historic boats and engines.

 Middlewich Locks, Civic Way CW11 1HZ

Located at the junction of three canals and three rivers and once famous for the production of salt, Middlewich is a great place to be by the water. Visitors can follow the Middlewich Canal and Salt Trail, chat to the Trust's friendly volunteers at Middlewich Locks, enjoy a picnic by the water, and visit the historic town and independent shops.

Nantwich, First Wood Street, Nantwich CW5 5EG

The historic market town of Nantwich on the Shropshire Union Canal was once famous for the production of salt. Today it's the perfect place to enjoy spending time by the water. Visitors can walk down the towpath and across Nantwich Aqueduct to enjoy views across the town, stroll around Basin End and see brightly painted narrowboats, hire a canal boat for the day at Nantwich Marina & Canal Centre, enjoy a picnic and visit Nantwich Museum to find out more about salt-making.

Anderton Boat Lift, Lift Lane, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6FW

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Anderton Boat Lift scheduled ancient monument near Northwich raises (and lowers) boats 15 metres from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Designed by Edwin Clark, this extraordinary structure consists of two caissons (steel tubs), each large enough to take a pair of narrowboats or a widebeam boat. Canal & River Trust's Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre has interactive displays explaining the history of the lift and how it operates. Visitors can also enjoy boat trips, woodland walks, a coffee shop and a playground.

Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich (Credit: CRT)

The CRT's 'Places to Visit in the North West' guide is available to download at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/free-guide.