Swan with Two Nicks – Canal Boat Friendly Pubon the Bridgewater Canal near Altrincham

Location on the Bridgewater Canal

The Swan with Two Nicks is located near Dunham Massey, just outside Altrincham, a short and straightforward walk from the Bridgewater Canal. This stretch of canal is popular with leisure boaters due to its wide profile, lock-free cruising, and attractive surroundings.

The Swan with Two Nicks is a well-known and highly regarded pub for canal boat users cruising the Bridgewater Canal near Altrincham. Set close to the canal in a peaceful, semi-rural stretch of Cheshire, this traditional pub is a favourite stop for narrowboat crews looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and a relaxed break from cruising.

For boaters travelling between Lymm, Sale, and Manchester, the Swan with Two Nicks offers an ideal stopping point on one of Britain’s most historic canals.

Why this location works well for canal boat users:

• Easy walking access from canal-side moorings
• Quiet, scenic section of the Bridgewater Canal
• Convenient stop between Lymm and Sale
• Minimal road noise and rural feel

Mooring Near the Swan with Two Nicks

The Bridgewater Canal near Dunham Massey offers good informal visitor moorings suitable for narrowboats. The canal here is wide, calm, and generally deep enough for comfortable mooring.

Mooring notes for canal boat users:

• Long, straight canal edges ideal for tying up
• Popular overnight mooring area
• Peaceful setting, especially midweek
• Short walk to the pub from the towpath

Many crews choose to moor for the evening and enjoy a relaxed meal before continuing their cruise the next day.

Why Canal Boaters Choose the Swan with Two Nicks

The Swan with Two Nicks has a strong reputation among canal users for its welcoming atmosphere and consistent quality. After a day of cruising on the Bridgewater Canal, it provides a comfortable and sociable place to unwind.

• Traditional pub atmosphere
• Food and drinks well suited to boating crews
• Friendly to walkers, cyclists, and boaters
• Outdoor seating during warmer months

The pub’s setting makes it equally appealing as a lunch stop or an evening destination.

The Bridgewater Canal Cruising Experience

The Bridgewater Canal is often described as the birthplace of the canal age, and today it remains a pleasure to cruise. The section near Altrincham offers relaxed boating with no locks and steady progress.

Highlights for canal boat users in this area include:

• Wide, open canal with gentle cruising
• Attractive countryside and estate land
• Easy access to villages and pubs
• Connection to Manchester and the wider canal network

The Swan with Two Nicks fits perfectly into this leisurely cruising style.

Nearby Attractions for Boaters

Boaters stopping near the Swan with Two Nicks can also explore nearby attractions during a rest day or longer stop.

• Dunham Massey estate and parkland
• Walking routes through countryside and woodland
• Altrincham town centre within cruising distance

This makes the location ideal for combining canal cruising with sightseeing and walks.

Best Time for Canal Boat Users to Visit

The pub is busiest during spring and summer, particularly at weekends when towpath traffic is higher. Many canal boat users plan their stop:

• As an overnight mooring on a longer cruise
• For an evening meal after a day’s cruising
• As a lunch stop while travelling the Bridgewater Canal

Arriving earlier in the afternoon often allows for easier mooring selection.

Why the Swan with Two Nicks Is Ideal for Canal Boat Users

• Close to the Bridgewater Canal
• Easy walking access from moorings
• Quiet, scenic canal location
• Popular with narrowboat crews
• Excellent stop on a lock-free cruising route

Conclusion

The Swan with Two Nicks near Altrincham is an excellent and well-established stop for canal boat users on the Bridgewater Canal. With convenient nearby moorings, a peaceful setting, and a welcoming pub atmosphere, it offers everything a narrowboat crew could want from a canal-side stop. Whether pausing for lunch, mooring overnight, or enjoying a relaxed evening meal, the Swan with Two Nicks remains a firm favourite on this historic waterway.