Heritage of Woolston Weir and the New Cut

Nice walk, but large part of footpath not wide enough for people walking in both directions

Lovely place..never knew about it..looking forward to going back..

I did some historical research as I live locally, and thought I'd share the river cut's and weir histories. I've also created and linked a colour coded map guide to help people understand. Enjoy =)River cut History:1. Woolston Old Cut (built 1755): At approximately 550m long (0.34 miles), this cut was done to remove a 2270m detour bend of the river mersey. It had one lock placed at its lower end. This was filled in when the New Cut was created.2. Woolston New Cut (Opened 14th Feb 1821): At approximately 2660m (1.65 miles) long, its purpose was to eliminate more river bends for improved navigation of vessels traveling the Mersey (removed a 6100m detour of the river). This replaced Woolston Old Cut. It had two locks, Paddington Lock was placed at its lower end and Woolston Lock at its upper end.3. Manchester Ship Canal (Opened 1st Jan 1894 by Queen Victoria). This brought about the end of the Woolston New Cut. It has since been paved as a footpath / cycleway / Heritage and Ecology Trail.Woolston Weir History:1. Original Weir (built in approx 1755 - removed 1996) it served two purposes, it maintained the level of water in Woolston Old Cut and New cut. It also provided a head of water to power the Gunpowder Mill on the Thelwall side of the river. The mills were destroyed in an explosion in 1855 and never rebuilt.2. The Guard Weir (built in 1940's) was added in addition to the original weir (Gunpowder Mill weir), as a means to control flow rather than just water level.3. Woolston Syphon Weir (built 1992), diverted the river permanently into what was the 'old cut' route. So, the Old Cut was re-cut for the weir.4. Hydropol Hydroelectric (April 2021) - The addition of three Archimedean screw turbines (486kw total), including an improved fish ladder.