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The first 2 locks at Etruria are a staircase pair.
A handcuff key is required for anti-vandal locks at Lock 3
Lift bridges 11 (Ivy House) and 21 (Norton Green) required a Sanitary Station key
You will need a windlass to operate Long Butts Lift bridge (bridge 23)
Our 'Lock Count' includes the lock at Froghall Basin.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Caldon Canal is nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, England, and spans 18 miles from Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent to Froghall Wharf. Renowned for its peaceful ambience and stunning scenery, the canal is a haven for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This waterway combines natural beauty with a rich historical tapestry, making it a quintessential destination for canal adventures.
Engineering Marvels Along the Route
The Caldon Canal is dotted with impressive engineering features that highlight its historical significance:
Hazlehurst Aqueduct: A stunning structure that carries the canal over a river below.
Froghall Tunnel: An intriguing passage for adventurous boaters.
Locks and Lift Bridges: Essential for navigating the canal’s varying elevations.
Narrowboat Holidays on the Caldon Canal
The Caldon Canal is a premier destination for narrowboat holidays. Its tranquil waters and diverse landscapes offer the perfect escape for couples, families, and groups. Highlights include:
Relaxing cruises through rural Staffordshire.
Access to popular attractions like the Churnet Valley Railway.
Opportunities for unique experiences, from quiet moorings to lively towns.
Amenities for Narrowboat Owners
Boaters will appreciate the well-maintained facilities along the Caldon Canal. From serviced moorings to refuelling points, the canal offers everything needed for a smooth journey. Many marinas and wharf's provide repairs and supplies, ensuring that both short trips and extended stays are hassle-free.
Life on the Water: Live-Aboards
For live-aboards, the Caldon Canal is an idyllic choice. Its combination of serene countryside and convenient access to nearby towns creates a balanced lifestyle. Many communities along the canal welcome those living aboard, offering a friendly and inclusive environment.
Places of Interest Along the Canal
The Caldon Canal passes through picturesque villages and towns:
Leek: A charming market town with antique shops and cafes.
Cheddleton: Home to the historic Cheddleton Flint Mill.
Froghall: The perfect spot to explore the canal’s terminus and nearby trails.
Historical Landmarks to Explore
History buffs will find plenty to admire along the Caldon Canal:
Etruria Industrial Museum: Showcasing the area’s industrial heritage.
Consall Forge: A beautifully preserved site with fascinating relics.
Caldon Low Quarries: A testament to the canal’s original purpose.
Must-See Opportunities Along the Canal
Don’t miss these highlights:
Churnet Valley Railway: A vintage steam train offering scenic rides.
Limestone Kilns at Froghall: Intriguing remnants of the canal’s industrial past.
Nature Reserves: Perfect for soaking in the area’s biodiversity.
Drinking and Dining Venues
The Caldon Canal offers a delightful array of waterside eateries:
The Hollybush Inn (Denford): A historic pub with delicious food.
The Black Lion (Consall Forge): Known for its rustic charm and canal-side setting.
Hetty’s Tea Shop (Froghall Wharf): A cosy stop for tea and homemade treats.
Activities for Walkers
Walkers will enjoy the towpaths and nearby trails, including:
The Churnet Valley Way: A scenic route that follows the canal.
Staffordshire’s rolling hills: Offering panoramic views.
Circular walks through charming villages.
Fishing Spots on the Caldon Canal
Anglers will appreciate the calm waters and abundant fish:
Popular spots include Froghall Wharf and the Leek Arm.
Species like roach, perch, and bream are common.
Fishing permits are available through local clubs.
Bird-Watching Opportunities
The Caldon Canal is a haven for bird-watchers, with species like:
Kingfishers darting along the water.
Herons standing majestically by the banks.
A variety of songbirds filling the air with melody.
The Best Time to Visit the Caldon Canal
The canal is a year-round destination, but each season offers unique charm:
Spring: Vibrant blooms and mild weather.
Summer: Long days and lively festivals.
Autumn: A kaleidoscope of colours.
Winter: Quiet beauty and cosy evenings.
Construction began in 1776 by the Trent and Mersey Canal Company. Designed by James Brindley, the Caldon Canal was initially designed to transport limestone from the quarries at Caldon Low to the industrial hub of Stoke-on-Trent. It became an essential artery for the region’s thriving pottery industry, linking rural quarries to bustling markets. Over the years, it evolved from a commercial route to a recreational gem, cherished by modern-day travellers.
A waterway in England that connects the Trent and Mersey Canal at Etruria, through the industrialised area known as 'The Potteries' near Stoke-on-Trent, to Froghall in Staffordshire. The canal was first proposed in the late 18th century as a way of improving transport links in the area and was completed in 1779.
The construction of the Caldon Canal was not without its challenges. Engineers had to design a route that navigated steep hills and deep valleys, which necessitated the creation of locks, aqueducts, and tunnels. Among the most impressive feats was the Leek Tunnel, stretching just over half a mile. This massive project, which took six years to complete, stood as the longest canal tunnel in England at the time of its opening and showcased the engineering brilliance of the era.
Despite these obstacles, the Caldon Canal became a vital transport link. For more than a century, it played a key role in moving goods, particularly supporting the pottery industry. However, by the mid-20th century, the canal’s utility declined. The rise of road transportation and the waning of the pottery trade rendered the canal economically unsustainable, leading it to fall into disrepair.
The 1960s marked a turning point for the canal’s fate. A passionate group of volunteers established the Caldon Canal Society, determined to prevent its complete abandonment. Through decades of dedicated work, they raised funds, cleared overgrown vegetation, and repaired essential infrastructure, including locks and tunnels, to restore the canal to its former state.
Today, the Caldon Canal thrives as a beloved tourist destination and a sanctuary for wildlife. It is a part of the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership, which focuses on safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The canal is now enjoyed by visitors for recreational activities such as boating and fishing, offering a peaceful escape into history and nature.
In summary, the Caldon Canal boasts a legacy spanning over 200 years. Once a critical transport route that fuelled the pottery industry in the Midlands, it now stands as a remarkable example of historical engineering and a symbol of successful preservation efforts. It serves as both a tribute to the ingenuity of past engineers and a reminder of the value of protecting our industrial heritage.
Conclusion
The Caldon Canal is a treasure trove of experiences for narrowboat enthusiasts, live-aboards, walkers, and nature lovers. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a short holiday or a lifelong adventure, the Caldon Canal promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
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