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The locks remain well-spaced along much of the route, until you approach the north side of Harecastle Tunnel, where the canal suddenly intensifies with the iconic — and to some, notorious — flight of 31 Heartbreak Hill locks.
Most of these are traditional narrow locks, measuring around 7 feet wide, perfectly suited for a standard 6 ft 10 in narrowboat. However, as you travel east of Burton-on-Trent or north of Middlewich, the canal opens out into sections with broad locks, capable of accommodating either a single 14-foot-wide craft or two narrowboats side by side.
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Lock Gates
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Discover the history, construction, engineering achievements, and modern-day use of the Trent & Mersey Canal — one of Britain’s most important waterways built during the Industrial Revolution.
Stretching an impressive 93.5 miles from Derbyshire to the River Mersey, the Trent & Mersey Canal is one of England’s most iconic and historically significant waterways. Built during the surge of industrial expansion in the 18th century, the canal connected major manufacturing centres, enabled efficient transport of goods, and showcased exceptional feats of engineering that still inspire today.
In the mid-18th century, Britain’s Industrial Revolution was accelerating. The Potteries of North Staffordshire, the coalfields of Derbyshire, and the developing port of Liverpool were vital economic hubs — but transporting goods between them was slow, costly, and unreliable over poorly maintained roads.
The canal was opened in 1777 only 6 years after the Bridgewater Canal.
Businessman and potter Josiah Wedgwood was one of the most passionate advocates for the canal, believing it essential for the future of British ceramics.
Principal Engineer: James Brindley
The canal’s engineering mastermind was James Brindley, one of the greatest canal engineers of the Georgian era. His bold designs, innovative surveying methods, and understanding of the landscape made the Trent & Mersey Canal a pioneering achievement.
Dates of Construction
Authorised by Act of Parliament: 1766
Construction period: 1766 – 1777
Officially opened: 1777
The project took 11 years to complete, involving thousands of labourers, navvies, stone masons, and engineers.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the canal became a critical commercial corridor, supporting:
The pottery industry (Wedgwood, Spode, Minton)
Coal mining
Salt production in Cheshire
Iron, grain, and textile transport
Links to the entire national canal network
It helped transform England into a global industrial powerhouse.
Decline in the 20th Century
Like many British canals, the Trent & Mersey faced a steep decline due to:
Growth of the railways in the 1800s
Rise of commercial road transport in the 20th century
Closure of trading wharves and loss of freight traffic
By the 1960s, parts of the canal were at risk of abandonment.
Revival and Restoration
The 1960s and 1970s saw renewed interest in preserving historic waterways. Thanks to passionate volunteers, heritage groups, and national organisations such as British Waterways (now Canal & River Trust), the Trent & Mersey Canal was restored for:
Today, the canal is thriving once again.
The canal is now one of Britain’s most popular waterways. Modern-day uses include:
1. Leisure Boating
Thousands of narrowboats use the canal each year, travelling through:
Scenic countryside
Historic industrial landscapes
Tunnels, locks, and winding cuttings
Its connection to the broader canal network makes it a favourite for holiday cruisers.
2. Towpath Activities
The towpath is used for:
Walking, Cycling, Jogging and Wildlife spotting.
Large sections are now part of the National Cycle Network.
3. Fishing
The canal is a haven for anglers, with species such as:
Roach, , Bream, Perch, Pike and Tench.
Popular fishing zones exist near Burton, Stone, Middlewich, and Stoke.
4. Tourism and Pubs
Along the route are charming waterside pubs, visitor centres, and attractions, including:
These make the canal perfect for weekend walkers and boating holidaymakers.
Conclusion
The Trent & Mersey Canal stands as one of the greatest engineering and economic achievements of the Industrial Revolution. From Brindley's innovative tunnel designs to its role in supporting Britain’s manufacturing boom, the canal remains a symbol of ingenuity and ambition. Today, its restored towpaths, heritage structures, and thriving leisure activities make it a beloved waterway enjoyed by thousands each year.
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