Caldon Canal

The Caldon Canal is a minor branch of the better known Trent and Mersey Canal, running from Stoke-upon-Trent towards Leek and Uttoxeter. Access to the towpath is easy as it is just North of Stoke railway station and Stoke is a very easy train ride from Derby. Although the first part of the ride is on a good quality surface the canal does not reach Uttoxeter and that approach is not easy from Cheddleton, although the Churnet Valley Railway would be a useful link on the days that trains run.

Starting the ride at Hanley.

An excellent surface to the path - route 550 of the National Cycle Network.


A relic of the days when the canal went all the way to Uttoxeter. It no longer does.

A minor road passes over the canal and this electrically powered lift bridge is actuated by a key which boaters carry

A nice pub here, unfortunately on the far side of the water.

Lucky indeed are the residents of these houses whose lovely gardens slope down to the water's edge.

And some of them have their own boats moored alongside.

Another lift bridge,
.

Information sign on the towpath.

                                             Very deep locks with commensurate gates of the order of 18 feet high.

                                                      Stockton Brook

The canal forks here with one branch going to Leek and the other towards Uttoxeter.

The Hollybush Inn,  an excellent place to stop for food.......................

.............. or a pint.

This grim looking building is Cheddleton Station where you can take a train ride towards Uttoxeter.

Or you have good choice of on-road routes.

From here on the canal towpath is not so good.

Although the scenery is quite nice.