Caldon Canal
Hours (Approx.): 66
Locks: 96
Miles: 117
One of the most delightful waterways in Britain providing memorable views as you cruise through the Staffordshire Moorland. This route gives suggested stops for a 10 day Fri-Mon trip. 11 day Mon-Fri or a 2 week trip will give more leisurely days or extra time for visiting canalside attractions.
Autherley to Cross Green
Pick up boat at 2.30pm. After handover instructions turn left out of Autherley, this section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal forms part of the four counties ring. An hour and a half's cruising will bring you to Cross Green for your first night's stop.
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Points of Interest
Canal side pub dating back to the late 1700's. Offer pub classics & seasonal dishes, and with a well stocked bar.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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Section Summary: 3 miles, 1 lock, 1 hour 20 minutes cruising
Cross Green to Stafford
Today takes you further along the North Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal until you reach the outskirts of Stafford.
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Points of Interest
A Small village to the south of Stafford.
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Points of Interest in Penkridge
Canalside pub serving traditional 'pub grub'
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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The Boat Inn Penkridge was built at the same time as the Staffs and Worcs Canal in 1779 and is one of the old 'Gateways' to the Village, for many years it was the first or last stopping point, as locals and visitors travelled along the Cannock Road. Now a modernised Gastro-Pub & Restaurant, serving a range of menus including traditional hearty British meals, Bottomless Brunch and Sunday Roasts.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 86,
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Store close the the canal, handy for topping up provisions
The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse
Budget comfort food and daily carvery in family pub-restaurant branch, with sport on TV and garden.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Radford Bridge (98),
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Handy supermarket a short walk from the canal.
Section Summary: 13 miles, 11 locks, 7 1/2 hours cruising.
Stafford to Stone
Today's cruise takes you through the beautiful 'Tixall wide' section, past Shugborough Hall at Great Haywood junction where you join the Trent & Mersey canal and head north to Stone
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Points of Interest
A body of water resembling a lake on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal. Supposedly built so a local landowner would not have his view spoiled, This makes a good turning point on your Journey.
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Location: On Google Maps
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The junction of the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
Points of Interest in Great Haywood
We offer a fine selection of cask-conditioned ales and guest beers together with a wide choice of freshly prepared, value for money meals and snacks.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Trentlane Bridge (73),
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A stately home and estate near Great Haywood, Staffordshire, England. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Trentlane Bridge (73),
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A market town in Staffordshire, Stone is a popular stop on the Trent & Mersey canal. The listed facilities are just a small selection of what's available here.
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Location: On Google Maps
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Points of Interest in Stone
Traditional pub right next to the star lock
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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A thriving freehouse in a carefully renovated Grade II listed building, close to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Eight hand pumps serve ever-changing beers. There's also real cider on draught. Strictly adults only, dog friendly, and the pub does not serve food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 93,
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Supermarket a short walk from the canal
Wetherspoon's Chain pub in the old post office
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 83,
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Indian Restaurant and takeaway with online ordering
Section Summary: 14 miles, 5 locks, 7 hours cruising
Stone to Stoke-on-Trent
Today takes you into the heart of Pottery country, passing the entrance to the Caldon Canal to moor for the night at the Etruria visitor moorings.
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Points of Interest
Home to Stoke-on-Trent's most prestigious brand, Wedgwood, and the galleries of the V&A Wedgwood Collection. Our multi-experience site houses our hands-on Creative Studios, Wedgwood Factory, Wedgwood Tea Room, and a diverse range of retail outlets, delicious eateries and bars.
Timeless family chain restaurant serving roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puds.
Sainsbury's, Stoke on Trent
Large supermarket 10 minutes walk from the canal
Well regarded pub serving Real Ale. Delicious pork pies and scotch eggs are available all day along with other bar snacks.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Etruria Trent & Mersey Canal Visitor Moorings with rings,
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Section Summary: 10 miles, 14 locks and 6 & 1/2 hours Cruising
Stoke-on-Trent to Leek
Today sees your first day on the Caldon Canal, travelling all the way to it's northern terminus in Leek.
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Points of Interest
Friendly pub with the traditional two-roomed layout being separated by a central bar. There is a smoking area and garden with bench tables to the rear,
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Milton bridge (18),
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Tradition Marston's Pub. Dogs welcome on a lead. Beer garden
The Sportsman, Stockton Brook
Traditional pub in the heart of Stockton Brook.
Serving great ales and a fantastic selection of draught and bottled spirits
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Towpath Moorings,
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Lockside at Greenway Hall
Restaurant serving good food, delicious drinks, and great company are the perfect ingredients for a memorable night out. We use only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, sourced from local farms and producers, to create dishes that are both delicious and authentic.
Freshly cooked Mediterranean food, cocktails and local cask ale, served with a smile at exceptional value, in a beautifully restored early 1900 pub
Handy convenience store and cashpoint a short walk from the canal.
Large supermarket, a 15 minute walk from the canal terminus at Leek. Turn at the last winding hole after Leek tunnel, and back up a few metres to a suitable towpath mooring.
Section Summary: 13 miles, 9 locks and 7 & 1/4 hours cruising.
Leek to Cheddleton via Froghall
Today sees you retrace your steps to Hazelhurst junction and the southern branch of the Caldon Canal to Froghall, returning in the afternoon to Cheddleton.
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Please Note: Froghall tunnel has very limited headroom (5ft) and is is very easy to scrape the boat along the tunnel roof. Since the canal only continues for a further 300 metres after the tunnel anyway, we recommend you turn before the tunnel at Froghall Winding Hole.
Points of Interest
Freshly cooked Mediterranean food, cocktails and local cask ale, served with a smile at exceptional value, in a beautifully restored early 1900 pub
A small village in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Points of Interest in Cheddleton
Great Village Pub Serving fantastic pub food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Cheddleton Bridge (42),
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The Black Lion, Cheddleton
A traditional & homely country pub offering a great selection of real ales,wines & proper pub food!
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Cheddleton Bridge (42),
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The Flintlock at Cheddleton
Local food in the heart of
the Staffordshire Moorlands. The Flintlock is an informal fine dining restaurant with a large lounge area.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canal Towpath,
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Mini-market chain, open every day for groceries, alcoholic beverages & newspapers.
Beautiful canal side Marston's pub that offers a warm, friendly service and a lovely atmosphere!
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Basford Bridge (44),
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Rural mill complex dating back to the Middle Ages featuring 2 water wheels, a cottage & a museum. The mill race takes water from the river Churnet.
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Cheddleton Flint Mill can be visited all year round and is not subject to specific opening hours.
Interior access to the various buildings is only possible on days supported by volunteers.
Volunteer days are Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10:00 to 16:00.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Cheddleton Bridge (42),
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The Black Lion, Consall Forge
Nestled snuggly in the heart of Churnet Valley lies the Black Lion Pub, a fine example of Staffordshire tradition. Offering a superb range of award winning ales and ciders. A real delight to discover!
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Colsall Forge Moorings,
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Churnett Valley Railway (Consall Station)
A heritage Railway offering nostalgic steam train rides through the Staffordshire Moorlands, meandering through the hidden beauty of the Churnet Valley, just a stone's throw from the enchanting outskirts of the Peak District
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: London Bridge (50B),
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Froghall Winding Hole and Tunnel
We recommend turning at the winding hole just before Froghall tunnel, since headroom is very restricted and the canal only extends a further 300m anyway before the terminus is reached.
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Feel free to moor and walk over the top if you want to see the end of the line, before heading back the way you came to stop the night in Cheddleton
Location: On Google Maps
Section Summary: 15 miles, 11 locks, 8 hours cruising
Cheddleton to Stoke-on-Trent
Back along the Caldon Canal today to moor for the night at Stoke-on-Trent's Festival Park.
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Points of Interest
Handy convenience store and cashpoint a short walk from the canal.
Freshly cooked Mediterranean food, cocktails and local cask ale, served with a smile at exceptional value, in a beautifully restored early 1900 pub
Lockside at Greenway Hall
Restaurant serving good food, delicious drinks, and great company are the perfect ingredients for a memorable night out. We use only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, sourced from local farms and producers, to create dishes that are both delicious and authentic.
The Sportsman, Stockton Brook
Traditional pub in the heart of Stockton Brook.
Serving great ales and a fantastic selection of draught and bottled spirits
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Towpath Moorings,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Tradition Marston's Pub. Dogs welcome on a lead. Beer garden
Friendly pub with the traditional two-roomed layout being separated by a central bar. There is a smoking area and garden with bench tables to the rear,
Click to show more
Click to show less
Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Milton bridge (18),
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Well regarded pub serving Real Ale. Delicious pork pies and scotch eggs are available all day along with other bar snacks.
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Etruria Trent & Mersey Canal Visitor Moorings with rings,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Toby Carvery, Festival Park
Timeless family chain restaurant serving roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puds.
Section Summary: 12 miles, 14 locks and 8 hours cruising.
Stoke-on-Trent to Stone
Now heading back toward Autherley, today sees you head towards Stone
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Points of Interest
Timeless family chain restaurant serving roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puds.
Home to Stoke-on-Trent's most prestigious brand, Wedgwood, and the galleries of the V&A Wedgwood Collection. Our multi-experience site houses our hands-on Creative Studios, Wedgwood Factory, Wedgwood Tea Room, and a diverse range of retail outlets, delicious eateries and bars.
A market town in Staffordshire, Stone is a popular stop on the Trent & Mersey canal. The listed facilities are just a small selection of what's available here.
Click to show more
Click to show less
Location: On Google Maps
Links to more information:
Points of Interest in Stone
Traditional pub right next to the star lock
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
A thriving freehouse in a carefully renovated Grade II listed building, close to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Eight hand pumps serve ever-changing beers. There's also real cider on draught. Strictly adults only, dog friendly, and the pub does not serve food.
Click to show more
Click to show less
Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 93,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Supermarket a short walk from the canal
Wetherspoon's Chain pub in the old post office
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 83,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Indian Restaurant and takeaway with online ordering
Section Summary: 10 miles, 14 locks and 6 & 1/2 hours Cruising
Stone to Stafford
Head south to Great Haywood junction, (home of Shugborough Hall) , then turn onto the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal, through the beautiful 'Tixall Wide' to finish your day on the outskirts of Stafford.
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Points of Interest
The junction of the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
Points of Interest in Great Haywood
We offer a fine selection of cask-conditioned ales and guest beers together with a wide choice of freshly prepared, value for money meals and snacks.
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Trentlane Bridge (73),
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
A stately home and estate near Great Haywood, Staffordshire, England. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public.
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Trentlane Bridge (73),
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
A body of water resembling a lake on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal. Supposedly built so a local landowner would not have his view spoiled, This makes a good turning point on your Journey.
Click to show more
Click to show less
Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Links to more information:
Handy supermarket a short walk from the canal.
The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse
Budget comfort food and daily carvery in family pub-restaurant branch, with sport on TV and garden.
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Radford Bridge (98),
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Section Summary: 14 miles, 5 locks and just under 7 hours cruising
Stafford to Cross Green
Wending your way back down the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal brings you back to the Anchor in for your last night before returning the boat to base in the morning
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Points of Interest
A Small village to the south of Stafford.
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Points of Interest in Penkridge
Canalside pub serving traditional 'pub grub'
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Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
The Boat Inn Penkridge was built at the same time as the Staffs and Worcs Canal in 1779 and is one of the old 'Gateways' to the Village, for many years it was the first or last stopping point, as locals and visitors travelled along the Cannock Road. Now a modernised Gastro-Pub & Restaurant, serving a range of menus including traditional hearty British meals, Bottomless Brunch and Sunday Roasts.
Click to show more
Click to show less
Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 86,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Store close the the canal, handy for topping up provisions
Canal side pub dating back to the late 1700's. Offer pub classics & seasonal dishes, and with a well stocked bar.
Click to show more
Click to show less
Pictures: click for a bigger image
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
Click for Route Map.
Links to more information:
Section Summary: 13 miles, 11 locks, 7 & 1/2 hours cruising
Cross Green to Autherley
Return your boat before 9.00am.
Section Summary: 3 miles, 1 lock, 1 hour 20 minutes cruising
Guidebooks / Maps
Pearson's Guide: Four Counties Ring Companion
This Companion is the 9th edition of the perennially popular Four Counties Ring cruising circuit, but additionally features the whole of the Trent & Mersey Canal, the beautiful Caldon Canal and for the first time in this guide the curiously overlooked Weaver Navigation.
Buy at Amazon
