The Trent and Mersey canal is one of the longest canals in the country. Stretching 93 miles from Cheshire, through Staffordshire and Derbyshire, it’s a stretch that can be paddled from many different access points. There’s something for everyone along the Trent and Mersey canal. And, like many of the other canals across the country, this one is dotted in history all along the way.
There are a few points of interest to note. Starting at the north of the canal, the Cheshire plains can be marvelled at towards the beginning close to Dutton. There’s also the towering Anderton Boat Lift, nicknamed the ‘cathedral of the canals,’ as well as the rich heritage of the Stoke Potteries that you will paddle right through the centre of should you choose to paddle in the Staffordshire section.
Anything else you might need to know about the canal? Fradley Junction is a great place to stop off for a picnic stop. There’s plenty to see and do there where the Trent and Mersey meets the Coventry canal. There are sculpture trails and pond dipping platforms, plus a network of walking and cycle tracks for a family day out.
One last thing… this stretch also contains the Harecastle Tunnel. A 1.5 mile long canal tunnel. Please make sure you don’t paddle through this without express prior permission from the Canal & River Trust!
