A. Access to the canal is at Bridge 39; launch and turn towards and past the canalside houses; in the direction of Cheddleton. It is a very gentle journey towards the village of Cheddleton.

B. Immediately after the A520 bridge there are two locks to portage, via the towpath on the left. On the right is a small chapel; the birthplace of the Methodist Church in the area.

C. After almost another mile Cheddleton Station and the Boat Inn are reached. The River Churnet flows a few metres away and will follow the canal until they eventually join, just over a mile down river, at Lock 16.

D. At lock 16 the tow path moves to the right bank. Egress left, just before the lock and walk over the humpback bridge to
get in, down a concrete step. For the next mile river and canal follow the same water course.

E. At Consall Forge the river diverges away to the right and tumbles down a large and potentially dangerous weir to a basin 3 metres below.

F. You are around 4 miles into your journey; a good place to take a break or enjoy refreshments at the Black Lion; a quaint, rustic pub. Consall Forge Lime Kilns are set back on the right bank along with an interesting tiled seat memorial. This is part of Consall Nature Park.

G. The railway continues to run alongside the canal and soon Consall Station comes into view. The platform here forces the canal into a narrow channel of just one boat width.

H. Enter Booths Wood. On the canal overflow chutes occur at various points, to allow excess water to flow into the River Churnet. For safety, paddle to the right of the canal, away from them. This is particularly true after bridge 50b, where an incoming stream can cause a large outflow down the 45 degree chute, to the river below.

I. At Flint Lock (no. 17), portage on the left, via the towpath. Note the warning sign and red and white strips at the lock exit gate, which act as a template to ensure boats will fit through Froghall Tunnel.

J. At just over 6 miles the Froghall Tunnel is reached; a low tunnel, 75 yards (68m) in length. Unpowered boats may use this but must have a bright white, forward facing light on each boat. If you do not have this, or would prefer not to paddle, you can portage on the right, via the flat towpath which crosses a main road.

K. The concrete eyesore on the right bank is the demolished remains of Thomas Bolton’s copper works. It’s now only a few hundred metres to your finish point at Froghall Wharf.