Trent and Mersey Canal: Alrewas to Fradley Paddle Trail

1-2 hours

Duration

3.4 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Very Easy

Difficulty

DE13 7BE

Start Postcode

DE13 7BE

End Postcode

A. The start point is at the hump-back bridge in Alrewas. Put in and turn away from the bridge to travel south-east through the village.The very small river is the mill lade below Alrewas weir, not the main river.

B. The return route will be down the canal from the other direction, after the main river flowing downstream has met and joined the canal. This is one of the few places in the UK where this happens.

C. After the picturesque village of Alrewas, with many black-and-white houses, the first lock is reached at the A513 bridge.

D. After this, Bagnall Weir is alone after a long straight followed by the first of the Fradley Locks after another half mile.

E. You now negotiate Locks No. 14, Common Lock, Fradley Bottom, No. 15, Hunt’s Lock, No. 16, Keeper’s Lock, and then Fradley Junction Lock No. 17.

F. Fradley is said to be the second busiest junction in England, where the Coventry Canal joins. The Swan public house also stands here; a great place for you to refresh before retracing your journey back to your start point at Alrewas.

Discover More

The waterway was conceived in the mid-1700s by both Liverpool Corporation and Josiah Wedgewood of the Potteries, and the plan was for the Grand Trunk canal to link the ports of Liverpool and Hull. It was completed in 1777 and was the largest and most successful project for James Brindley. The ‘Grand Cross’ plan was to join the Mersey, Trent, Severn, and Thames, and it was mostly achieved.

The route is contained within a triangle formed by Rugeley to the west, Burton-on-Trent to the north, and Lichfield to the south.

The area has always been popular with narrowboat owners, perhaps because it is so accessible, the main A38 road running up from Alrewas to past Burton alongside the canal, and has been much more prominent since the National Arboretum and Memorial has been opened just over the other side of the A38 at Alrewas.

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/riverlevels

The National Arboretum is on the east side of Alrewas, the other side of the A38, and is open every day of the year, free, except for Christmas Day. There are the usual facilities here, including for people with disabilities, and a gift shop, etc. The River Tame, a Birmingham river, joins the Trent just outside the Arboretum area.

Lichfield is a pleasant cathedral town, and Burton-on-Trent is famous for its breweries.

Further useful information can be found on the following websites:

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Canal & River Trust, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.