The 18-mile Caldon canal stretches from the heart of Stoke-on-Trent into the Staffordshire countryside. It provides a welcome escape and a blue gym escape from busy city life.
The canal has a total of 17 locks along its route, but most of these are grouped into sections of 3 or 4. It means most of the canal is a low effort paddle with no portages. So if you don’t want to portage, head for a spot in between the locks!
Things to see on the Caldon Canal
The Caldon Canal was built to carry limestone for the iron industry and flint for the potteries. Along the section around Stoke you will see industrial buildings that display its history.
Further east from Stoke you might catch sight of the Churnet Valley Railway steam train chuffing past. This standard gauge heritage railway operates along part of the North Staffordshire Railway‘s (NSR) Churnet Valley Line.
Of you are looking for some peace and quiet the Caldon Canal is a superb place to head to. It flows through picturesque countryside and valleys, with flora and fauna aplenty.
This originally industrial canal has now ‘retired’ from its heave use days. Instead it provides a lovely haven for local wildlife and outdoor lovers to share the space.