Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Wednesday 7th January 2009

Caldon Canal

Could this beautiful canal through Staffordshire be England's most scenic waterway?

Built as a branch of the cross-country Trent & Mersey, this picturesque waterway from Stoke-on-Trent to the heart of Staffordshire has assumed the status of a canal in its own right. Its final miles run through an area known as 'Little Switzerland', with only a preserved steam railway to disturb the peace.

The Caldon runs for 18 miles from Stoke to Froghall, with a three-mile branch to Leek. On leaving the industrial environs of the Potteries, the canal becomes increasingly picturesque as it follows the Churnet Valley - even sharing the river's course for a while.

Download a Guide and map to Stoke-on-Trent’s Canals