The Caldon Canal
At last we got the chance to cruise the Caldron Canal. We passed it by in 1985 due to pressure of time, and never seemed to get back that way. But in June we hired a magnificent Black Prince boat, and as well as the Macclesfield, headed up the Caldon Canal. Now the introduction to the Caldon isn’t all that inspiring.Cruising in from the Trent and Mersey is fine with the statue of Brindley gazing down, and the Etruria Industrial Museums building on the right. The staircase locks are very heavy going, and as we went through a few kids with nothing better to do were hanging around asking for a lift. The trip through Hanley Park was quite pretty, but again lots of bored youths hanging around made us feel a bit edgy.Once through bridges 5a and 5b, there is a glimpse of things to come with a fine view over the countryside. But then it is back to industry with the remains of the potteries lofty bottle kilns and buildings on display. But, as the Waterway Routes DVD says, don’t knock it, that’s why the canal is here! And an effort is being made with a lot of clearing, without destroying all the heritage, and new housing being put up.There is some tight turns on the Caldon, especially by bridge 14, and by the Foxley just after bridge 16a. The Ivy House lift bridge, the only mechanized lift bridge on the system, is easy to operate. The two barriers have to be lowered by hand, (careful, they come down pretty fast!) and it’s just a matter of using the BW key and following the instructions.From here on, it is a truly lovely cruise, with rural views and trees forming canopies over the waterways
Milton is a pleasant friendly village with a great little book shop, Abacus that has been there 18 years. But be quick, he says he is retiring soon! There is also a hairdresser, (also been there 20 years, an ex potter) a couple of butchers, (both very good) a chemist, off license, Co-Op, Post Office and a few pubs. The Millrace is an old neat Marston’s pub with wooden beams and a beer garden. The Miners Arms is on the village side of the canal.It is also worth a stop at bridge 21, one of a few lift bridges on the Caldon and following the lane down to the village of Norton Green. An attractive little place, you will find on the right a tastefully decorated pub with the delightful name on the Foaming Quart. Despite having on the T.V. a replay of an old Test Match featuring Australia being beaten by England, this was a really enjoyable pub. The 5 locks at Stockton Brook are easy to operate. They are set in attractive surroundings, with the last two having sculptures similar to the one at Trevor. A forlorn disused pumping station stands deserted on one side, and stables that appear to be in the process of renovation are at the top lock. Mooring along here isn’t easy, we moored after the top lock and walked a fair way back to enjoy a pint of Pedigree at The Sportsman’s, another fine Marston’s Pub. 
Just before Bridge 27 the canal is obstructed a bit by a structure that used to carry a light railway swing bridge. Beyond this, under the bridge in Endon Basin, is the Endon Boat Club. It is a sharp turn to the right, on to Park Lane Wharf and Endon
At the village of Endon is a shop that sells cards to operate the launderette at Park Lane Wharf, and other launderettes on the system, including the one at the top of the Bossley flight on the Macci. But the cost 10 pounds, as they can also be used for pump outs. We didn’t bother. Also, the farm shop at Endon seems to have closed. There are two water points, and rubbish disposal here. The scenery now is very attractive, and it only gets better, with sweeping views across the countryside. The locks at Hazlehurst Junction are also easy to operate with the old lock keepers cottage alongside.. We headed down the locks, under the beautiful aqueduct, and moored by the fabulous Holly Bush Hotel. As you head under the aqueduct, the site of the old staircase locks can be seen on the right, where a narrow boat is moored. The moorings here are excellent, with the pub on one side, and cattle grazing on the meadow on the opposite side. The village of Longsdon is a fair walk away, the New Inn has gone, and the other pub there, The Wheel, wasn’t open.But the Holley Bush was in fine form, with excellent meals, real ales, and excellent seating both inside and outside. The Cheddleton Locks are very easy to operate, but mooring there for the pubs is difficult. The moorings by the Boat, at Cheddleton, are a bit limited, with one spot right by the pub, and the next spots past lock 45, and under bridge 45. It’s a bit of a walk back, but worth it.. Here at Cheddelton you will find the very welcoming Boat Inn, with plenty of outside tables, and good dining area. There is also Castro’s, right by bridge 43, and a post office/shop up the hill, and if you fancy the walk, a fish and chip shop and shop right at the top of the hill. The Cheddleton Flint Mill is well worth a visit, by bridge 42, with the two huge water wheels, remains of kilns, and rail tracks. Couldn’t find Vienna however. 
It’s a nice little village and a pleasant place to wander around.If you have time visit the Churnet Valley Railway, with its well preserved station building and steam locos. The time we were there the volunteers were happily shunting, preparing for the next day’s trips, and our day was accompanied by the nostalgic sounds of steam
Lift Bridge 47A is usually open. Joining the Churnett from Oakmeadow Lock is one of the highlights of the journey. The indicator on bridge 48 shows if the river is safe to travel on and there is a winding hole at the bridge if things look a little rough. All was well for us, and we breezed on to the river with no problems.
The best moorings at Consall Forge are on the left, just before the weir, where the water point is. There is also a spot just opposite the pub, just past the weir. Here there are also the remains of the kilns, with a handy explanation of how it all used to work. The Black Lion, probably one of the best located pubs on the canals, is a superb spot to relax. Just grab a pint, sit on one of the many outside tables, and chat to the chooks while the boats glide by. Meals are available, and, be warned, HUGE! I could not finish my chicken and bacon. 
The journey from Consall Forge, we are back on the canal. It is an interesting stretch of water as the supports for the Consall Forge railway station platform is within easy reach as you sail beneath it. The Consall Forge Pottery is between bridges 50B and 51, well worth a stop. As one descends through Flint Mill lock, there is a gauge showing whether the boat will fit through Froghall Tunnel. Ours failed, so we didn’t attempt it. From Cherry Eye Bridge on there are several narrow sections, and it is best to have a crew member walk in front to warn of oncoming boats. The winding hole at Froghall comes upon you unannounced, on the left just after the last bridge. Moorings are right opposite, and they are provided with mooring rings. For those whose boat will not fit through the tunnel, it is a pleasant walk into Froghall. There are lots of information signs around, a shop selling ice creams and souvenirs, and interesting remains of the past glories of Froghall. The trip boat is lying at the wharf, there is a delightful little shop selling souvenirs and ice creams, but no other shops. The Railway Hotel is located up the hill, obviously, by the railway. The lock at Froghall has now been refurbished, allowing boats able to fit through the tunnel to get down to new moorings. It is a delightful relaxing area with new picnic grounds, a far cry from the activity of years gon by. Just before the tunnel does a 70 foot winding hole for those not wanting to continue through to Leek. Here also is arguably one of the finest mooring spots on the system, a large basin overlooking the surrounding countryside.The final turning point past bridge 9, from here it is a dreary walk into the town of Leek. It is worth the walk however, as leek boasts a fine selection of shops, some excellent eating spots, a Morrisons, and an indoor butter market on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.We found the Caldon a pretty and enjoyable cruise.We suggest getting through the staircase locks nice and early, and not mooring before bridge 18 at Milton. Both Pearson and Nicholson have the Caldon Canal covered in their Four Counties Ring and Welsh Waters Guides, see below.
Four Counties Ring - Pearson's Canal Companion (Pearson's Canal Companions S.)
Collins Nicholson Waterways Guide 4: Four Counties & the Welsh Canals (Waterways Guides)
There is a new seies of canal guide DVD's made by a group called Warerway Routes. These are up to date, and of excellent quality. The Caldon Canal DVD covered in the Four Countie Ring DVD. This is a very good DVD right up to date with interesting comments and brilliant filmwork.
And have a look at the site of the
Caldon and Uttoxeter Canal Trust.
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The first real mooring spot is between bridges 18 and 19.
From Cheddleton it’s a quiet, remote cruise amongst thick greenery, to Oakmeadow Lock, where the Caldon joins the River Churnett.
