Cycling along the Trent & Mersey Canal

Almost all of the Trent & Mersey Canal is open to cyclists, as detailed below. Please cycle with great care and courtesy to others, observing the Waterways Code for Cyclists. You must display a valid British Waterways cycling permit on your cycle at all times. You can download one free of charge.

• Derwent Mouth to Weston upon Trent (Bridge 11) (8.3km): Cycling permitted.

• Bridge 11 to Bridge 13 (2.2 km): No cycling permitted - towpath unsuitable.

• Cuttle Bridge (Bridge 13) to Swarkestone (Bridge 14) (0.2 km): Part of the Derby to Melbourne cycle route.

• Bridge 14 to Bridge 16 (2 km): Narrow and uneven - take extra care. If in doubt, dismount.

• Bridge 16 to Egginton (Bridge 26) (9.9 km): Cycling permitted.

• Bridge 26 to Bridge 30 (2.3 km): Narrow and uneven - take extra care. If in doubt, dismount.

• Bridge 30 to Barton-under-Needwood (10 km): Cycling permitted.

• Bridge 38 to Alrewas (Bridge 46) (4.5 km): Narrow and uneven - take extra care. If in doubt, dismount.

• Bridge 46 to Handsacre (Bridge 59) (11.2 km): Cycling permitted.

• Bridge 59 to Armitage (Bridge 60) (0.8 km): Narrow and uneven - take extra care. If in doubt, dismount.

• Bridge 60 to Rugeley (Bridge 65) (3.7 km): Cycling permitted.

• Bridge 65 to Bridge 66 (0.7 km): Narrow and uneven - take extra care. If in doubt, dismount.

• Bridge 66 to Colwich Lock (5.9 km): Cycling permitted.

• Colwich Lock to Trentham Lock (25km): Extra care necessary - towpath is very narrow.

• Trentham Lock to Harecastle Tunnel (12km): British Waterways has upgraded 2km of the Etruria-Harecastle section for cyclists, and is now working on the next 5km. Please take extra care - this section is popular with walkers. Do not speed. Dismount along narrow sections.

• Harecastle Tunnel: No towpath. Alternative route via country lanes.

• Harecastle Tunnel to Preston Brook Tunnel (49km): Take extra care - towpath is narrow. Do not speed. Dismount when encountering other users.

Some sections of the Trent & Mersey Canal are heavily locked, particularly the 'Cheshire Locks'. Please take care when cycling downhill past locks and do not speed.

Cycling routes

Unfortunately we don’t currently have any information on cycling routes along the Trent & Mersey Canal.

If you know of any, please tell us by emailing feedback@waterscape.com. We’re always happy to add information to waterscape.com.