Walking the length of the Trent & Mersey Canal

Question: - Why walk 92 miles on the canal towpath?

Answer: - We like walking and it’s something we have talked about doing for some considerable time. It has also given us a great sense of achievement.

(Words by Eric Harlow)

Introduction
Over 12 months ago during one of our sunday morning walks both Richard and myself said that it would be nice to see what the rest of the Trent & Mersey Canal looked like in comparison to the stretches that we are familiar with locally.

Our wives were agreeable to us spending a week away from home, providing they didn’t have to join us doing the walk.

Firstly we had to acquire the appropriate maps that covered the route of the canal from Preston Brook in Cheshire to Shardlow in Derbyshire.

Next it was what time of the year and how long we were going to take. Due to Richard’s work commitments it was decided we would start on Monday 27th April 2009 and finish on Saturday 2nd May 2009.

Allowing for a short walk of around 7miles on the Monday (we had to travel there on Monday morning) it meant a walking distance of approximately 17 miles on all the other days. On this basis we needed B&B accommodation for 4 nights and 1 night at home to complete the journey.

Surfing the internet we were able to find B&B accommodation, but not always in the most convenient distance to the towpath at the end of the days walk. Any major distance from the towpath we decided could be covered by public transport or taxi.

When all the arrangements were complete Richard suggested we make it a “Sponsored Walk” in aid of St Giles Hospice at Whittington near Lichfield. Once in contact with the Fundraising Dept., at St Giles Hospice they provided the Authorisation document and Sponsor forms, and we were ready to start looking for Sponsors.

As the time of the walk drew near we naturally had to make sure we had all the necessary clothing and equipment for any weather conditions, and everything required for our overnight stays.

With our goodbyes over we were on our way.

Day One

We left home around 9am on Monday 27th April for the journey by car to Preston Brook in Cheshire. Most of the way the weather was fine and dry, but we did run into some wet weather that didn’t bode well for our walk. Arriving in Preston Brook we saw a sign advertising a Chandlery so we knew we must be near the canal. Saying goodbye to Susan and Jessica we left the car and for the first time felt the weight of our rucksacks on our backs. Crossing the road we walked down a cobbled access road for a short distance before arriving on the canal towpath. The chandlery was on the opposite bank and the canal was the Bridgewater Canal. A man from the chandlery informed us that our start point was about 800 metres along the towpath to our right.

We followed the towpath under the road bridge and before long we reached Preston Brook Tunnel and the real start of our journey (it was now 11.10am). Moving on we followed the track up and over the tunnel top, pasing on the way a milepost stating Preston Brook 0 / Shardlow 92 (at this point Richard made the remark that he understood canal towpaths were all on the level. Ha. Ha). We eventually reach a main road and a pub on the left, aptly named The Tunnel Top. Turning left and then crossing over the road we follow the track down to the southern end of the tunnel, and then over to the other side of the canal. Continuing along the towpath (the towpath we are on is part of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk) with the canal on our left we reach our first lock “Dutton Stop Lock”. Before long we reach our first bridge “No 213”.

We continue forward but enjoying all the beautiful countryside around as we go.
One stretch in particular to our right and stretching as far as the eye could see the woodland floor was carpeted with bluebells in full bloom.

Reaching Black Prince Holidays (about 3.5miles) we decided it was time for a break so we left the towpath and followed the tarmaced lane alongside that took us to Davenport Farm Shop and Tea Rooms (about 50yards approx.). The Tea Rooms were very pleasant with the tables covered with lace tablecloths. The walls were displaying artwork by a few local artists (including the owner of the Tea Rooms). The Alice Room opened recently is themed on the story of Alice in Wonderland written by Lewis Carroll who was born in Daresbury, which is close by. A mural that is almost finished on one wall is being painted by the owner and when completed will be an excellent representation of the characters from the book. A room on the first floor is being set out to house an Art Gallery for work by local artists.

Having enjoyed a snack from the extensive menu and drinks from a range of teas and coffees it was time to continue our journey.

Back on the towpath it was not long before we reached the Saltersford Tunnel where once again we had to go over the top, as there is no towpath through it. Down on the towpath (canal still on our left) once more we eventually arrive at Barnton Tunnel where we have to go up and over yet again. As we get back onto the towpath we met our first narrowboat on the move, very surprising considering we had covered about 6 miles. Passing the time of day with the narrowboat occupants we continued and very shortly we reached the Anderton Boat Lift on our right (our destination for the day).

The Anderton Boat Lift was opened in 1875 to move boats between the Canal and the River Weaver 50 feet below. In 2002 the lift was reopened after extensive restoration. The new Operations Centre houses educational and visitor facilities. Boat trips are available through the system for a small charge. More information is obtainable on the website at www.andertonboatlift.co.uk After a short visit around the centre and time to take photographs we eventually made our way back to the towpath and over to the other side of the canal and onto the Stanley Arms pub where we waited for a taxi as our accommodation for the night was the Holly Bush Inn at Little Leigh which meant back tracking about 2miles.

Once established in our room followed by a nice shower we enjoyed a well-earned pint of local ale and an excellent evening meal, and then a good nights sleep.

The Holly Bush Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the country dating back to the 16th Century. There is a Grade II listing on the barn and pub, as it was originally a working farm. More information about the Holly Bush can be found at www.thehollybush.net

Day Two

After a well cooked Full English breakfast we left the Holly Bush by taxi to rejoin the canal towpath at Anderton and a full days walking ahead of us. Just before 9am we are on our way and in a very short distance we are passing Anderton Marina over to our left. As we reach a sharp right hand bend of the canal the wooded area of Marbury Country Park and Black Wood comes into view on our left and continues presenting an impressive landscape of trees and a carpet of bluebells on the woodland floor that continued for over 800yards. The landscape began to change as we reached the village of Marston and The Lion Salt Works on our right.

For the next mile the landscape was scattered with various buildings and factories relating to the production of salt for which Cheshire is well known.

Once past Broken Cross we passed Orchard Marina over to our left where the landscape started to change once again with Flash (derelict mine workings relating to the salt mines) areas appearing on both sides of the canal. These Flashes cover quite a large area and are like large lakes with reed beds and lots of wildlife. One of these Flashes actually breaks into the canal and makes it appear at first glance like a very wide river. Continuing we are now walking along a towpath with trees and bushes on the far side of the canal growing right down to the canal side and in some cases bending over the water. On the towpath side a similar situation is taking place but with the trees overhanging the towpath. We eventually reach and negotiate an aqueduct over the River Dane. In a short distance we reach a sign welcoming us to Middlewich and a little further on we arrive at Big Lock Inn, and a stopping point for lunch.

Fully refreshed we moved off passing a series of three locks before crossing the bridge over the Middlewich Canal. The weather started to deteriorate with rain falling steadily, as we continued along the towpath on the right hand side of the canal with the main A533 road running along our right hand side. For a while we have factories and properties blotting out the landscape all around us as we leave the Middlewich area. Once clear of all the industry we pass under the bridge that carries the A533 road between Middlewich and Sandbach. The main road is still running parallel to the canal but on the opposite side to the towpath.

The landscape now becomes more scenic over to our right, but properties are still very prominent on our left. The canal eventually bends to the right leaving the road to carry forward making the towpath once again a secluded and private area. As we continued trees and bushes once again enshrouded the towpath making it a very picturesque sight. Occasionally a property fronted the canalside on the far bank. Before long the canal passes under a bridge carrying a railway line. The canal now bends left and then right and at this point a large works is very prominent on our right. A little farther on and we are at Wheelock where numerous properties front the far side of the canal and a few adjoining the towpath. The rain was getting heavier as we passed through Wheelock and it was not long before we had to take shelter under the overhanging branches of the trees bordering the towpath.

Once clear of Wheelock the towpath became picturesque once more despite the rain, and eventually we reached a double lock (these are locks side-by-side enabling boats to negotiate the changes of water level without having to wait for the other to pass through). Continuing we passed a golf course on our right and eventually the towpath took us under the M6 Motorway. We eventually reached Lock 57 at Betchton that was the end of the days walk.

The rain had stopped but we still had over 1/2mile to walk to reach our accommodation for the night that was at Yew Tree Farm. Crossing over the canal bridge we walked through the village of Hassall Green, and at the right fork we continued to the main road with the New Inn pub over to our left. Once over the main road the entrance to our B&B was a driveway about 50yards on our right. The owners of the B&B (Sheila & Sydney Hollinshead) were very welcoming and made us feel at home straight away.

Once established in our room we showered, changed and then made our way to the New Inn pub for our evening meal. With our calories topped–up we returned to the B&B and after a bit of TV viewing we were ready for a good nights sleep.

Day Three

Today is Richard’s birthday and I was able to give him some cards that I have been keeping hidden for the last few days. Happy Birthday Richard.

An excellent bed, excellent breakfast, good company is what you get at Yew Tree Farm, Love Lane, Betchton.

It was after all the above that we were fit and ready for today’s section of our walk.
With a donation from Sydney towards our Charity we set off on a fine morning the short walk back to the canal and our start point for today. The towpath continues on the right hand side of the canal and the scenery is beautiful on either side of us. About a mile after we started we are crossing an aqueduct over a rather busy road (B5078).

A further 1/2mile and we are at Thurlwood Lock and at this point The South Cheshire Way crosses our path. Continuing we pass the village of Thurlwood where properties and their gardens are close to the canal over to our left. Within a mile a bridge carries the A5011 over the canal and shortly after we walk across “Snape’s Aqueduct” and on to Bridge 137 where we have to cross to the towpath on other side of the canal. The canal now makes a long sweep to the right and gives us more interesting scenery both to the left and the right, before we pass under a bridge carrying the A50 roadway. Continuing on the left hand side of the canal as it bends to the left we are still favoured with beautiful countryside. As the canal straightens out we are now in the
middle of three transport systems, a short distance over on our left is the busy A50 road, on the right the canal and beyond that a railway line. Before long we pass under the A34 road and almost immediately we walk under the aqueduct carrying the
Macclesfield Canal. Crossing over to the right hand side of the canal the area started to become more built up and industrialised. Continuing we eventually reached the junction of the Macclesfield Canal. We crossed over this canal using the bridge on our towpath. Once over the bridge a signpost at this point stated 47miles to Burton-upon-Trent. In a short distance we passed under a bridge carrying a railway line coming in from the left. The canal bends to the right and before long we passed under another bridge that carried the railway line that had been running parallel with us for the past mile or so. After about 300yards we reached the entrance to the Harecastle Tunnel at Kidsgrove. At this point of our walk we had to make a big decision [a] Walk the 2 miles over the top of the tunnel. or [b] Try and get a lift on a narrowboat through the tunnel.

Before we continue I must pass on a little bit of information about the Harecastle Tunnel. Harecastle Tunnel is actually two tunnels, though only one tunnel is navigable today. The first tunnel was engineered by James Brindley and took eleven years to construct and was completed in1777. Boatmen had to “leg” their boats through.

A second tunnel was eventually needed to relieve congestion in the first and was constructed by Thomas Telford. This second tunnel was opened in 1827 after 3years of work and included a towpath. Both tunnels were used for one-way traffic in opposite directions. The first tunnel was eventually closed due to local mining subsidence. The Telford Tunnel remains open today but the towpath has been removed and also suffers from subsidence.

We decided on option [b] out of interest.

As we approached the tunnel a narrowboat was moored alongside the towpath. After reading the information regarding access to the tunnel at the Tunnel Keepers Office we decided to approach the boat owners to see if they would be prepared to take us through. We introduced ourselves and told them what we were doing and asked them if they would take us through the tunnel. They told us their names (Martin & Ingrid) and that they were from Norway and that they had hired the boat for a holiday. They agreed almost immediately for us to join them for the trip through the tunnel but we had to wait about 40minutes before boats from this side of the tunnel would be allowed to enter.

Eventually two boats came from the tunnel and once clear of the entrance the Tunnel Keeper gave the all clear for us to enter, but not until the spotlight on the front of the boat was working (no lighting in the tunnel). After trying a few switches the light shone forth allowing us to proceed, and we entered a whole new environment.

Richard and myself sat in the bow of the boat, which gave us a perfect viewing platform for the journey. A few yards into the tunnel it became obvious why a good spotlight was needed. It soon started to become colder and everywhere the brickwork was running with water. The further we got into the tunnel small stalactites hung from the roof. The brickwork in various places was very irregular which made the roof height quite low in places. Every 100yards or so the distance from the start of the tunnel was painted on the wall, and once passed the halfway point the distance to the end of the tunnel was identified. Eventually we saw the “light at the end of the tunnel” and after almost 3000 yards we were out in the open once more. It was a very interesting and enjoyable journey. Martin steered the boat over to the right to allow us to alight onto the towpath to continue our walk. As we said our thanks and goodbyes we shook hands, Martin gave us a donation to our charity.

Continuing forward factories are a prominent feature on both sides of the canal and then around a bend and on our right is Westport Lake. A little further on we enter Longport and a sign on the towpath advertises the “ Packhorse Inn” situated a few yards from the towpath on our right. An ideal time and place for lunch.

Refreshed we walk back the short distance to the towpath and we are on our way once more. Still keeping the canal to our left we leave the area of Longport and enter Middleport where we saw our first bottle kiln situated close by the canal. Continuing the landscape opened up on the right but over to the left industrial buildings still encroached on the land down to the canal side. Before long a few buildings replaced the landscape on our right, one of which was a Leisure Centre as we entered the Etruria area of the Potteries (Lock 40 and the canal now falls all the way to Shardlow). A little further to the left was a Marina and boat yard, just before we passed under the A53 road. About another ¼ mile and we reached the junction where the Caldon Canal joins the Trent & Mersey Canal. We were now in a very built-up area with locks about every 1/4mile over the next mile. All at once the railway is one side of us and the busy A500 the other. A little further on and we reach the bridge carrying the A52 Road over the canal and today’s walk is over.

A taxi conveyed us to the Northwood Hotel our B&B for the night. Once spruced up we had a taxi take us into Hanley to a Chinese Restaurant and an enjoyable meal and drink to celebrate Richard’s birthday.

The hotel was basic but clean.

Day Four

Another excellent Full English Breakfast this morning that made for a good start to a days walking. Having paid the bill and then a taxi ride we were at our start point for the continuation of our walk.

With the canal on our left we set off along a very well maintained towpath that was part of a regeneration programme of the whole area. It was not long before we passed under the A50 roadway that brought the Britannia Stadium into view over to our left.

Once again the railway was now running parallel with the canal over on our left, but on the right we had open fields (whilst on this stretch we watched a fox crossing one of these open fields). The canal bends to the right (the railway keeps straight on) and passes through the built–up area of Trentham. Once through Trentham the landscape opened up again with a wooded area over on the left and open fields to the right. It was not long before we reached Barlaston but within 1/2mile we were clear and back in open countryside yet again. Within a short distance the railway ran parallel with the canal for about 3/4mile after which the canal bends to the right away from the railway. With Meaford Hall over to the right we continued forward keeping the canal on our left, and before long a sign on the canal bank on the other side of the canal “Welcomes visitors to STONE, Birthplace of the Trent & Mersey Canal”. A little further on and we arrived at the “Star Inn” that was situated alongside the canal.

The time was right the pub was right so it was time for lunch, although we did have to wait about 10 minutes for the pub to open.

The “Star Inn“ predates the Trent & Mersey Canal by about 100 years. The pub is
also in the Guinness Book of Records as the English pub with more levels to it than any other pub. One certainly has to mind your head and watch your step as you pass from room to room; fortunately I’m only 5ft 6ins so it didn’t cause me any problem.

After and enjoyable sandwich a pint of Real Ale and a pleasant chat it was time to be on our way (an elderly lady made us a small but most appreciated donation as she left the pub with her friends).

Out of the pub door and we were on the towpath and on our way once more, keeping the canal on the left. After about ½ hour of enjoyable walking we arrived at Aston Lock, it is 1.32pm and we are at the halfway stage of our walk - Preston Brook 46miles/ Shardlow 46miles. We continued forward with the landscape on each side of the canal opening up into a beautiful panorama of glorious countryside. Meandering alongside the canal to our right and at the same level as the canal was the River Trent. We had seen the river in the distance earlier in the day but then it appeared only as a stream. Once again we are in the midst of a busy thoroughfare with the river on the right the railway on the left and beyond that the A51 roadway. However all is not lost as all at once beyond the road and set in beautiful parkland Sandon Hall came into view. This parkland was in view for almost a mile before the canal veered away from the road and the rail line, and then another ½ mile and we reached Weston-upon-Trent and the end of another days walking.

Leaving the towpath we crossed over the bridge and followed the A518 alongside the village to the A51 road. Turning left and then after about 200 yards we turned right onto the A518 and walked along this very busy road for approximately one mile to reach Amerton Farm and Craft Centre that was our B&B for the night.

We were met at the Farm House by a very enthusiastic host, with tea and coffee soon being made available to us. Drinks over and introductions made we were shown our room that once again was very pleasant and most welcome.

Today had taken its toll on our feet and we were pleased to take the weight off our feet to ease the pressure on the rather large blisters.

Our evening meal was very enjoyable in the comfort of the Craft Centre Tea Room, which meant we didn’t have far to walk to our room once our appetite had been satisfied. Once we had treated our blisters and a watched a bit of TV it was an early night for us both.

Day five

Not a good morning for me when I woke, as I was unable to move my head in any direction without lots of pain. Over breakfast (another excellent Full English) we came to the conclusion that the stiffness was caused by the excessive weight of my rucksack (about 20% of my body weight). Breakfast over and after much discussion we were transported by car to the canal by Bill our hosts’ husband. The accommodation and friendliness of our hosts and other guests had been superb.

Once back on the towpath and the canal on our left we moved off slowly feeling the pain from the blisters with every step, and every step I took vibrating through to my
painful neck. It was not long after we left the outskirts of Weston the landscape once more opened-up to beautiful countryside. To our left were open fields stretching over to the A51 road running parallel to the canal. To the right the River Trent was still meandering alongside, and beyond that the land climbed slowly into wooded park land. Before long the railway line appeared once more on the left between the canal and the road and continued to run parallel with us as we approached Great Haywood.

Just before Great Haywood the towpath took us over a bridge spanning the point where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal joins the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Once over the bridge the towpath is now part of “The Way for the Millennium” which with the “Staffordshire Way” spans the length and width of the county.

A further ¼ mile and the Staffordshire Way crosses our path close by Shugborough Hall. Continuing forward and in a short distance over to our right we gained an excellent view of the Hall. The rail line still ran parallel with the canal on our left but travelling through a wooded area for the next ¾ mile. As the wooded area ended the outskirts of Little Haywood was visible beyond the railway. Before long we pass under a bridge carrying another rail line that joined-up with the one on the left and then both lines moved away from the canal both on the left and right. Another 200 yards and we reached Colwich Lock that looked very impressive with a lock keeper’s cottage standing proud on the opposite bank to the towpath. Once past the lock and Colwich village over to the left the A51 was once more visible, and the A513 visible beyond the river on the right. Beyond the river and road and rising up was a wooded area that was the start of Cannock Chase. We passed under the A51 at WolseleyBridge, and almost immediately over to the left was the very impressive Bishton Hall. Once past the hall the landscape on both sides of the canal opened-up to meadowland with cattle occupying a few of the fields.

The canal eventually took a sharp turn to the right and in a short distance passed over the River Trent at Brindley Bridge on the Northern outskirts of the town of Rugeley. Continuing forward on the left bank of the canal a few properties and industrial units were visible on the left, but on the opposite bank very attractive properties with well maintained gardens stretching down to the canal side made an enjoyable sight.

Along this stretch of the canal the width for a about a 100 yards is wide enough for only one narrowboat to travel at any one time. We eventually passed under a bridge carrying a rail line, and almost immediately over to our left and over-powering the landscape was Rugeley Power Station. More properties occupied the right hand bank many having well established gardens, and some even having boats moored alongside.

Eventually “The Ash Tree” pub occupied the right hand bank with a road bridge spanning the canal in front of us. At this point we decided that we should finish walking for the day as our feet were very painful and my neck was still causing me a lot of discomfort. We left the towpath and headed to the pub for a late lunch and to wait for our transport home. Richard’s wife Wendy came and picked us up in the car.

Day six

Overnight we made the decision to reduce the daily mileage; this obviously meant that we would have to take a further two days to complete the walk.

After breakfast Wendy drove us back to “The Ash Tree” pub so that we could continue the walk from where we finished yesterday. Back on the towpath and with the canal on our right we were back in walking mode. With only a small backpack walking was so much easier and as far as I was concerned less painful. For a short distance the A513 road ran alongside the towpath on the left. Eventually the canal bends to the left just past the “Plum Pudding” pub.

We continued forward and the railway line became visible in front of us and at this point the canal took a sharp turn to the right (at this point “The Way for the Millennium” footpath turned sharp left away from the towpath). For the next ¾ mile we had the properties of the outskirts of Armitage and Handsacre over to our right and open fields to the left. We passed under a bridge carrying the A513 road at Handsacre and directly over on the right and along the canalside was a pub “The Swan “ displaying a very prominent “Bass” sign on the side of the building. For the next mile and a half we passed through open countryside beyond the hedge that bordered the towpath. Some of the fields were cultivated and some with grazing cattle. Trees occasionally lined the towpath and wild flowers intermingled with the grass and weeds.

We eventually reached the entrance to Kings Bromley Wharf on our right, with many boats occupying the moorings beyond the entrance. The next mile was very picturesque with a wooded area (Ravenshaw Wood) on the right with the branches of some of the trees and shrubs bending over the canal. More cultivated fields were beyond the hedgerow on our left. Another mile and passing between woods on both sides of the canal we reached the very busy area of Fradley Junction (where the Coventry Canal joins the Trent & Mersey Canal). The canalside is very well accommodating for boaters and visitors alike with cafes, shop, giftshops and The Swan Inn. We have been regular visitors to this area over the years. To the rear of the pub is a Caravan site set in a lovely wooded area. A pint of Real Ale in the pub and then crossing to the other side of the canal we enjoyed lunch in a café situated near the Information Centre and Visitors Car Park.

Refreshed we crossed back to the left hand side of the canal and continued through open countryside once more before passing through the village of Alrewas. Shortly after leaving the village a lock allows passage of boats onto the River Trent that the canal joins for about 300yards. A footbridge over the river allows pedestrians to continue to follow the canal as it flows into the river. A short walk along the riverbank and the canal branched off to the left and the village of Wychnor.

About ½ mile past the village we reached Wychnor Lock where we had to cross over to the other side of the canal. Continuing forward with the canal on the left we had the A38 (the old Roman Road, Ryknild Street) running parallel with us beyond the hedgerow on the right (in places the road seemed as close to us on the right as the canal was on the left). Open fields spread out beyond the canal on the left, but it was not long before the village of Barton under Needwood appeared beyond the fields. A little further on we reached the entrance to Barton Turns Marina, and after about 500 yards we reached Barton Turns and the bridge that was the end of today’s walk.

Leaving the towpath we had to make our way to the Marina where Wendy was going to pick us up for the journey home. As we reached the “Waterfront” pub we saw Wendy waiting for us by the corner of the pub, but as we approached her we saw around the corner all our family waiting to greet us. This was such a lovely surprise and made the whole walk worthwhile, despite the blisters and painful neck. After leaving the Marina we were all invited to Richard and Wendy’s for a buffet in celebration of Richard’s birthday. All had a lovely time.

Day seven

It was sunday morning so it was just like our normal sunday morning walk as Susan joined us for today’s section of our “Sponsored Walk”. Wendy once again provided the transport to take us back to Barton Turns that was our start point for today.

Moving off with the canal on our left and the A38 still keeping close to us on the right we were heading closer to the end of our journey. Open fields are beyond the canal on the left, but industrial buildings obscure the landscape beyond the road on our right. After about ½ mile the canal veered left and industrial buildings occupied the land between the towpath and the A38. Another mile and we reached the 40 acre Branston Water Park on our right and a short distance further on we were at the “Bridge Inn” at Branston.

Continuing forward open fields accompany us on each side, but once we passed under the next bridge (carrying the A38) industrial buildings once more towered over us on the right. About ¾ mile further on and we reached Shobnall Marina on our right, over to our left was Marstons Brewery, also at this point was the end of the footpath “The Way for the Millennium”. Passing under the bridge by the marina properties back on to the towpath, the gardens making full use of the water frontage and on the left are Shobnall Fields (local leisure area). Continuing we reached a footbridge spanning the canal and at this point Cycle Route 54 joined the towpath from over the bridge and proceeded in our direction.

Proceeding we passed Dallow Lock, and after a further ½ mile we reached Horninglow Basin where murals are painted on the walls surrounding the far side of the Basin. The next ¾ mile with canal still on our left and the A38 beyond and running parallel with canal we eventually reached home territory (Princess Way, Stretton). Continuing we passed the Pirelli factory on our right and newly built housing on the opposite bank of the canal.

It was not long after passing the Pirelli factory (about ¼ mile) we passed the “Mill House” pub on our right. Close by at the next bridge is the Clay Mills Victorian Pumping Station.

In a little while we had the A5121 running parallel with the towpath on our right, but after ¼ mile we passed under a bridge carrying the road. Low lying fields on the right are now a prominent feature of the landscape as we eventually reach an aqueduct that carries the canal over the River Dove. Continuing we were in open countryside once more that was with us for approximately 2miles until we arrived at the village of Willington, with many moored boats along the towpath side of the canal. The canal passes around the outside of the village but facilities such as shops and pubs are close at hand for boaters. Around ¾ mile and we reached the entrance to the new “Mercia Marina”.

In a few yards we were at a footbridge that was the end of the days walk.

We crossed over the bridge and made our way to the Tea Room at the Marina to wait for Wendy to collect us and transport us home.

Day eight

It was the Bank Holiday today so Susan was able to join for the last leg of our walk.
Once again Wendy was the “Good Samaritan” and transported us back to the Marina to enable us to continue from where we finished yesterday.

Back on the towpath and with the canal on our left we continued forward in lovely countryside, but with the weather looking rather unsettled. Before long it started to rain, fortunately however it didn’t last long and it was not very heavy so the towpath didn’t materialise into a quagmire. As we approached Stenson, Bridge No 20 was in a dilapidated state. An official notice stated that the bridge had collapsed as a tractor and trailer were passing over it, and that it would be repaired as soon as possible at the end of the boating season.

Shortly after passing the collapsed bridge we reached Stenson Marina where boat trips were being advertised on a very smart looking narrowboat called The Stenson Bubble. Continuing we were still surrounded by open fields but running parallel to the towpath on our right was yet another rail line.

Eventually Barrow upon Trent is visible to the right beyond the rail line. Less than a mile further on and also on the right the village of Swarkestone came into view. A little further on we reached the junction where the disused Derby Canal joins the Trent & Mersey canal from the left. Also at this junction the “Cloud Trail” joins the towpath from the left. Shortly after passing Swarkestone lock the canal bends to the right and we passed under the rail line. Still continuing with the canal to our left, and still surrounded by open country we eventually reached “Sarson’s Bridge” that we passed under. Another ½ mile (approx) we reached a wooded area on the left, and the River Trent was visible for a short time on our right.

The canal made a long sweep to the left and the village of Weston-on-Trent came into view on the left. Just past Weston the canal and towpath passed under the rail line yet again. Before long the village of Aston-on-Trent came into view over to our left, but open countryside still commands the view on the right. Leaving the village of Aston behind we passed under the A50 roadway.

Continuing forward we eventually reached the “Clock” warehouse over to the left (under the clock in large letters is the word Navigation, a little lower down and in the same size lettering the words From the Trent to the Mersey). A little further on and over on the left are the refurbished buildings of the once warehouses of the inland port of Shardlow. At this point we got very excited as the milepost on the edge of the towpath stated Shardlow 0 /Preston Brook 92 which meant that we had achieved what we set out to do. Walk the 92 miles along the towpath of the Trent & Mersey Canal between Preston Brook and Shardlow. After the shaking of hands and the obligatory photographs at the milepost we left the towpath and headed to the pub for a celebratory drink and wait for a very patient Wendy to collect and whisk us home

Summary

We realised on Day five that we were not going to be able to complete the walk in the time that we had envisaged so it was as we reached the “Ash Tree” pub we decided to extend the finishing time until Monday 4th May. It now became obvious that we had over-estimated the distance we were able to walk each day.

Should we decide to enter into anything of this magnitude in the future, 15 miles per day maximum would be the objective. Lightening of the load we carried would also have to be looked into. It would also be advantageous if accommodation closer to the finishing point of the days walk was available.

The walk itself was very enjoyable with the weather being kind to us for majority of the time considering the time of the year. The towpath for the biggest part of the walk made for easy walking, with the towpath in Cheshire section being exceptional.

Everyone we met during the whole walk was pleasant and showed considerable interest in what we were doing, both the walk and sponsorship (particularly the Charity we had chosen). There were a lot of places of interest on the way that we would liked to have spent time in visiting but our time scale prevented us from doing this. However we completed something that we wanted to do for some considerable time. The photographs and video that we took and our memories will be a talking point for years to come. We both enjoyed the experience and are pleased that we were able to complete the distance although not in the time we had originally specified.
We have learnt many lessons in the organisation of something of this magnitude, but it has not made this walk any less interesting.

We both enjoyed every step of the way even with the blisters.

The canal has 73 locks, 4 tunnels and 230 bridges

Acknowledgements
Our wives Glenis and Wendy for supporting us during the whole of the preparation and during the days we were away.

Susan for accompanying us during the last two days of the walk.

St Giles Hospice for the support they gave us in supplying Authorization, sponsor forms and T-shirts.

Lastly all the people who sponsored us to the amount of £1,030-00

Last updated: 12/11/2009