Travel Section

In the 19th Century, they were originally built to underpin the industrial revolution, bringing the raw materials to The Potteries and ferrying the finished pots back out to the world.

In modern times, Staffordshire's canal network is now at the centre of the county's leisure and tourism industry with many thousands of people exploring the wonderful waterways on offer.

Narrow boat nerves

When asked to take an in-depth look at Staffordshire canals, I initially approached the subject with just a little trepidation. I had never set foot on a barge (sorry a narrow boat) and I was, I admit, largely ignorant of the network, its history and plans for regeneration.

Anyway, undaunted, on went the waterproofs and off I went to start my five day journey starting in Cheddleton where I met Graham Churton who along with skipper Pete Smith (pictured right) and Carl were to be my hosts for the day.

Graham and his colleages run the Beatrice charity which gives children the opportunity to spend time on the waterways learning practically how the narrow boat and the canal system works. I was shown how to handle the rudder and navigate through the canal network (hard work) and had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Leek basin

My time with Beatrice ended all too quickly and having made my goodbyes, I was soon on my way to my next location at Leek where I met Julie Arnold whose involved in an exciting project to restore the canal basin in Leek.

The project is currently under discussion, but having seen myself how areas of Birmingham at Gas Street and Brindley Place have been completely revitalised by the development of accommodation in the form of canal side apartments together with restaurants, bars and offices it was easy to share Julie’s enthusiasm for the project.

Etruria Industrial Museum

Day three and my journey took me down the Caldon canal to the Etruria Industrial Museum, situated at the junction of the Caldon and the Trent and Mersey canals.

I was fortunate enough to have a lovely cup of coffee to start the day and then a guided tour, and I must say this is a must see for both people in Staffordshire and visitors travelling through.

Whilst there I visited the statue of James Brindley who was one of the key figures in the development of the canals.

Well by now I was well into canal travel, having increased my knowledge and witnessed the resurgence of the network as a leisure industry and I was having a great time.

Regeneration development

Time to depart again and off to my next location, to look at another exciting regeneration development at Burslem Port in Middleport. Andy Tharp from Renew and David Dumbelton a local enthusiast showed me their plans to open up an old branch of the canal which has been closed off for some time.

Renew have funded the feasibility study and it seems if the project is successful it would be a great time for people living in the area and what better way to gage the public’s opinions on the plans than to go to the local pub.

Everyone was impressed and we’ll have to wait for the results of the feasibility study to see if this exciting venture becomes a reality.

It was time to get ready for the final day of my trip and what a way to finish.

Harecastle ghost!

The Harecastle tunnel was originally built by James Brindley, but after many years it collapsed, prompting a new tunnel to be built, this time by Thomas Telford.

My guide for the day was Bill Appleby who had worked at the tunnel for over 30 years as a gate keeper. It took us 40 minutes to get through the tunnel, along the way Bill told me its history and oh yes the ghost, thanks Bill. But in the nick of time, there was a light at the end of the tunnel and the end of my journey.

After five days I’d travelled from Cheddleton to Kidsgrove and I was amazed to see how much work is taking place on Staffordshire's canals. If these plans do take off then the next few years could be a very exciting time for regeneration in the region.

That’s the end of my journey, now it's over to you to explore the canals for yourself! Why not take a listen to the radio programme I put together... links are at the top right of this webpage!

Nick Southall