The following questions are frequently asked by visitors to the Caldon Canal or this website:

How long will it take to travel the canal?

It is (just about) possible to travel the main line from Etruria to Froghall in a day but that would miss the point of the Caldon. Slow down, stop and enjoy the amazing views and scenery. We would suggest allowing three or four days for a visit. Make sure that you travel to both Leek and Froghall (they are very different waterways!)

Will I fit through Froghall tunnel?

Immediately after Flint Mill lock there is a gauge which will answer this question for you. Lots of users have said it's pessimistic by a couple of inches or more, so give it a go if you look close. There is a 65 foot winding hole just before the tunnel and the scenery in that section is arguably the best on the whole canal so don't be put off. If you are in a boat over 65 feet long and have to reverse the last couple of miles (and yes some people do this) its still worth the trip! PLEASE let us know whether you made it - and send us a photo We have started a page listing boats who made it through the tunnel.

In a hire boat, check your conditions of hire as some companies specifically prohibit passage because of the risk of damage to the corners of the roof by careless users. Moor just before the tunnel and walk the last few hundred yards to see what you're missing! Froghall Basin is an historic area with plenty to look at - and an ice cream shop.

Where can I get water/fuel/gas?

Water points are at Etruria, Endon, Consall and Froghall (after the tunnel.)

There is a sanitary station with self pumpout, rubbish disposal, showers and card operated washing machine at Park Lane, Endon.

Diesel and gas can be bought at Fine Feathers (canalside shop) in Endon

Winter fuel deliveries are made from narrowboat BEN at weekends.

Where can I find permanent/temporary moorings?

There are very limited online moorings on the Caldon Canal. The narrow channel makes it difficult for more to be added so we would suggest that it's probably better to look at Festival Park Marina in Etruria or in Stone.

BW do operate two (non-residential) online moorng sites on the Caldon, at Endon and Denford. At the time of writing there are no vacancies but the latest status may be obtained by contacting them at Northwich.

Where are the best pubs?

The Holly Bush in Denford and the Black Lion in Consall Forge are among the best known waterside pubs in the country. There are other good pubs in Cheddleton. The Foxley Inn at Milton has moorings.

Where can I get provisions?

The Caldon starts in the city centre of Stoke-on-Trent but there are no major shopping areas close to the canal. Festival Park at Etruria is a large retail park with a Morrisons store within walking distance and is probably a better stop. Hanley city centre is easily reachable by bus from all points as far down the canal as Endon. After that it becomes rural with Cheddleton having the only shops at all within walking distance. Milton and Endon are both pleasant communities with a number of shops. Fine Feathers in Endon sells a large range of organic products. Leek is a very pleasant market town but is a fair distance from the canal and the initial walk through an industrial estate is less than inspiring.

Hazlehurst / Hazelhurst - which is correct?

Throughout the history of the canal, the two spellings have been used interchangably. Maps and other official documents use both variants. This site uses the spelling seen on the aqueduct, Hazlehurst.