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Uttoxeter Canal self-guided walk

Learn about the Uttoxeter Canal on this self-guided walk. Members from Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust and Inland Waterways Association North Staffs & South Cheshire Branch will be waiting at key points along the canal between Denstone and Alton between 1 and 4pm on Sunday 13th September to talk about some of the history and features of the canal and to explain work that has recently taken place on the Canal, from a safe distance.

This event is being run in association with Heritage Open Days.

Between 2012 and 2016, supported by our partners in the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership and the National Lottery, our volunteers have restored the last standing bridge on the canal, as well as relaying the adjacent section of towpath and reinstating the missing mileposts along the full 13 miles of the canal. Since these initial projects we have expanded our vision, opening out more than half a mile of canal and towpath as well as uncovering a buried lock and other structures. Trust volunteers will be on hand to explain our ideas for the next stage of this ambitious project.

Additionally, in association with Lichfield Waterworks Trust, there will be a rare opportunity to see inside the historic pumping station at Crumpwood Weir. A fish pass was recently installed beneath this building and some of the original pumping gear removed as part of this project will be visible.

Access

Access to the sites is along the former railway track. This is mostly grassed but can be a bit wet, depending on the weather. it is approximately half an hour walk from either Alton or Denstone to Crumpwood.

Approaching from Alton, the main points of interest are at

From Denstone you will see

Having reached Milepost 23, follow the relaid towpath to the other points of interest

 

COVID-19 Considerations

Our volunteers will be on hand in carefully selected locations where social distancing can easily be maintained. Please do not enter any taped off areas and please follow signs and instructions from our volunteers.

There will be an opportunity to see inside the old pumping station at Crumpwood Weir. Only one family/group at a time will be allowed into the pumping station. Please do not touch anything inside the building.

There will be a number of display boards at Crumpwood and information signs at other locations. Only one family/group at a time should gather at these. Please move on to allow others to read them when you have looked at the displays and information signs.