Autherley Junction · 10–14 nights

Caldon Canal

Travel through Stone and the Potteries to the Caldon. Give this varied journey extra time for the Staffordshire countryside.

Find a holiday Follow the journey

Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from: AutherleyStaffs & Worcs · Trent & Mersey · Caldon
Time aboard: 10–14 nightsActive cruising
Cruising time: 66 hrsApproximate total for the suggested trip
Locks on the route: 96
Distance: 117 miles

Times and figures are planning estimates from our route guides. Cruising stages are flexible, not fixed daily destinations. Confirm your itinerary with us.

Make time for the good bits

A few highlights along the way

A quick look at places to explore and food stops across the whole trip. Tap a card to open the details.

Places to visitCheddleton Flint Mill · Churnett Valley Railway (Consall Station) · World Of WedgwoodExplore these stops

Cheddleton Flint Mill
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews
Churnett Valley Railway (Consall Station)
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews
World Of Wedgwood
Ceramics destination with galleries, factory experiences, creative studios and food outlets.
Map & reviews

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

Pubs & restaurantsThe Black Lion, Consall Forge · The Boat Inn, Penkridge · The Anchor InnExplore these stops

The Black Lion, Consall Forge ★ 4.7/5 · Google
A food or drink stop listed on this route.
Map & reviews · Rating source
The Boat Inn, Penkridge ★ 4.2/5 · Google
Pub and restaurant on Cannock Road, useful for a Penkridge food stop.
Map & reviews · Rating source
The Anchor Inn
A food or drink stop listed on this route.
Map & reviews

Discuss the Froghall section and tunnel clearance with the base before planning this branch. Harecastle Tunnel arrangements also need checking.

ONE STRETCH AT A TIME

Let your holiday unfold.

Follow the water, find your favourite stops and make room for the moments in between. These stages show the order of the journey; spread them across your holiday at a pace that suits your crew.

Stage 1 · Settle aboard
Autherley to Cross Green

Estimated cruising time
1h 20m

Locks this stage
1

Head north after handover and settle into your first stretch of canal life.
Stage advice & stopping tips
After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Ask the base to suggest a realistic first stop.
Pubs & food
The Anchor Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

Shops & essentials

No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Cross Green. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 2 · Enjoy the journey
Cross Green to Stafford

Estimated cruising time
7h 30m

Locks this stage
11

Continue on the Staffs & Worcs towards Stafford.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
The Cross Keys — Pub. Access: Canalside. Find on map
The Boat Inn, Penkridge — Pub and restaurant on Cannock Road, useful for a Penkridge food stop. Access: Bridge 86. Visit website Find on map
The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Penkridge — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Pop-ins Corner Shop — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 86. Find on map
Aldi, Stafford — Supermarket. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Stafford. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
The kettle is on. The view has changed. This is your time to slow down.
Stage 3 · Stretch your legs
Stafford to Stone

Estimated cruising time
7h

Locks this stage
5

Travel through Tixall Wide, then join the Trent & Mersey towards Stone.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Stone is a natural place to break the cruise with some time ashore.
See the suggested stopping area on a map
Pubs & food
Clifford Arms — Great Haywood pub near canal bridge 73 and Shugborough. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Dogs welcome in the bar and garden; restaurant room is dog-free. Visit website Find on map
Food stops in Stone — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Find on map
The Star, Stone — Stone pub whose operator advertises a dog-friendly welcome. Access: Canalside. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
The Swan, Stone — Pub. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
Priory Fish Bar — Fish and Chips. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
The Poste of Stone — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 83. Visit website Find on map
Crown of India, Stone — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 93. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Tixall Wide — Viewpoint. Find on map
Great Haywood — Explore this village along the route. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Find on map
Shugborough Hall — National Trust estate with parkland and woodland; walking links reach the nearby canal network. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Visit website Find on map
Stone — Explore this town along the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Supplies in Stone — Local shops are listed in this area. Find on map
Morrisons, Stone — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Stone. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 4 · Enjoy the journey
Stone to Stoke-on-Trent

Estimated cruising time
6h 30m

Locks this stage
14

Continue into the Potteries towards the entrance to the Caldon.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Toby Carvery, Trentham — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Hemheath Bridge (106). Visit website Find on map
The Holy Inadequate — Pub. Access: Etruria Trent & Mersey Canal Visitor Moorings with rings. Find on map
Places to visit
World Of Wedgwood — Ceramics destination with galleries, factory experiences, creative studios and food outlets. Access: Wedgwood visitor moorings. Visit website Find on map
Shops & essentials
Sainsbury's, Stoke on Trent — Supermarket. Access: Towpath near Dolphin Boatyard. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Stoke-on-Trent. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 5 · Enjoy the journey
Stoke-on-Trent to Leek

Estimated cruising time
7h 15m

Locks this stage
9

Join the Caldon and follow its Leek branch.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
The Foxley Pub / Hotel — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Milton bridge (18). Find on map
The Millrace Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Milton bridge (18). Visit website Find on map
The Sportsman, Stockton Brook — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Towpath Moorings. Find on map
Lockside at Greenway Hall — Restaurant. Access: Towpath Moorings. Visit website Find on map
Ego at the Hollybush — Pub, Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Towpath Moorings. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.
Shops & essentials
Co-op, Milton — Supermarket. Access: Milton bridge (18). Find on map
New Endon Stores — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Post Bridge (28). Find on map
Morrisons, Leek — Supermarket. Access: Canal Towpath. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Leek. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Confirm your boat’s clearance and turning point with the base before Froghall Tunnel, and check conditions on the River Churnet.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 6 · Enjoy the journey
Leek to Cheddleton via Froghall

Estimated cruising time
8h

Locks this stage
11

Return to Hazelhurst, explore towards Froghall and head back to Cheddleton.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Ego at the Hollybush — Pub, Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Towpath Moorings. Visit website Find on map
Food stops in Cheddleton — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
Red Lion, Cheddleton — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
The Black Lion, Cheddleton — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
The Flintlock at Cheddleton — Restaurant beside the Caldon Canal at Cheddleton. Access: Canal Towpath. Visit website Find on map
The Avenue Fish Bar — Fish and Chips. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
The Boat Inn, Cheddleton — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Basford Bridge (44). Visit website Find on map
The Black Lion, Consall Forge — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Colsall Forge Moorings. Find on map
Places to visit
Cheddleton — Explore this village along the route. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
Cheddleton Flint Mill — Historical Structure, Museum. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
Churnett Valley Railway (Consall Station) — Steam Railway. Access: London Bridge (50B). Visit website Find on map
Froghall Winding Hole and Tunnel — A stop along this stretch of the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Supplies in Cheddleton — Local shops are listed in this area. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
One Stop Stores — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Cheddleton Bridge (42). Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Cheddleton via Froghall. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Confirm your boat’s clearance and turning point with the base before Froghall Tunnel, and check conditions on the River Churnet.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
A pause on the towpath. A photograph. Another memory to take home.
Stage 7 · Enjoy the journey
Cheddleton to Stoke-on-Trent

Estimated cruising time
8h

Locks this stage
14

Retrace the Caldon towards Stoke before your journey south.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Ego at the Hollybush — Pub, Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Towpath Moorings. Visit website Find on map
Lockside at Greenway Hall — Restaurant. Access: Towpath Moorings. Visit website Find on map
The Sportsman, Stockton Brook — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Towpath Moorings. Find on map
The Millrace Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Milton bridge (18). Visit website Find on map
The Foxley Pub / Hotel — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Milton bridge (18). Find on map
The Holy Inadequate — Pub. Access: Etruria Trent & Mersey Canal Visitor Moorings with rings. Find on map
Toby Carvery, Festival Park — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Adjacent moorings. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.
Shops & essentials
New Endon Stores — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Post Bridge (28). Find on map
Co-op, Milton — Supermarket. Access: Milton bridge (18). Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Stoke-on-Trent. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Confirm your boat’s clearance and turning point with the base before Froghall Tunnel, and check conditions on the River Churnet.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 8 · Stretch your legs
Stoke-on-Trent to Stone

Estimated cruising time
6h 30m

Locks this stage
14

Head south on the Trent & Mersey towards Stone.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Stone is a natural place to break the cruise with some time ashore.
See the suggested stopping area on a map
Pubs & food
Toby Carvery, Trentham — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Hemheath Bridge (106). Visit website Find on map
Food stops in Stone — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Find on map
The Star, Stone — Stone pub whose operator advertises a dog-friendly welcome. Access: Canalside. Operator advertises dogs welcome; check permitted areas before visiting. Visit website Find on map
The Swan, Stone — Pub. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
Priory Fish Bar — Fish and Chips. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
The Poste of Stone — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 83. Visit website Find on map
Crown of India, Stone — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 93. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
World Of Wedgwood — Ceramics destination with galleries, factory experiences, creative studios and food outlets. Access: Wedgwood visitor moorings. Visit website Find on map
Stone — Explore this town along the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Supplies in Stone — Local shops are listed in this area. Find on map
Morrisons, Stone — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 93. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Stone. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 9 · Enjoy the journey
Stone to Stafford

Estimated cruising time
Under 7h

Locks this stage
5

Turn at Great Haywood and cruise through Tixall Wide towards Stafford.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Clifford Arms — Great Haywood pub near canal bridge 73 and Shugborough. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Dogs welcome in the bar and garden; restaurant room is dog-free. Visit website Find on map
The Radford Bank Inn Stonehouse — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Great Haywood — Explore this village along the route. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Find on map
Shugborough Hall — National Trust estate with parkland and woodland; walking links reach the nearby canal network. Access: Trentlane Bridge (73). Visit website Find on map
Tixall Wide — Viewpoint. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Aldi, Stafford — Supermarket. Access: Radford Bridge (98). Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Stafford. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 10 · Enjoy the journey
Stafford to Cross Green

Estimated cruising time
7h 30m

Locks this stage
11

Follow the Staffs & Worcs south towards a possible final stop at Cross Green.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
The Cross Keys — Pub. Access: Canalside. Find on map
The Boat Inn, Penkridge — Pub and restaurant on Cannock Road, useful for a Penkridge food stop. Access: Bridge 86. Visit website Find on map
The Anchor Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Penkridge — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Pop-ins Corner Shop — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 86. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Cross Green. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 11 · Homeward stretch
Cross Green to Autherley

Estimated cruising time
1h 20m

Locks this stage
1

Keep your last stretch manageable and return at the time agreed at handover.
Stage advice & stopping tips
For the final night, plan a mooring that leaves a manageable cruise to base. Use the return time agreed in your booking and handover.

Pubs & food

No named food stops are listed for this stage. Ask the base team for local suggestions and check opening times before setting off.

Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

Shops & essentials

No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Autherley. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE THE HOLIDAY

More than a journey.

A boat that feels like yours.

Your own kitchen, a comfortable place to sleep and a new view outside. Explore the classes and choose the layout that works for your crew. Equipment varies by boat.

Explore our boats

Leave room for doing less.

Coffee on deck. A towpath walk. Supper as the light changes. A route gives your holiday direction; the best moments often happen between the stops.

Bring your favourite people.

Share the steering, work a lock together and make the evenings your own. Full handover training helps you settle into life aboard.

A LITTLE PLANNING, A BETTER HOLIDAY

Before you cast off.

Use this guide to find your kind of holiday. We will help you check the practical details for your dates, boat and crew.

How much cruising should we expect?

Choose extra days if you would like more time for breaks and visits ashore. Locks, queues, weather and stops ashore all affect the time you need. Allow a margin for returning the boat.

Do we have to follow every stop?

No. These are suggested stages, rather than reserved moorings or a fixed day-by-day schedule. Choose suitable permitted moorings and agree your return time with the base.

How do we check the route before travelling?

Check current navigation notices and plan your daily cruising before departure. Check CRT notices · Open CanalPlan

Can you help us choose?

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and whether you prefer quiet cruising or an active adventure. Ask our team

START MAKING MEMORIES