Cheddleton and the Caldon canal

[MrsM]

Just wanted to recommend the village of Cheddleton in Staffordshire. We have taken a few days to explore the Caldon canal. Yesterday we took the Leek branch and walked into Leek. Disappointingly many of the shops were shut. Mondays and Tuesdays are the closing days in Leek, we discovered, so probably best planning your visit for another day if you want to see anything other than charity shops. Today (Wednesday) we are back on the main canal and we stopped at Cheddleton to visit the Flint mill. Everything was turning and there were 3 or 4 superbly knowledgeable volunteers who told us all about it. So worth a visit and please leave a donation as there is no entry charge. We walked up the hill into the village to have a look at the church. It's is quite moving to read the well preserved grave stones and the church itself is charming, with a great collection of kneelers. Lunch in the adjacent Black Lion was spot on - a freehouse with a decent selection of beer and good grub. Thoroughly recommend taking time to stop and visit this village.

Edited May 31, 2023 by MrsM

[Grassman]

 

 

You were lucky the flint mill was open. The last half a dozen times we've stopped there is has been closed. Like anywhere that relies on volunteers it's always hit and miss, but I presume being a bank holiday week helped in your case.

[Arthur Marshall]

Great second hand bookshop at Milton. Not a charity shop, great selection of fiction and nonfiction. On the left going into the village.

Edited June 2, 2023 by Arthur Marshall

[junior]

My favourite canal. We're you lucky enough to see any steam trains?

[Pete Morrison]

Definitely the best kept secret on the network. My favourite canal too, and always quiet whenever I've been up there. While in north staffs you have to try their favourite local delicacy, OATCAKES! See feature-length documentary for details. The Old School tea rooms in Cheddleton and Hetty's Tea Shop at the end of the canal in Froghall have excellent breakfasts, scones and coffee.