Trent and Mersey Canal

The Trent and Mersey Canal is a waterway that runs through the Midlands, linking two major rivers via a network of locks and tunnels. The route passes through industrial towns, farmland, and rural stretches with varying landscapes.

Built in the late 1700s, the canal became vital for moving goods during the Industrial Revolution. It opened new trade routes and helped industries grow across the Midlands region.

The waterway linked pottery makers and manufacturers, allowing craftspeople to move goods safely across the region. Towns and workshops along the banks still reflect this trading past.

The canal is open to small boats and pleasure craft, though locking through multiple gates takes time and planning. Visit during spring or autumn for the best conditions and fewer crowds along the towpath.

A remarkable feature is the Anderton Boat Lift, a mechanical elevator for vessels that raises and lowers boats between two different water levels. This Victorian engineering feat continues to captivate visitors today.