The
Four Counties Ring
Teddesley is the perfect starting point for the Four Counties Ring (the
counties being Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and (briefly) the West
Midlands. This delightful cruise offers an interesting contrast between
the ‘contour’ Brindley canals of the Staffs and Worc’s and Trent and
Mersey canals and the more modern (1835) Shropshire Union canal. The ‘Shroppie’,
as it is affectionately known, was built by Telford and, rather than
twisting and turning, takes a more direct route with impressive cuttings
and embankments.
This ring may be completed in a week for the more
energetic ( 1 00 miles and 90 locks) but can be combined with a visit to
the picturesque Caldon canal or Llangollen for a fortnight’s cruise. The
ring is predominately rural, but there is a fascinating glimpse into the
canals’ original purpose at the famous ‘Potteries’ of Stoke-on-Trent.
Here, for a few hours, you can appreciate the industrial archaeology as
you survey old bottle kilns and creep past old wharves and warehouses.
There are even several pottery outlets beside the canal as well as an
opportunity to visit the Wedgwood factory at Barlaston.
The famous flight
of ‘Cheshire locks’ enables you to feel a sense of achievement as you
cruise through lush Cheshire pastureland. As its name suggests, Market
Drayton offers an opportunity to do some country shopping, perhaps tasting
the delights of its famous gingerbread. Stone is another market town along
the route, famous for its connection with the canal, being the historic
headquarters of the original Trent and Mersey Canal Company. Its pedestrianised high street has a wealth of gift shops and some great
places to eat if you want a rest from the galley.
Stourport Ring &
Avon Ring |
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