Stoke-on-Trent canal spot included in Places to Visit in the West Midlands guide
Three canal side locations in and around Stoke-on-Trent have been included in a new Places to Visit in the West Midlands guide.
Released by national waterways charity the Canal & River Trust, the free guide provides maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, and ways to get the most out of visiting the region's canals and rivers.
The Harecastle Tunnel, Great Haywood Junction near Stafford and Fradley Junction in Staffordshire all feature in the new list.
Henriette Breukelaar, the Canal & River Trust's director for West Midlands, said: "The Canal & River Trust cares for over 500 miles of canals in the West Midlands, providing free to visit outdoor open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature and the region's rich canal history.
"Every year, millions of people visit our waterways to be active, relax and to enjoy the scenic landscapes our canals offer.
"Our canals provide free and low-cost family-friendly days out by the water, and the chance to have some fabulous waterside experiences this Easter."
Henriette added: "Even in city centres, people can spot a variety of birds, animals, insects and plants along our canals and rivers.
"And from locks and bridges, to tunnels and aqueducts, there are hundreds of historic structures to marvel at.
"We want to encourage more people to visit our canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks so they can experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by water, and find out more about the work of our charity to care for the nation's world-famous historic network."
The Canal & River Trust's Places to Visit in West Midlands guide includes:
Harecastle Tunnel in Stoke-on-Trent
At 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometres) long, Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal (ST6 4PX) is one of the longest canal tunnels in the country. Visitors can stroll along the towpath to the turnover bridge, built so horses pulling the boats could pass from one side of the canal to the other without being unhitched. Westport Lake, an important overwintering site for water birds, is close by, and there's a 45-minute scenic walk exploring the green route linking the Harecastle Tunnel portals.
Great Haywood Junction near Stafford
Situated at the interchange between the Trent & Mersey and Staffordshire & Worcestershire canals, Great Haywood Junction was once a major trade link for the Potteries through Birmingham and to the docks in Bristol. Today visitors to Great Haywood at Mill Lane (ST18 0RQ) can enjoy a towpath walk to the National Trust's Shugborough Estate, take a traffic-free cycle to Cannock Chase, or visit the Canalside Farm Shop & Café.
Fradley Junction in Staffordshire
The Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal at Fradley Junction near Alrewas, making it a busy place for boats (DE13 7DN). Visitors to Fradley Junction can find out more about the history of the area at the Trust's welcome hub, follow a self-guided walk along the canal, head to nearby Fradley Nature Reserve to enjoy a woodland walk and sculptures, and enjoy a bite to eat at the Swan Pub or canalside café.
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Image: Keith Lodge via Geograph.
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