T&M Canal Section 1 – Etchells on line

The Trent & Mersey Canal – A walk in Sections.

Although nearly hidden in the undergrowth, this sign indicates the start of the Trent & Mersey Canal at the point it leaves the River Trent at Derwent Mouth just outside Shardlow, Derbyshire. From there it wends its way upcountry to Preston Brook, a total of 93.5 miles. There cargo would be tranferred onto larger vessels and on to the River Mersey.

The Section numbering/labelling shown to the left below is based solely on our travels along the canal. The Start and End of these sections depend on how far we walked in the day but mainly on public transport access to and from the canal.

T&M Canal Section 1

Walk Sections

1 – Derwent Mouth to Shardlow Lock

2 – Shardlow Lock to Cuttle Bridge

Another section here

More to come

The Trent and Mersey Canal starts its 93.5 mile journey to Liverpool from the River Trent near Shardlow, Derbyshire. This is adjacent to where the River Derwent runs into the River Trent. Looking across the River Trent in this picture you can see both the Canal and River opposite.

Often, when the River Trent is in flood the start of the Canal is inaccessible as the path from the Long Horse Bridge over the River Trent is flooded.

The Derwent Valley Heritage Way, which starts at the Ladybower Reservoir, finishes at the River Derwent Mouth following a section along the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Lock 1 – Derwent Mouth Lock – is only a short way into the canal and, to some extent, protects the canal from the level of the River Trent. Bridge 1 – Porter’s Bridge – follows shortly afterwards.

Between here and Shardlow are the Floodgates which connect with the River Trent flood barrier.