T&M Canal Section 2 – 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 2

Walk Sections

1 – Derwent Mouth to Shardlow Lock

2 – Shardlow Lock to Cuttle Bridge

Another section here

More to come

View this bridge which crosses the River Trent just after the “4 miles from Shardow” Mile Post. It’s an old railway bridge which is now part of the Derby Cycle Path & The Cloud Trail for walkers and cyclists – see Webpage.

The nearby bridge on the Canal, Sarson’s Bridge Number 11, shows an arch key stone with a date of 1770. The old railway bridge carrying the now cycle track over the canal is just behind it.

The canal had quite a flow on it the day we were there. You could see it even in the long canal sections but especially where the excess water flowed around the locks. This one is at Lock 4, Weston Lock – just following Bridge 8.

At the start of this Section you’ll find The Clock Warehouse Family Pub and The Shardlow Heritage Centre.

Click on a photo gallery below to scroll larger pictures.