Stosto two

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This was a lovely, interesting route that was very easy to navigate. It was a beautiful crisp sunny day, the canal itself was mostly frozen, with a light dusting of snow on top.
Stone Station is beautiful, although no longer in use as a station. The canal has evidence of the use of horses towing boats not only in the roving bridges, but also the footbridges across the locks where there is a gap in the middle for the rope to pass through (although these days some of the railings have been closed up).
In terms of facilities there was a very pleasant pub at Barlaston, and a Toby Carvery and Travelodge by the A5035 at Trentham. The towpath was nearly all very fine, smooth compacted gravel which gave quite good grip in the frosty weather that I had, with no evidence of puddles or mud. There were two roving bridges (where the towpath changes sides) which had fairly steep and cobbled ramps.
At the Stone end the railway was crossed by a stepped footbridge then a fairly narrow bridge (with railings) over the canal by a lock. A diversion via roads to the south east may have avoided the steps. At Bridge 98 it would be necessary to use steps, unless you have gone through a gap in the hedge onto the quiet road first. At the Stoke on Trent end, the road is accessed by steps just to the north, or else through a cycle barrier and small car park just to the south of the road.
There were bus stops at Barlaston and Trentham, but I don’t think there are any railway stations except at either end. Some of the canal bridges have quite low headroom. They must have been tricky for the horses!.

This is a good direct route along the Trent and Mersey canal with reasonably good public transport links either end.By its nature almost all on the flat, the going underfoot is good most bridges underpasses etc are cobbled.It has plenty interesting places to visit close by and plenty of canal traffic to see.The canal section is shared with cyclists (recognized traffic free route)caution is needed as cyclists can approach fast with little warning.I enjoyed walking this route and found no issues with access obstructions etc the mileposts/cycle route signs proved useful.

A direct and traffic free waterside route shared with cyclists. No stiles, cattle or barriers except for a stepped bridge to Stone station. If you are heading for town there are flat options. Services at Barlaston and a filling station shop at Trentham.

I walked from Stoke and found the road under the railway closed but on this occasion there was access for pedestrians, I do wish 'Road Closed' made clear who it remains open for. Access to the canal is direct by steps or a short detour by a slope.

It's a good bonded surface no doubt paid for by a set up grant but vegetation needs an annual cut back especially on bends and narrow sections. Today I failed to note the rather insignificant crossing of the infant River Trent which passes under the canal.

At Trentham, up steps, there is a filling station shop selling a popular brand of take away coffee and no doubt other supplies. I can't recall the location but a garden by the towpath was a riot of colour, packed to capacity with bedding plants which must have taken hours to plant out, it including a strip along the edge of the towpath.

The solid canal mileposts remind us of progress from or to Shardlow and Preston Brook while cycle route signs provide local destinations. The path surface does vary from bonded to loose stone but throughout it's a very good walking surface, no mud only a puddle or two after rain.

Approaching Stone the path crosses the canal using the traditional roving bridges which loop around then pass under the bridge, this avoided the towing rope needing to be disconnected. There are also the Meaford locks which add interest as boats move up and down plus an opportunity for weary walkers to sit on the balance beams.

Lots of boats line the canal in Stone and railway memorabilia fills one garden and shares space in the boatyard. The footpath link to the station has a stepped bridge over the railway line and the station is at a dead end of the town so if it's not your destination press on along the towpath for more interest and better access to the town.

A very direct route between Stoke and Stone, using the Trent and Mersey Canal throughout. Leaving Stone from outside the station, it crosses the railway via a bridge and goes straight through to the canal. It's not long until you've left Stone and find yourself in the Mid Staffordshire countryside. The railway runs to one side and the occasional train passes, but the towpath feels pretty peaceful. The village of Barlaston is an opportunity for supplies (supermarket) and refreshments (a celebrity owned pub) which is quite handy for halfway. You pass the Wedgwood Museum and then having crossed the border into Stoke City the canal becomes more wooded as it passes through the pretty surroundings of Trentham. You get your first views of your destination as you the canal surroundings change from residential to former industrial, and the open sites of former coal mines. The last section from the football stadium to the town of Stoke is very industrial and not particularly loved but I felt perfectly safe throughout. As you leave the canal you turn right for the station rather than left for the town. The meeting place is outside the railway station. The nearby bus stops serve routes to Newcastle under Lyme, Keele, the other Stoke towns as well as the city centre, which otherwise is a twenty minute walk away. A direct, safe and enjoyable walk. Full marks.

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