Stoke-on-TrentStone

Stosto two
Verified route

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

By David Sanderson on 13 Feb 2022


Distance

13km/8mi

Ascent

91m

Descent

108m

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Description

Follows the towpath of the Trent and Mersey Canal

Follows the towpath of the Trent and Mersey Canal

Status

This route has been reviewed by 4 people.

There are no issues flagged.

Photos for Stosto two

Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.


Information

Verified route

Route status - Live

Reviews - 4

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (4)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 2

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 2X based on 2 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 1: Entirely smooth and compacted surfaces.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 2 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Maybe present Public toilet (1)
Maybe present Wheelchair accessible toilet (1)
Present at time of survey Supermarket (2)
Present at time of survey Restaurant (2)
Maybe present Vegan restaurant (2)
Accommodation (0)
Maybe present Accommodation < £50 (2)
Maybe present Campsite (1)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (2)
Maybe present Free wifi (2)
Maybe present Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (2)
Train station (0)
Present at time of survey Bench (2)
Maybe present Picnic table (1)
Present at time of survey Bus stop (2)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (2)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (2)
Not present at time of survey Wading (2)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (2)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (2)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (2)
Not present at time of survey Very slippery (2)
Not present at time of survey Very muddy (2)
Very icy (0)
Not present at time of survey Likely to flood (2)
Not present at time of survey Long grass sections (2)
Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path (2)
Not present at time of survey Diverted path (2)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Not present at time of survey Stiles (2)
Step and kerbs (0)
Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (0)
Present at time of survey Flights of steps (2)
Not present at time of survey Gates (2)
Not present at time of survey Kissing gates (2)
Not present at time of survey Locked gates (2)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (2)
Cycle barriers (0)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (2)
Not present at time of survey Cattle grids (2)
Not present at time of survey Fords (2)
Present at time of survey Narrow bridges (2)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (2)
Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (2)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (2)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (2)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (2)
Not present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads (2)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (2)
Not present at time of survey River crossings (2)
Not present at time of survey Cattle possible (2)
Not present at time of survey Horses possible (2)
Not present at time of survey Tidal area (2)
Present at time of survey Potential falls (2)
Present at time of survey Exposed to elements (2)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (2)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (2)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (2)
Not present at time of survey No visible path (2)
Maybe present Seasonal nesting birds (1)
Maybe present Other hazards (1)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Present at time of survey Free of stiles (2)
Free of single steps/kerbs (0)
Not present at time of survey Free of flights of steps (2)
Maybe present Free of other obstacles (1)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

The narrowest part of the path is 80.0cm (2)

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 25.0% (2)

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 25.0% (2)

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Clear (2)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

5.0% of the route is on roads (2)

2.0% of the route is lit at night (2)

95.0% of the route is paved (2)

2.0% of the route is muddy (2)

There is no data on rough ground

There is no data on long grass

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2 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

1X August 2023 by Ken
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2X January 2024 by Mary Oz
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Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Stoke-on-Trent
Grid Ref SJ8797145665
Lat / Lon 53.00818° / -2.18072°
Easting / Northing 387,971E / 345,665N
What3Words habit.thank.water
Stone
Grid Ref SJ8970334520
Lat / Lon 52.90803° / -2.15455°
Easting / Northing 389,703E / 334,520N
What3Words cement.workbook.eyebrows

Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.

reviews


Mary Oz

20 Jan 2024 Winter

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!.


J w ollid

20 Aug 2023 Summer

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.


Ken

20 Aug 2023 Summer

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.

  • Mary Oz

    Mary Oz

    20 Jan 2024

    Ken, thanks for mentioning "the rather insignificant crossing of the infant River Trent which passes under the canal". I looked out for it and my second to last photo shows it. Mary

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David Sanderson

13 Feb 2022 Winter

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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Other Routes for Stoke-on-Trent—Stone See all Slow Ways

Stoke-on-Trent—Stone

Stosto one

Distance

13km/8mi

Ascent

65 m

Descent

82 m

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