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....

J w ollid

No stiles, cattle or barriers except for a stepped bridge to Stone station. 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....

Ken

Approaching Stafford it's a cycle path along a old rail route offering easy walking. I walked from Stone, the path link to the canal is narrow, fenced and has a stepped bridge over the railway so a road route might be better and would offer shops to stock up for the service free route. Once on the towpath the surface starts good with a bit of heritage cobbles but the surface does eventually become a well walked field path....

Ken

I walked this route from Stone to Baldwin's Gate. Long story short: the route is probably a three star route (perfectly adequte, if not mind-blowingly amazing), but a short stretch of completely impassable footpath means I can't necessarily recommend this route. If it weren't for that short section, I'd give this route three stars....

mtormey

After a very short stretch of road walking, there's a long bit along a former railway line....

mtormey

The descent into the Trent Valley is across a number of quiet fields and is easy to follow. As you get nearer the River Trent, the fields become wetter and as I got closer to Burston I encountered a herd of cows who seemed incredibly keen to get close to me. Having crossed the Trent via a footbridge at Burston, you join the Trent and Mersey Canal which you follow all the way to Stone....

David Sanderson

Leaving Stone from outside the station, it crosses the railway via a bridge and goes straight through to the canal. 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....

David Sanderson

I "started" this route from Stone, well "started" isn't really the word....

David Sanderson

Route through mostly lovely rural farmland, the start town of Stone has many facilities, pubs, cafes, places to stay, supermarkets etc on the route instelf there are almost no facilites, the first publically availabnle water is at around 18km. There are a number of tricky access issues where stiles have "disappeared" or vegentation needs to be beaten back....

simonalcock

Nice and pleasant walk along the canal from the pottery town of Stoke to Stone. A bit boring during the first mile after Stoke but it gets better. After Trentham, it can get a little muddy in winter....

Eve Donnadieu