13 August 2025
By Arib Nuhad, contributions from Victoria Gilbert
University life may sometimes get overwhelming. It’s easy to forget that there’s a world just beyond campus walls that does not move at the speed of your Wi-Fi. One of the simplest, most underrated ways to reset is by the canal.
Hidden Canal Gem Near The University of Staffordshire
Here at the University of Staffordshire, not too far away we have the Caldon Canal . The soft shuffle of your footsteps, the rippling reflections, the occasional heron standing like it’s guarding a secret it all invites you to breathe a little deeper. For students juggling coursework and the pressure to “figure it all out”, a walk along the canal can feel like pressing pause on an otherwise noisy day.
The Caldon Canal, an 18‑mile branch off the Trent & Mersey Canal, was completed in 1778 to transport limestone from Caldon Low quarries. It runs from Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, eastwards to Froghall passing through Cheddleton, the Churnet Valley and the idyllic Staffordshire countryside.
Canal walks are perfect for those in-between moments. A post-lecture cooldown, a break between study sessions, or just a reason to step away from your screen. The best part, you don’t need a destination. Often, it’s during a quiet walk when you are not forcing the answers that the most important thoughts emerge: a solution to a tricky assignment, clarity about your course, or simply the realisation that you need to rest.
More Than A Short Walk
Whether you’re walking alone with a coffee in hand or riding your bike to clear your head before a 9 a.m. lecture, the canal offers more than just a shortcut. It’s a quiet thread running through the city, a path where time seems to slow down and life becomes just a little bit more manageable.
If walking’s not your thing, Caldon Canal has plenty of inviting pubs andrestaurants dotted along the route such as Ego The Hollybush Stockton Brook, Hollybush at Denford, Black Lion at Consall Ford and Hatty’s Tearoom Froghall ideal for a well-earned break or a catch-up with friends. Or you may want to try stopping by one of the village shops in Milton, Endon or Cheddleton.
Plus, for the more adventurous, there are opportunities for kayaking andpaddle boarding (just make sure to purchase the appropriate license ). Whether it’s food, fresh air, or float time you’re after, the canal has something for everyone.
A Canal Rich In Nature
You are also never short of company along the towpath. The canal is alive with wildlife vibrant kingfishers darting just above the water, graceful swans and curious ducks gliding by, and geese honking as they go about their day. If you are lucky, you might even spot a deer stepping cautiously through the trees or a grass snakebaskingin the sunshine. These unexpected moments with nature can be quietly magical and exactly the kind of reminder we need to stay grounded.
Further afield while strolling along the canal or joining the canal at a different point you can meet nature amongst two country parks.
Situated in the village of Longsdon Deep Hayes Country Park provides woodland walks, walking trails and stepping stones. You can easily access the Caldon Canal from the car park and maybe consider joining the Leek Branch of the Canal.
As you approach the final point of the canal you can venture across further woodland, meadows, four walking trails, valley views and pools at Consal Forge Nature Park
Art Meets Nature Along The Canal
If art is your thing, the Caldon Canal has something special to offer.
As you walk the towpath, keep an eye out for the canal-side mural trail, a series of vibrant artworks that capture the history, biodiversity, and folklore of the canal. These murals celebrate the natural world and the cultural heritage of the area, blending storytelling with visual designs.
The trail can be found in and around Etruria and Hanley Park, making it easily accessible from the university or city centre. If you are lucky, you might even catch an organised tour or guided walk, where local artists and historians share the stories behind the artwork, offering a deeper insight into the canal’s past and the inspiration behind each mural.
Canal Steeped In Local Heritage and Attractions
If you are looking to extend your adventure beyond the towpath, there are plenty of nearby attractions that blend creativity, history and nostalgia, perfect for a weekend break or a mindful afternoon away from the books.
Just a short walk from The University of Staffordshire, you will find an opportunity to stop by the famous pottery factory Emma Bridgewater . Here you can treat yourself to one of the delicious personally recommended snacks, take a guided factory tour or even unwind painting a plate or mug with your own creative designs! Their seasonal Halloween events and Christmas light switch on are worth a visit to put you in the holiday mood.
Further along the canal in the village of Cheddleton, you will find the fascinating Cheddleton Flint Mill. This historic site is now maintained by volunteers and dates back to the middle age, playing a vital role in the Pottery Industry during the 18th century.
For a dose of nostalgic charm, hop aboard the Churnet Valley Railway offering an opportunity to travel through the Staffordshire Countryside offering several themed experiences throughout the year including murder mysteries, Halloween Express and the famous Polar Express. Whether you want a nostalgic escape or looking for an opportunity to volunteer, the railway offers something for everyone while viewing the canal from a new perspective.
Your Local Reset Awaits
Whether you need a quiet moment, a creative escape, or a bit of fresh air, the Caldon Canal offers the perfect local getaway right on your doorstep.