Caldon Canal: Leek Branch & Main Line from Hazelhurst Locks to Cheddleton

A canal tow path walk of 5.5 miles starting from where the canal feeder (from Rudyard Lake) enters the canal at the current terminus of the Leek Branch and then following the branch canal, over Hazelhurst aqueduct, to its junction with the Caldon Canal main line at Hazelhurst Locks. It will then follow the main line past the locks, passing under the aqueduct, to Cheddleton. The history of the changes in the layout of the canal junction and aqueduct at Hazelhurst will be a feature of the walk. The walk is essentially level apart from the walk over Leek Tunnel which involves a well maintained incline of about 100 yards – see photograph below.Walk leaders will be Ruth Shaw and Roger Brice.