This morning, I woke up, saw the sunshine, and thought, this weather is too good to waste! So I grabbed my bike, my drone, and my phone and headed off to Froghall for a bit of an adventure.
I started at Froghall Wharf and cycled along the Caldon Canal towpath to Consall, stopping every few minutes to explore, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. This stretch of the Churnet Valley is such a fascinating mix of post-industrial heritage, untouched nature, and hidden historical gems. Everywhere you look, there are reminders of the past, from the remains of industry to the old transport routes that once kept this area thriving.
Churnet Valley Railway & Canal Life
One of the most interesting things about this route is that it follows both the Churnet Valley Railway and the Caldon Canal. On a weekend, you might be lucky enough to spot a steam train or a heritage diesel making its way through the valley. Today, I saw a blue heritage diesel trundling along, but I missed getting a photo! (Typical!)
The Churnet Valley Railway follows the original 19th-century line that connected this area to the industrial heartlands of the Midlands. The Caldon Canal, meanwhile, was one of the most important waterways in North Staffordshire, carrying coal, limestone, and ironstone to the potteries and beyond. It was a vital part of the industrial revolution in this region.
The River Churnet – From Industrial Pollution to Revival
Running alongside the canal and railway is the River Churnet, which has played a huge role in the history of this valley. It starts up at The Roaches, flows through Tittesworth Reservoir, and then into Leek, before connecting with the canal at Oak Meadow Ford Lock. From there, it winds its way through Cheddleton, Consall (where it splits from the canal again), Froghall, Oakamoor, Alton, and Rocester, before eventually joining the River Dove.
For nearly a thousand years, the Churnet was a major force in local industry, powering mills, forges, and factories. At one time, it was thought to be the most polluted river in Europe. This was largely due to the textile industry in Leek, where the river’s waters were used for dyeing fabric. In Cheddleton, it powered a flint mill that ground flint for use in pottery production.
Further downstream at Froghall and Oakamoor, the Thomas Bolton Copper Works harnessed the river's power to produce copper wire for the world’s first transatlantic telegraph cables! The processes involved in this industry caused high levels of pollution, and the river suffered for centuries.
Thankfully, since the decline of heavy industry, the Churnet has recovered massively. The water quality has improved so much that a programme to reintroduce salmon is now underway! It’s amazing to see nature reclaiming the valley, with kingfishers, herons, and even otters making a return.
Historic Lime Kilns & Industrial Relics
One of my favourite parts of this ride is seeing the massive lime kilns still standing in Froghall and Consall. These impressive structures were once used for burning limestone, which was quarried from Cauldon Low and transported here via tramways. The resulting quicklime was used in agriculture and industry.
The lime kilns at Froghall are particularly special because you can go inside them! If you've never explored them before, they are well worth a visit. They give a real sense of the scale of the industry that once dominated this landscape.
The Caldon Canal played a crucial role in all this, carrying coal, ironstone, and limestone to fuel North Staffordshire’s industries. Some sections of the river were even canalised to allow boats to navigate through. The Consall Forge area, where the river and canal briefly become one, is another fascinating spot with remnants of ironworks and old industrial buildings.
Nature & History Combined
Today, the Churnet Valley is a peaceful haven for walkers, cyclists, and history lovers. The industrial past is still visible, but it's softened by woodland, riverbanks, and the sounds of birds instead of machinery. It's amazing to see how nature and history have intertwined over the centuries, creating a landscape that tells the story of Staffordshire’s past.
Want to explore this fascinating area with me?
If you’d love to learn more about the hidden history of the Churnet Valley, why not join me on one of my Guided History & Heritage Walks?
🚶♂️ I take groups around some of Staffordshire’s most interesting places, uncovering forgotten stories and showing you the incredible history hidden in plain sight.
📍 Find all the details of my upcoming walks here:
👉 https://www.theredhairedstokie.com/collections/guided-history-heritage-walks-the-red-haired-stokie