About

Discover the man-made heritage features that have shaped the valley, from the Caldon canal to lime kilns, heritage railway to watermills. Explore the restorative nature reserves, old railway tracks turned into greenways, the river Churnet and the legacy of Gothic architecture by A.W. Pugin. 

The river Churnet rises from the Roaches, just north of Leek; flowing into Tittesworth Reservoir and then through the town, where it is joined on its course by the Caldon canal through the villages of Cheddleton, Froghall, Oakamoor and Alton; eventually reaching Denstone and joining the River Dove at Rocester. 

The Caldon canal is an 18 mile stretch with 17 locks that opened in 1779 to carry Peak District limestone from the quarries at Cauldon Low to the Potteries (Stoke On Trent) and the industrial Midlands. A short arm branch was built 18 years later connecting the Caldon canal with the town of Leek.

Attractions include Alton Towers Resort, Churnet Valley Railway, Peak Wildlife Park, Pugin's Gem, Willow Cruises and the market towns of Leek and Cheadle.