Although James Brindley was the original surveyor for the Caldon Canal in the wooded Churnet Valley, he died after catching a chill from damp sheets when staying at the Old Red Lion in nearby Ipstones. The work, including the design for the Churnet Aqueduct and the Leek Tunnel, was completed by John Rennie, a less well known Scottish engineer who was also responsible for London Bridge and Liverpool Docks. So enjoy your walk, but don't sit on the damp grass - it could prove fatal!
LOCATION: One mile south of Leek
START: Ladderedge Country Park is signed from A53 into Barnfields Industrial Estate, then take the first right to the car park Grid ref: SJ975552 Postcode: ST135RJ
DISTANCE: 4 miles
GRADE: Easy
TIME: 2.5 hours
MAP: Outdoor Leisure - White Peak Landranger 118
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: Leek Tunnell
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News