Trent & Mersey Canal
TRENT & MERSEY CANAL
One of the first major canals to be built, the Trent & Mersey Canal was opened in 1777. It provided a through route between the two rivers in its name, as well as forming part of a greater scheme to connect to the Thames and the Severn. A massive undertaking for its day, it features the Harecastle Tunnel which took 11 years to build (the replacement tunnel now in use took a mere three) and 76 locks – many of them duplicated to avoid congestion when it was a busy trade artery. Now popular with pleasure boats, the canal forms part of the Cheshire Ring and other cruising circuits, as well as providing access to the unique Anderton Lift (see under River Weaver).18 miles 38 locksMaximum dimensions: length 72ft, beam 10ft (Derwent Mouth to Burton) 7ft (Burton to Croxton Aqueduct, Middlewich), 8ft 2in (Croxton to Preston Brook)
