Caldon Canal
The Caldon Canal is a branch of the Trent & Mersey Canal and runs 18 miles from the summit level at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent to Froghall, Staffs. The canal has 17 locks and the 69 metre long Froghall Tunnel. A small branch also runs off in the direction of Leek and this branch has a short tunnel and a feeder canal from Rudyard Reservoir. In 2003, many years of restoration work came to a close as Froghall Wharf, the southern terminus, was re-opened to vessels. A new wharf and visitor centre was built and the toilet facilities rebuilt. A disused lock, actually the first lock on the Uttoxeter Branch was re-opened along with the basin below it, and several moorings were created. The roof of Froghall tunnel has always been low so the 2003 restoration included lowering the water level in the pound after dredging, and thereby increasing the headroom in the tunnel. The new moorings are relatively little used however since many modern boats still cannot pass through it.