Harecastle�Tunnel Walk

0.6 miles (1 km)

This walk takes you to the Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal in Kidsgrove.
The northern entrance to the tunnel is a short walk from Kidsgrove rail station. You can enjoy a walk along the canal to the entrance which is picture below.
The route is a blend of urban remnants and pastoral scenery, reflecting both the industrial heritage of the area and the natural tranquillity of the Staffordshire countryside. As you progress, the path gradually leads you towards the northern portal of the Harecastle Tunnel, where the canal’s engineering heritage is unmistakably visible.
The Harecastle Tunnel itself is steeped in history and is a testament to the ingenuity of 18th- and 19th-century engineers. Originally constructed under the direction of James Brindley between 1770 and 1777, the first tunnel required boatmen to ‘leg’ their vessels through its narrow confines as it lacked a towpath. Later, in response to increasing traffic and the limitations of Brindley’s design, Thomas Telford was commissioned to build a larger parallel tunnel between 1824 and 1827. Telford’s tunnel, which is approximately 2,675 metres long, was designed with a towpath to improve efficiency, although this towpath has since been removed to enhance headroom and ventilation. Today, the tunnel operates as a single-lane passage where northbound and southbound groups are alternated, with large electric fans at the southern portal ensuring adequate airflow. This remarkable piece of engineering played a crucial role in facilitating the transport of coal and other goods to the Potteries and remains an enduring symbol of the region’s industrial past.