The Hatherton Canal is a disused, and partly derelict, branch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal in South Staffordshire, England.

It was constructed in two phases, the first section opening in 1841 and connecting the main line to Churchbridge, from where a tramway connected to the Great Wyrley coal mines. The second section was a joint venture with the Birmingham Canal Navigations, and linked Churchbridge to the Cannock Extension Canal by a flight of 13 locks, which were opened with the Extension Canal in 1863. The coal traffic was very profitable, and the canal remained in use until 1949. It was formally abandoned in 1955, after which the Churchbridge flight and much of the Extension Canal were destroyed by open cast mining.

We are not currently working on the Hatherton, but when we do, the restoration will fall into four distinct sections: Calf Heath to Wedges Mills, Wedges Mills to Walkmill Lane, Walkmill to Churchbridge and then onto Pelsall.

Maps

We have may different maps of the canal route and walking routes available on our maps page.

The route

This page is currently being updated. For more information please visit our archive page:

• Hatherton Canal overview
• Hatherton Canal – Then, Now…and What Next?