Combridge: Canal History and Riverside Routes

Explore Combridge through its architectural and transport history, as well as routes through landscapes of different kinds. A listed farmhouse stands alongside traces of the canal and railway eras.

Canal and Railway History in the Village

Near Combridge, the former canal crossed Nabb Brook on an aqueduct. The canal closed in 1847; construction then began on a railway that followed its route. This gives a clear chronology: a transport route by water was followed by a transport route whose construction followed the former canal route. Combridge Crossing House stood on the North Staffordshire Railway near Rocester. The track at the house was removed in the winter and spring of 1966.

These details shed light on different aspects of transport history: the course of the former canal near Combridge, the later use of its route for railway construction, and the history of Crossing House on the North Staffordshire Railway. When learning about the places and structures, the chronology is helpful, without treating the canal and railway as routes in use at the same time.

Walking Routes with Different Characteristics

The Uttoxeter Canal Milepost Walk is an approximately seven-mile walking route between Uttoxeter and Denstone. It follows roads and footpaths that run as close as possible to the original canal route. The route is generally flat and easy, but can be very muddy in places and includes several stiles. So the easy rating does not mean that the ground is dry everywhere or that there are no obstacles.

The Churnet Way offers a different kind of route description. Section 4 follows disused railway tracks and farmland to the confluence of the River Churnet and River Dove. In comparison, the Uttoxeter Canal Milepost Walk focuses on following the former canal route as closely as possible, while railway tracks and farmland feature more prominently on the Churnet Way. These differences give you a practical basis for choosing between the two route descriptions, but do not indicate how long either walk takes.

Riverside Landscape and Historic Structures

Near Combridge, a Type 24 pillbox at the confluence of the River Dove and River Churnett has been converted into a bat roost. This change of use adds another theme to the local history: a structure with a military designation has been given a purpose as a roost for bats. Together with routes leading to a river confluence, this also offers a way to consider the transformation of human-made structures in a new context.

Another landmark is Fieldhead Farmhouse, a Grade II listed farmhouse in Combridge dating from around 1700. Its listing and approximate date give the place a distinct architectural history. Alongside the history of the canal and railway, the farmhouse broadens the picture beyond the walking routes: Combridge offers several distinct themes to help you shape the focus of your stay.

If you are looking for a hotel in Combridge, these themes can help you plan your choice of destination. Would you like to focus mainly on the former canal and railway history, or are you more interested in the walking routes described here and the river confluence? For a walk, the distance, route characteristics and conditions mentioned are practical points of reference; for a visit focused on architectural history, the farmhouse and Crossing House are notable named landmarks.

Discover more destinations: Brocton, Hamstall Ridware, Ashley, Long Compton, Coven, Brewood, Wetley Rocks, Eccleshall

For an overview of the wider area: Staffordshire.