Etruria to Stone
(Potteries Via Harecastle Tunnel Trent & Mersey Canal)
£832pp (£1664 per charter)
Trip 18 - 22nd to 26th August 2026 (4nights)
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This is the final  official trip of the 2026 season for 'Ellis' – Capt. E will be quite tired… probably a bit grumpy and ready to plug into shoreline back in the marina for a few months R & R.   ikt’s going to be a leisurely jaunt - just going through Harecastle tunnel and back for the fun of it ... and of course to give an opportunity to visit Middleport Pottery - said to be the oldest still working pottery in England.

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Guests will arrive approximately 1.30pm on day one and after an introductory blah blah (and most probably glass of something fizzy) we’ll chug off  to  either West port lake for the night, or maybe on to the Tunnel entrance and overnight there.  

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Next morning (after a simple DIY breakfast), we’ll cast off and make our way  through the tunnel and hopefully be able to turn quickly enough to be allowed back in on the next southerly passage... if we weren't first in the queue, chances are we wont make it back in time and will then have to tie up for  a few hours to await the next southerly passage.  

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Once through, we'll head on to the visitor moorings outside Middle port Pottery so guests can take a tour.  

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After we're finished with  Middleport, depending on the time, we'll take a view on whether to press on to Trentham to (facilitate a visit to the Wedgewood Factory the next morning) or if that's not required, maybe moor for the night at Etruria.  If we've moored at Etruria, we could pop into the best named pub for a pint - 'The Holy Inadequate'.

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This trip can be quite fluid, with stops adjusted to suit guests needs... if they want to linger at either pottery, Capt. E will make it fit in with the need to get to Stone for the final evening together - if needs be, meals times can be flexible.

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Once back in Stone, we can perhaps have tea out to save cooking - only in a Wetherspoons mind so don't get excited... but a few drinks and last night off cooking will be a welcome end to the season.

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The final morning - (hangovers permitting) will see guests depart after breakfast around 9.30am.