Stone

The bustling town centre of Stone with its Georgian buildings and air of elegance highlights how important the town was for both coach travel and the canal network. Indeed, it was at the very hub of the latter in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
At the time of its founding it was briefly the capital of England, and as the Mercians moved first to Stafford and finally to Tamworth it retained its importance to the kingdom.
The quality of the water led to its beers being celebrated far and wide. New breweries continue the tradition today and produce award-winning beers that bring afficionados to the town. You can pass the time watching the narrow boats passing through the locks and admire the engineering involved in constructing them at a time when machinery was either man- or horse- powered. There really is so much to see and do in the town where the creator of Hovis was born.

There are a number of excellent picnic spots, or you could enjoy visiting on of the numerous inns and restaurants. As there are steps en route, only very light pushchairs can complete the Trail and wheelchairs are unfortunately unsuitable.
Visit Stone once and you are sure to return.