Isabel Trail – Workhouse Bridge loop from Marston

Bike touring routes & trails

Isabel Trail – Workhouse Bridge loop from Marston

Easy

4.0

(2)

riders

Isabel Trail – Workhouse Bridge loop from Marston

01:38

27.5km

130m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 18.0 km for 6 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.58 km

Isabel Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

Suitable for any kind of bicycle

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14.9 km

Aston Pool

Lake

17.2 km

Bench by the Canal

Highlight • Viewpoint

Yet another great resting spot. Tragically, this has a little memorial tribute in front of a young lad. 😔

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18.0 km

Stone Canal Mosaic and Playground

Highlight • Cycleway

Why not head towards the amphitheatre and the nature reserve?

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18.2 km

The road above this bridge used to lead directly to the old workhouse.

Another interesting fact is that it has a little plaque on with the name 'Christine'

Christina Collins was travelling by narrowboat from Liverpool to London. It is important to remember that some passengers were carried by canal boats as it was cheaper than travelling by coach. She passed through Stone on the journey and raised concerns about her safety to the lock keeper at Aston. Her body was found on 17th June 1839 at Rugeley.

Three of the four bargemen were charged with her murder. All three were sentenced to be hanged so as a souvenir for those attending the execution a broadsheet was printed beforehand showing the three dangling from the portable scaffolding outside Stafford Gaol. However one of the men was reprieved at the last minute and was sentenced to be transported to Australia instead.

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18.5 km

Joule's Stone Ales Brewery

Highlight • Structure

Joules Ales used these canals to transport their goods to Liverpool and Hull. On a public hanging day (they used to hang the poor convicts outside nearby Stafford gaol), they used to brew more for the increase in custom that usually resulted because of the morbid spectators that would flock there.

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18.7 km

Horse Tunnel and Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Notice the cobbled tunnel for tow horses of a bygone age.

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20.3 km

Christina Collins Memorial

Highlight • Historical Site

This tribute is to be found at the opposite side of the towpath at the Workhouse Bridge.

It was erected to memorialise the tragic death of a narrow boat passenger, Christina Collins in the 1800s.

(Full details are on the highlight for 'Workhouse Bridge')

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23.9 km

Pirehill Lane Gravel Track & Takaway Café

Highlight • Trail

Cold overcast day, pleasant surprise to find this brilliant cafe about the midpoint of my ride. Log fired woodburner going, it would have been easy to stay too long!

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