In search of the Stover Canal
Evening paddling on the Whitelake Channel to the sea lock of the Stover Canal.
The historic Stover Canal in south Devon was built in 1792 and ceased operating just before WWII. The canal, running from Teigngrace to the tidal River Teign at Newton Abbot, was constructed by James Templer in order to transport clay from his land.
Later, in 1820, his son George built the granite tramway from Haytor to the Stover Canal, to get granite from his quarries down to Teignmouth Docks for transportation elsewhere in the UK and abroad. Since the canal's closure more than 70 years ago, it has fallen into disrepair. But now, there are hopes it can be restored.
The Stover Canal Trust has been granted permission to sub-lease the two-and-a-half mile stretch of canal.