Knighton: Home of Cadbury’s Chocolate Crumb

Tucked away in the quiet Staffordshire countryside, the little hamlet of Knighton hides an unexpected piece of British chocolate history. On this run, I follow the Shropshire Union Canal, passing the site of the old Cadbury factory where chocolate crumb was once produced and loaded onto canal boats bound for Bournville.

You can watch the full route and story in my latest video here:
🎥 Knighton: Home of Cadbury’s Chocolate Crumb

A Quiet Canal with a Sweet Past

Running along this stretch of the canal today, it’s hard to imagine that it was once a hive of industry. In 1911, Cadbury built a factory here at Knighton to produce chocolate crumb — a mixture of milk, sugar, and cocoa that was dried into a solid form. It was a clever solution: easy to transport and long-lasting, yet still the foundation of Cadbury’s famous Dairy Milk.

The crumb was shipped from this very wharf by narrowboat, travelling down the canal to Bournville, where it would be transformed into chocolate bars loved across the world.

Through the Fields to the Anchor Inn

From the wharf, I cut across the fields to Peggs Lane, following a route that eventually brings me to the Anchor Inn at High Offley — one of the most iconic pubs on the canal network. It’s a place that feels like a step back in time, with low beams, hand-pulled pints, and a simple canalside beer garden.

Right now it only opens in the evenings from 7pm, but it’s still a lovely spot to pause and take in the peace of the canal.

A Note on the Route

I experimented with taking another path from Bridge 43, but the rights of way are poorly marked and, in places, seem to disappear altogether. I eventually rejoined the canal at Bridge 44, and I’d recommend others simply sticking to the towpath — it’s a better surface, easier to navigate, and packed with history at every turn.

A Slice of Staffordshire Heritage

This route blends gentle running with local history, following a landscape shaped by both farming and industry. The mix of countryside, canal boats, and quiet pubs makes it a perfect outing whether you’re running, walking, or just exploring somewhere new.

If you enjoy combining the outdoors with a touch of history, this one’s definitely worth adding to your list.

📺 Watch the full video here: Knighton: Home of Cadbury’s Chocolate Crumb