‘A’ Walk
An easier than usual A walk, along good tracks on the Gritstone Trail and the Staffordshire Way. Starting from grid ref 949698, there is a level section before the very gradual climb to Sutton radio mast and panoramic views over the Cheshire plain. Views continue over the broad open ridge of Wincle Minn heading south into the wooded area surrounding Barleyford Bridge over the River Dane. From there the route follows a water conduit (canal) and subsequently the disused railway line through Rushton Spencer. The final section is along the west side of Rudyard Reservoir.
Distance: 11½
miles Ascent: 1,500 ft
Leaders: John Hughes, John Rothwel
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‘B+’ Walk
Starting at the Fourways Motel
(953672) we follow tracks and lanes southwards to Danebridge. After crossing
the river we begin a gentle ascent through woodland to Hanging Stone and then
through the High Forest to Roach End. Here we begin a spectacular walk through
the rock formations of the Roaches ridge. We descend at the southern end and
follow field paths and lanes to Meerbrook, where we join the Staffordshire
Moorlands Walk back to Rudyard.
.
Distance: 11 miles. Ascent: 1,000 feet:
Leaders: Glennis and David Poole
‘B’ Walk
Our start is on the moors above Wincle (GR 955678), altitude 1234 feet with splendid views in all directions, without climbing!!! It is now downhill all the way across fields to the banks of the river Dane. We follow the river downstream past a trout fishery until we reach a disused “feeder” (small canal or manmade waterway) that we follow a short distance before crossing more fields to the picturesque village of Rushton Spencer (optional pub/toilet stop?!?). We continue along a disused railway track to the north end of Rudyard Lake and then along the west bank to the picnic area, café and toilet facilities.
Distance: 8.3 miles Ascent: Negative!
Leaders: John McEvoy, Andy Fowler
‘C’ Walk
A very pleasant scenic walk through varied landscapes, fairly undemanding in that the height is achieved in several gentle ascents and much of the route is on good tracks or minor lanes, some of it part of the Staffordshire Way. We begin at Rudyard and proceed the whole length of the wooded edge of the lake, noting water sports and wild life en route. We then venture alongside Dingle Brook over pastureland and quiet lanes to return via Horton, passing Horton Hall and the pretty church. We continue over undulating farmland, arriving back at Rudyard Visitors Centre with toilets, café, miniature railway and other water activities
Distance: 6.5 miles. Ascent: 500
ft.
Leaders: Phil Morgan, Linda Trollope
