Walks and Events

Printer-friendly Programme

Sunday, 7th September 2008   SPARROWPIT AND MAM TOR FROM CASTLETON    12 miles  6 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SK149829. Take the A6 northward out of Buxton, through Dove Holes and turn left onto the A623 towards Sparrowpit. At Sparrowpit turn off the A623 past The Wanted Inn, to join Wannats Pass on the A6187 which will take you into Castleton. Just inside Castleton, turn left at the mini-roundabout into the large public car park where we'll meet for the start of the walk. If you're early enough there is some free on road parking, on the right as you enter Castleton - The Bulls Head pub next door to the public car park was also slightly cheaper.
Leaving Castleton on the Limestone Way we raise up through Cave Dale enjoying a fine view of a Norman toilet on the side of the castle above us. We pass through a pleasant wooded plantation before reaching Sparrowpit, and then move on to climb Rushup Edge. On reaching Lords Seat the views in all directions are spectacular - if you can see them. The final ascent to the trig point at Mam Tor should provide an excellent photo opportunity, before descending to Hollins Cross and returning to Castleton. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Phil H 01782 398849 / 07890 144047 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 13th September 2008   EDALE SKYLINE    19 miles  7 hrs   Grade 3
Start Time: 9:30am    Grid Ref: SK171834. Parking is often available next to the car park on the road; save your parking dosh for ale later
This legendary walk has returned with the added thrill of a night at the Castleton YHA; for those who would like to slake their thirst with real ale and not have to drive home. . Views from the top, should, weather permitting, be well worth the effort. Sunday could offer another short walk if legs permit. Lunch required. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Mark Edwards 07962 653325 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 20th September 2008  TRENTHAM ACTIVE
See Social Programme for Details

Sunday, 21st September 2008   CANNOCK CHASE AND SHUGBOROUGH    9 miles  5 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SJ979190. Follow signs to Brocton from the A513 at Milford Common. In Brocton take turning at The Village Green onto the Chase heading towards the Glacial Boulder, road goes up a hill (called Chase Road). Car park is first on the left after a quarry marked Coppice Hill Car park.
A gentle walk over the rolling hills of the Chase taking in some of it's most well known landmarks and also taking in the grounds of Shugborough Hall. Lunch may not be required if your willing to use one of the cafes at either Shugborough or Milford. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Jayson 07734 605023 Area Map    Start Point Map

Friday, 26th September 2008  STAFFORD PUB MEET
See Social Programme for Details

Sunday, 28th September 2008   FROGHALL AND CONSALL    11 miles  6 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SK027476. Take the A52 to Froghall (heading towards Ashbourne). Once in Froghall ... go over the bridge, past the 1st left (B5053 to Ipstones) and take the next left towards Foxt. Parking is on the right at Froghall wharf.
A gentle amble along the Cauldon canal to the Black Lion at Consall Forge. Through and around Consall nature reserve. We return with the river Churnet to our left ... back to Kingsley and continue through to Froghall. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Emma 07765 247181 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 4th October 2008   HAUGHTON AND BERRY RING    5 miles  2 hrs   Grade 1
Start Time: 12 noon    Grid Ref: SJ862214. Take the A518 from Stafford to Gnosall. Go into Haughton and just before leaving the village - take the last right (just before the pub on the left)to Shut Heath and Whitecross. Parking is on the left hand side.
A short stroll along a disused railway line, past Stallbrook Hall on to Berry Ring and a pleasant field walk back to Haughton for a pint or two!
Walk leader: Steve 07506 067017 Area Map    Start Point Map

Sunday, 5th October 2008   LONGNOR    13 miles  7 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SK089649. From Stoke, follow A52 to Leek, then onto Ashbourne road for 4 miles. Turn left at crossroads by Green Man at Bottomhouse and follow B5303 road north for about 8 miles to Longnor. Parking in square or on B5303 entering the village.
A walk along the banks of the river Dove and the newly opened access land around Pilsbury. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Phil 07968 313014 Area Map    Start Point Map

Friday, 10th October 2008    STOW ON THE WOLD WEEKEND    2 nights    Grade 2
See Weekend Programme for details

Saturday, 18th October 2008  ANYONE FOR BINGO?!?!
See Social Programme for Details

Sunday, 19th October 2008   THE PEACEFUL DOVE    10 miles  5 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SK165448. From the A50 take the A515 toward Ashbourne. Turn left to enter Clifton Village just before the junction of the A515 and A52. Parking is on street within the village
We will explore a less known section of the River Dove, passing the remains of Calwich Abbey and discovering some attractive areas of Staffordshire Countryside. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Susie 01785 253071 / 07791 151397 Area Map    Start Point Map

Sunday, 26th October 2008   SHINING TOR    11 miles  6 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SK018758. From Buxton take the A5004 toward Buxworth. Take the first left off this road and parking is next to Errwood Reservoir.
A walk exploring the mysterious moors and romantic ruins of the Goyt Valley. It's a varied route with huge views from the highest point in the southern half of the Peak District. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Paul 07515 336156 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 1st November 2008  AGM AND MEAL
See Social Programme for Details

Sunday, 2nd November 2008   BARTON UNDER NEEDWOOD & NEEDWOOD FOREST    10 miles  6 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SK176201. Take the B5016 from Yoxall to Barton under Needwood. Turn left at Barton Gate (opposite the pub) towards Needwood. Parking is on the right hand side.
A wander over smiths hill to Barton under Needwood. Through Wychor Park to Yoxall followed by a gentle saunter back through parts of Needwood Forest. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Steve 07506 067017 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 8th November 2008  BONFIRE NIGHT BASH
See Social Programme for Details

Sunday, 9th November 2008   EARL'S HILL AND STIPERSTONES    10 miles  6 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SJ408056. Take the A488 west from Shrewsbury. Just after passing through Pontesford take the left turn by a John Deere tractor garage signposted to Earl's Hill nature reserve. Follow this road until just after it bends to the right, you will see the car park on the left. Parking is limited so please car share if possible.
We start with a short but steep climb to the top of Earl's Hill for some (hopefully) spectacular views. After making our way through the hills to the west of the Long Mynd we climb to the north end of the Stiperstones ridge before returning to the car park by circling Earl's Hill Lunch required.
Walk leader: Neil 07780 686773 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 15th November 2008   AROUND RUDYARD AND BACK    5 miles  2 hrs   Grade 1
Start Time: 12 noon    Grid Ref: SJ955578. Take the A523 Macclesfield Road from Leek towards Rushton Spencer. Turn left onto the B5331 towards Rudyard... follow the road until it crosses the old railway line ... parking is on the left hand side at the site of the former Rudyard station.
A gentle amble around Rudyard Lake or Reservoir? You decide. Taking in the hotel rudyard, cliffe park and the miniature railway ... a hot chocolate or two may be available on route!
Walk leader: Emily 07966 175482 Area Map    Start Point Map

Sunday, 16th November 2008   HOPE BOWDLER AND CAER CARADOC    8 miles  5 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SO468932. Parking is on the side of the B4371 Church Stretton to Much Wenlock Road. If coming from Church Stretton it is a large layby on the left just after the right turn to Hazler Road. There are public footpaths on left and right just before it and a sign about rubbish there. Parking is reasonably limited (about 8 or 9 cars) so car sharing advised.
A walk in a beautiful area of Shropshire offering spectacular views on a good day. We will head over the hills around Hope Bowdler over to Cardington and then loop round to take in Caer Caradoc on the way back. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Jayson 07734 605023 Area Map    Start Point Map

Sunday, 23rd November 2008   BIRCHENOUGH, SHUTLINGSLOE AND THE 3 SHIRES    9 miles  5 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 10:00am    Grid Ref: SJ995662. Take the A53 Leek to Buxton road. After the Roaches turn left (Signposted Flash). Follow the road and turn left at the T junction at the end. Follow signs to the YHA and park in the car park on the right.
A pleasant walk via Birchenough hill, Shutlingsloe and returning via the Three Shires Heads. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Nigel 01782 395431 / 07764 561750 Area Map    Start Point Map

Friday, 28th November 2008  HANLEY PUB MEET
See Social Programme for Details

Sunday, 30th November 2008   DOVE DALE FROM ASHBOURNE    12 miles  6 hrs   Grade 2
Start Time: 9:30am    Grid Ref: SK180467. Travelling east on the A50, after Uttoxeter take the A515 into Ashbourne. The walk will start from the Ashbourne Leisure Centre - on the junction of Buxton Road and Union Street.
Initially going north on the Tissington Trail we visit Illam Rock, Bunster Hill, and Illam itself, before strolling along by the Rivers Manifold and Dove, and returning to Ashbourne via Mapleton for a well deserved pint. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Phil H 01782 398849 / 07890 144047 Area Map    Start Point Map

Sunday, 7th December 2008   COOMBES VALLEY & WHAT LIES BENEATH    8 miles  5 hrs   Grade 1
Start Time: 10:30am    Grid Ref: SK009534. Take the A523 from Leek to Waterhouses. Take the B road to the right signposted Coombes Valley Nature Reserve. Car parking is on the left by Sixoakes farm.
A lovely 8 mile walk, taking in some of the lesser known paths around the area. Lunch required.
Walk leader: Emily 07966 175482 Area Map    Start Point Map

Saturday, 13th December 2008   CHRISTMAS MEAL AND WALK    4 miles  2 hrs   Grade 1
Start Time: 11:00am    Grid Ref: SK063433. Ramblers Retreat, Red Road, Alton, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST10 4BU
There will be a short walk (3-4 miles), but not to be underestimated as it fairly hilly. The walk will be followed by lunch at 1.15pm at the The Ramblers Retreat.
Walk leader: Mark Edwards 07962 653325 Area Map    Start Point Map

Monday, 29th December 2008    NEW YEAR IN BATH    3 nights    Grade 2
See Weekend Programme for details


Points to Remember:
1. Please call the walk leader before the walk in case any details have changed.
2. Make sure that you are suitably dressed for the weather. Remember that some walks are on exposed high land and the weather can be cold and wet. Denim jeans are not suitable for high-level walks.
3. Dogs are welcome but only with the prior agreement of the walk leader
4. If the walk leader decides to shorten the walk then that decision is final and is not open to negotiation. The leader will only do this when there is a good reason for doing so.
5. Even if a walk does not state packed lunch, it is always advisable to bring something to eat and drink.
6. If transport is shared, please provide the driver with a share of the fuel costs.
7. Non RA members are welcome to join us for 3 walks before being asked to join the RA. There are no exceptions to this.
8. Regrettably, due to the nature of the programme, we are unable to accept children on our walks.
9. Web site address: www.staffs-walkers.org.uk
10. You are responsible for your own safety at all times.

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This site was last updated on 28 August 2008