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Churnet Valley - Kingsley to Cheddleton

Staffordshire Walk

County/Area - Staffordshire - North Staffordshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.0 miles / 8.1 km    Ascent - 100 feet / 30 metres

Time - 2 hours 40 minutes    Grade - easy

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Churnet Valley - Kingsley to Cheddleton
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.

The Churnet Valley lies a few miles south of the Peak District National Park. The area is one of the more attractive parts of Staffordshire yet has not been granted any special status. This walk is described as a linear route starting from Kingsley and Froghall Station on the steam operated Churnet Valley Railway (grid ref. SK025470). The walk takes you north to Cheddleton from where you can catch a train back to the start.

There is car parking at Kingsley and Froghall Station which is free of charge for those using the Churnet Valley Railway. After parking walk to the main road and turn right over the railway. Turn left at the first road junction signed B5053 Ipstones. After a short way you can gain the towpath of the Caldon Canal. To your right is a tunnel that takes the canal to its eastern terminus at Froghall Wharf. We are turning west and walking with the canal on our right towards Leek.

In its early stages the canal is tree lined and very verdant. The canal sees very little leisure traffic compared with some canals and you will have a very peaceful walk beneath the trees. To your left is the railway and beyond that the River Churnet, which the canal joins for a short section of the route.

Stay with the canal with the towpath swapping to the other side before you pass the beautifully restored station at Consall (this is the first time that you will get a good view of the trains). Soon after Consall station you reach the Black Lion pub where you can get coffees, drinks and meals. The canal goes under the railway and joins the River Churnet at this point. The towpath returns to the western side of the canal and you continue with the river/canal on your right.

The river and canal divide after about a mile at a lock (grid ref. SJ988501). Here you need to cross the canal again and continue with the canal on your left. Stay on the canal until you reach the road by Cheddleton station. Turn right here and the station is on the other side of the level crossing. Refreshments are available when the railway is operating. All that remains is a pleasant ride back to the start.

The railway operates most weekends throughout the year and also on weekdays during peak periods. Please check the website for timetables, fares and other information - operated Churnet Valley Railway.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1752 Churnet Valleyeasy2.6 miles
Walk 2263 Grindon & the Manifold Way from Waterhousesmoderate8.0 miles
Walk 3562 The Weaver Hills from Woottoneasy3.2 miles
Walk 2252 Manifold Valley and Ecton Hilleasy/mod6.3 miles
Walk 2537 Ecton Hill & Wetton from Wetton Millmoderate7.0 miles
Walk 2259 Ilameasy4.5 miles
Walk 3455 Manifold Valley & Dovedale om Ilammoderate9.5 miles
Walk 3527 Dovedale and Manifold Valley from Ilammoderate7.5 miles
Walk 1475 Bunster Hill and Dovedale from Ilameasy/mod4.5 miles
Walk 1181 Wetton Hill & the Manifold Valley from Wettoneasy/mod6.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Walking in the Peak District - White Peak East

Walking in the Peak District - White Peak EastGuidebook describing 42 half-day and day walks in the limestone landscapes of Derbyshire's White Peak, part of the Peak District National Park. One of two volumes, this book covers the east of the region, with potential bases including Bakewell, Eyam, Castleton, Birchover, Matlock and Wirksworth.
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