Birmingham Ramblers Sunday Coach walk on 17 October 2021

Our Sunday rambles usually have three levels of walk, strenuous (A), moderate (B) or leisurely (C), led by Birmingham Ramblers group leaders. Join us and enjoy a great day of social walking with our friendly members.

Please note: Our walks are often on rough tracks and rights of way through fields, woodland and hills. Walkers should preferably wear walking boots and other clothing suitable for the weather. Unless otherwise described, please bring a packed lunch and refreshments for the day.

This Sunday walk along the Staffordshire Way from Alton to Cheddleton has 3 levels of walk:

• A Walk: 11 miles, 1200 ft ascent.
• B Walk: 10 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing.
• C Walk: Approx. 6.5 miles, 200 ft total ascent, no stiles.

Walk leaders:

• A Walk: Peter Searle
• B Walk: Kate Chester
• C Walk: Eva Hyde

Walk details:

• A Walk: This is a varied and attractive section of the Staffordshire Way. Our route begins on the outskirts of Alton, descending through Rakes Dale to join the Staffordshire Way in mixed woodland close to the River Churnet, in its steep-sided valley. Still in woodland, the Way climbs through Ousal Dale to farmland, before crossing Suttons Wood and Hawksmoor Wood. The next section of the walk is through farmland, initially close to meanders of the River Churnet, before climbing across higher ground with views of the surrounding coutryside, around Kingsley. The Way then descends steeply on steps, to reach the Caldon Canal which runs alongside the River Churnet. The afternoon’s walk follows the towpath through the attractive wooded valley, often within sight of the Churnet Valley (steam) Railway. Possible pub stop by the canal near Consall station, and/or diversion from the towpath to explore woodland trails on the valley slopes. Picnic lunch.
• B Walk: Linear starting on the B road between Alton and Cheadle. Going North to join the Staffordshire Way in Stoney Dale. Following the Staffordshire Way through Hawkesmoor Wood, along the River Churnet and up to Kingsley. Leaving the Staffordshire Way to stay on the higher ground, dropping steeply through RSPB reserve to rejoin the Staffordshire Way at Consall where there is an afternoon optional pub stop, then along the canal tow path to finish at Cheddleton. Picnic lunch.
• C Walk: The C walk will start at Froghall and follow the Churnet Way along the towpath of the Caldon canal, where it then meets the Staffordshire Way. The route continues along the canal towpath, with the possibility of a stop at the pub near Consall Station. The canal goes very close to the Churnet Valley Steam railway line in this section of the walk. The station has been restored to its appearance in 1902. We continue along the towpath, with a detour around Chase Wood, a mixed forest. The walk here is gently uphill, ending with good views over the Churnet Valley and a short descent, ending slightly further along the towpath. The walk along the towpath continues to our final destination, Cheddleton, the end point of the railway, where there are 2 pubs. Picnic lunch.

The maps for all of the walks are EX259/OL24, Landranger maps 118 and 128

There are a limited number of total places for the walks, which is set by the social distancing requirements on the coach. Whilst we hope that everyone will be able to be accommodated on their walk of choice, the allocation of places for each walk will have to be done on the day. No-one will be expected to walk at a higher grade than they prefer - thus, for example, if you prefer the B walk you will not be asked to join the A walk but may be asked to join the C walk. The booking form allows you to specify your preferred walk.

It will only be possible to join the walk by coach, which will be picking up at 09.00 at the layby at the side of St. Chad’s Cathedral, Queensway, Birmingham B4 6EU. The coach fare will be £15 with 3 options for payment:

• Cash on the day in an envelope with your name and the date of the walk. We are unable to give change for cash payments
• Cheque on the day, made payable to COBRA
• Bank transfer in advance of the walk

For payment by bank transfer the walk coordinator will contact you about a week in advance of the walk with bank details. For payments on the day, please ensure that these are placed in the payment box on the coach before the departure; this means that there will be no close personal contact nor any handling of the money when making the payment.

Note that you cannot pay the coach fare through our Eventbrite account. Your booking for the walk will still show £0.00 but you do have to pay the coach £15 fare on or before the day of the walk.

Bookings for this walk will close at 18.00 on Monday 11 October2021

General Information

This is one of several walks and activities offered by the Birmingham Ramblers. If you have found this page through a web search or other means and would like to find out more about the group then please visit the Birmingham Ramblers web site; new members are always welcome.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Staffordshire Way 8: Alton to Cheddleton, Coach pickup at the layby at the side of St. Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, United Kingdom