Stoke & Newcastle Ramblers

Where walking is a pleasure

Churnet Way

 A full route description is available here and a map and .gpx files are available here.

Overview

Section 1 – Winking Man at Upper Hulme to Leek.

See the Staffordshire Moorlands at its scenic best. The views from Ramshaw Rocks are some of the best in the country and the market town of Leek has welcoming facilities and lots of historical interest.

  • Distance: Approximately 7 Miles

  • Duration: 4 Hours

  • Start: SK 0258 6377 OS Explorer Map OL 24 The Peak District – White Peak Area

  • Parking: On car park of Winking Man public house, Upper Hulme, with permission of licensee. Lay-by on Gradbach/Allgreave road, a few yards from Winking Man public house. Sat Nav. Postcode: ST13 8UH

  • Public Transport: Bus service between the towns of Leek and Buxton.

  • Refreshments: Winking Man public house, Upper Hulme and numerous facilities at Leek.

Section 2 – Leek to Cheddleton

Parkland and pleasant river valley skirting the town of Leek. Scenic canal side walking reaches the village of Cheddleton with its ancient flint mill and church dating back to the 12th century.

  • Distance: Approx.7 miles

  • Duration: 4 Hours

  • Start: SJ 9864 5685 OS Explorer Map OL 24 The Peak District – White Peak Area

  • Parking: Numerous town centre car parks at Leek. Sat Nav. Code: ST13 6DH

  • Public Transport: Bus station at Leek Town Centre.

  • Refreshments: Numerous facilities Leek town centre.

Section 3 – Cheddleton to Oakamoor.

Canal, river, steam trains, evidence of industrial past, all within beautiful wooded valleys.

  • Distance: Approx. 9 miles

  • Duration: 4 ½ Hours

  • Start: SJ 9816 5209 OS Explorer Map OL 24 The Peak District White Peak Area and also OS Explorer Map 259 - Derby

  • Parking: On-road parking only. Sat nav. Code: ST13 7HP

  • Public Transport: Frequent bus service between Leek and Stoke-on-Trent

  • Refreshments: Red Lion Inn on Leek to Stoke road. Tea Rooms and Craft Centre in Hollow Lane.

Section 4 – Oakamoor to Rocester and the confluence with the River Dove.

Disused railway paths and agricultural lands by-pass Alton Towers Theme Park and the prestigious JCB Factory to reach the confluence of the Rivers Churnet and Dove.

  • Distance: Approx. 9 miles

  • Duration: 4 ½ Hours

  • Start: SJ 9816 5209 OS Explorer Map 259 - Derby

  • Parking: Car park and picnic area near to the village centre of Oakamoor. Sat Nav. Code: ST10 3AG Car park at village hall near centre of Rocester. On road parking at Combridge village near to confluence of the rivers.

  • Public Transport: Bus service at Oakamoor and Rocester. No public transport at Combridge.

  • Refreshments: Public houses at Oakamoor, Alton and Rocester. Ramblers’ Retreat Cafe and Restaurant at Dimmingsdale, near Oakamoor.

The Churnet Way was devised by George Shufflebotham and Phil Rushton