Froghall
26 April 2026
Today, we return to the Alton Towers area for a ramble through part of the beautiful, but rarely explored countryside on the north side of the Churnet Valley. This will be a circular walk from Froghall of approximately 12 miles. Our route includes the Hawksmoor Nature Reserve and the Rambler’s Retreat café, before a close shave with Alton Towers. Cotton and Whiston follow, before our final descent back to Froghall along the incline of an old tramroad.
Our journey begins at the fascinating site of Froghall Wharf, where public toilets are available. We should have time to explore the canal wharf, limekilns and other industrial relics on our return at the end of the walk. We follow the Caldon Canal towpath for a short distance before crossing the main A52 road at Froghall Bridge, site of the Churnet Valley steam railway.
We turn off the main road at the Railway Inn and follow the beautiful Churnet Valley southwards for some distance, crossing the river twice en route. At East Wall Farm we temporarily say goodbye to the river as we climb past the Hawksmoor Nature Reserve to Hawksmoor Cottage. Our route takes us through Sutton’s Wood to a farm track which leads to the head of Ousal Dale. From here, we descend through beautiful woodland to the Rambler’s Retreat café, where we shall have a break.
Crossing the River Churnet for the last time at Lords Bridge, we climb the intriguingly named Barbary Gutter to Farley Lane. Look out for spectacular tree trunks. This path runs immediately next to Alton Towers. The shrieks of terror from the punters will no doubt entertain us as we pass by. At the top is the impressive, but neglected early Nineteenth Century ‘Pink Lodge’ This was built in the Italianate style.
Turning north, we head across parkland to the pretty hamlet of Farley, which bristles with interesting buildings. Then, on to an abandoned farm and dwellings at Longshaw (no, not the Derbyshire one). Turning left here, we head for the outskirts of Cotton before turning west through a beautiful wooded valley to Oulsclough and Carr Bank. We turn north to Moneystone and the very unusual Rock Cottage, before turning west again through pretty countryside and a golf course to the pleasant village of Whiston. Here we briefly rejoin the A52 road.
Just beyond the end of the village, we join the route of an old tramroad which takes us past Whistonbrook and Leys before descending steeply to Froghall Wharf. This was the third of four attempts to build a successful tramroad between the quarries at Caldon Low, near Waterhouses and the canal basin at Froghall Wharf. It was designed by John Rennie and opened in 1804. There is little or no trace of the first two, opened in 1778 and 1785 respectively. The final inclined plane, opened in 1847, shows clearly on maps as an almost straight line across the landscape – the feature that first aroused my curiosity and drew me to the area. Froghall Wharf has several information boards giving the history of the area. It now looks very tranquil and rural, but was once a hive of industry.
Back at Froghall Wharf, the toilets may still be open. It is then just a short walk to the main road where our coach awaits us. We also have the Railway Inn providing refreshments and other facilities on the main road, which we passed early on our walk. The coach will be parked somewhere adjacent to the pub. We anticipate leaving Froghall at 6:30pm – or earlier if possible. (text and illustrative photo – copyright Richard Lake).
As usual we welcome new walkers and if it is your first walk with us the coach fare is free. Usually £14. No need to book, just go to one of the following local pick-up stops. (Skills coaches).
Coach Departure
The coach picks up at the following points.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).
| “Staff of Life” pub, Hack Lane | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.15am |
| Priestic Road, opp McDonald’s | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.20am |
| Eastfield Side, (Blue Bell) | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.22am |
| Hermitage Lane stop, Sutton Road | Mansfield | 9.25am |
| ASDA bus stop. Stockwell Gate. | Mansfield | 9.30am |
