Leek Walk, Staffordshire

A 12 mile circular walk around the town of Leek, in North Staffordshire. It has been called the “Queen of the Moorlands” It is built on a hill within a valley, within a loop of the River Churnet. New members are always most welcome. A shorter walk option is usually available. The ramble starts at Ladderedge Country Park, south-east of the town and we head north-west following a feeder canal, topped up by Rudyard Lake, into the Leek branch of the Caldon Canal. After 1.5 miles we climb westwards to the village of Horton and will have a mid-morning break during this section. There then follows a descent to Harpers Gate, to rejoin the canal feeder for a short distance. Before heading out to Bridge End for our main lunch stop, with a choice of cafe or pub refreshments. After lunch we move on to Abbey Green and then an ascent gives us wonderful panoramic views, with the Roaches to the north-east.  We overlook Tittesworth Reservoir which was built to regulate the water supply for Leek”s former textile industry. Onwards then to North Hillswood before we change direction and head south to Ball Haye Green. There is then a little urban walking as we cross the A53 and start to climb parallel to Mount Road, as we enjoy great views of Leek. We finish this delightful ramble by crossing a bridge over the A523 before descending back into the town, through a cemetery and alongside a short section of railway line. The coach will depart for home from Ladderedge Country Park at 6.30 pm.

Pick-up Points – Coach fare £12

“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