The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival runs from Friday 25th April to Monday 5th May 2025, featuring more than 80 events and activities across one of the most beautiful and historic parts of Staffordshire.
There are walks for all abilities, from strenuous hikes in the county's most challenging terrain, to relaxing, flat strolls which are perfect for family days out. Most events are free of charge, and there is a large selection which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Here are five great walks in Staffordshire Moorlands, which are highlights of this year's walking festival programme.
The Roaches and Lud's Church
One of the most popular walking spots in the Staffordshire Moorlands, The Roaches, Hanging Stone, and Lud's Church offer dramatic Peak District landscapes, and tales of history and folklore.
During the Walking Festival, you can join a moderate, eight-mile walk, organised and lead by BMC (British Mountaineering Council) Peak Area, for the Roaches, Hanging Stone and Lud's Church Walk on Friday 2nd May, and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts while discovering some of Staffordshire's most fascinating and beautiful locations.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, but please inform the walk leader in advance if you wish to bring your dog with you. Children can take part too, if accompanied by an adult.
Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Dimmingsdale Valley
The picturesque Dimmingsdale Valley offers peace and tranquility, with a combination of woodland and waterways - and the legendary story of The Chained Oak.
As part of the Walking Festival, you can celebrate Staffordshire Day (Thursday 1st May) with a leisurely 4.5 mile stroll - the Forestry England at Dimmingsdale Walk - and learn about the work of Forestry England to protect and manage this and other historic Churnet Valley woodlands - and maybe even get involved with the preservation yourself.
After your walk, revitalise with a tasty Staffordshire oatcake and hot brew - or even one of the huge homemade cakes - at the Ramblers Retreat tea room.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed, as are children accompanied by adults.
Unfortunately this route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Toilets are available at the Ramblers Retreat (purchases/support appreciated).
Froghall Wharf and Caldon Canal
Enjoy the soothing sounds of the local wildlife, blended with the occasional steam train chugging by on Churnet Valley Railway, on this route along the Caldon Canal.
One of a huge selection of walks for those with access requirements in this year's Walking Festival, the Visually Impaired Walk is an easy, five-mile route alongside the canal towpath, taking in Froghall Wharf (home of Hetty's Tea Shop), and stopping for refreshments including bacon baps and vegetarian options at The Black Lion in Consall.
Assistance dogs are welcome, as are children accompanied by adults.
Suitable for pushchairs, but not wheelchairs.
Caldon Tramroads
This walk follows the route of the 18th Century Caldon Low Tramlines, which linked the quarries of Caldon Low with the Caldon Canal nearby, and was the first iron railway in the world to be commissioned by an act of parliament.
During the walking festival, The Caldon Tramroads Walk, on Tuesday 29th April and repeated on Saturday 3rd May, features a walk and talk about the historic 'railway', covering a three-mile moderate route, which is open to accompanied children but not dogs.
It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Ecton Hills
Ecton Hill, in the stunning Manifold Valley and close to the imposing Thor's Cave, is above the site of a copper mine, which was once the richest individual copper mine in England.
Accessed via the Manifold Way, a mostly flat walking and cycling path, the mine closed in the late 19th Century, but The History and Industrial Archaeology of Ecton Hill Walk, during the 2025 Walking Festival, provides a rare opportunity to go underground for a closer look and learn about the mine's past.
There is a small charge of £10pp for visiting the mine, or you can just stick to the four mile, moderate walk, which is free.
Dogs are not allowed, but accompanied children are welcome.
Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival 2025
More than 80 walks and other events have now been confirmed for the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival 2025, which runs from Friday 25th April to Monday 5th May.
To find out more, visit the festival website, at Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival