4. Explore one of the Best Green Spaces in the UK at Ladderedge Country Park

Like many towns in the Staffordshire Moorlands, Leek is surrounded by lush green spaces and tranquil country parks. But did you know that this former industrial hot spot has one of the best green spaces in the country?

Ladderedge Country Park is one of 1,701 parks and green spaces currently flying an official Green Flag Award® - an international quality mark.

Walk just 20 minutes from the bustling town centre towards Endon and you’ll come across Ladderedge, split down its middle by the A53 road, here are 70 acres of parkland awaiting exploration along level, surfaced paths next to the River Churnet and along the Caldon Canal feeder, as well as rustic routes through wooded hills and undulating meadows. 

The park provides a diverse range of habitats to explore, wildlife to see and enjoys stunning views over Leek and the Roaches into the Staffordshire Moorlands beyond.

Visit in spring to see the marshland and waterways put on a spectacular show of marsh marigold and to wonder at the carpet of bluebells in the ancient woodland.

In summer look out for meadow wildflowers including yellow rattle, common knapweed and common spotted orchid.

On autumn days look for fungi amongst the glorious colours, whilst winter is a good time to spot birds while they are busy feeding on seeds and berries.

Ladderedge Walks

There are three walks around the park:

• Meadow walk - an easy 20 minute stroll around the lower meadow.
• Habitat walk - a slightly longer route that takes in all the habitats that

Ladderedge has to offer.

• Woodland walk – A 1 hour route that will take you along the canal feeder and up through the ancient woodland before strolling through grasslands.

There are also three longer walks into the surrounding countryside: The Longsdon Walk, Leek Landscapes and The Canal Walk.

The park is accessible by public transport, with bus routes 18 and 118 from Leek stopping close by.

The car park for the main section of the park is signposted off Newcastle Road behind the Staffordshire County Council highways depot.

There is also a car park at Barnfields, Sunnyhills Road with a height limit of 1.6m.

Public toilets, refreshments and services can be found nearby in Leek town centre.