Maps and Trails in the Staffordshire Moorlands
The Staffordshire Moorlands is blessed with wildlife, excellent Nature Reserves and outstanding Country Parks, as well as bustling market towns, local food and real ale. Every corner of the Moorlands has its own unique characteristics and offerings, waiting to be discovered.
Luckily there are a host of useful maps available for you to download or print to help you make the most of everything this wonderful area has to offer.
Manifold Valley - The Manifold Track follows the old route of the disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway, through the Manifold and Hamps Valleys, from Waterhouses to Hulme End. This nine-mile route is largely car-free and shared by walkers, cyclists and pony trekkers. The track is surfaced and fairly level throughout its length, making it ideal for wheelchair users, those with buggies or prams and people with limited mobility. Car parking can be found at both ends of the track and at intermediate locations (see map).
Leek Architectural Trail - A short walk around Leek’s main streets soon reveals the Victorian influence of the Arts & Crafts style. William Morris, founder of the Arts & Crafts movement, lived and worked in Leek for long periods between 1875 and 1877. Much of his time here was spent investigating new techniques of dyeing with Thomas Wardle and he also encouraged Elizabeth (Thomas Wardle’s wife) to found the Leek School of Embroidery. The walk takes around one and a half hours.
Leek Real Ale Trail – With guided information and directions, this trail takes in 21 pubs and bars around Leek town centre, plus a selection of shops and markets, all offering some of the UK’s best ales and beers. The pubs and bars along the trail have been selected for their welcoming atmosphere, comfortable surroundings and of course, the range of local ales available.
Leek car parking – A handy map detailing Leek town centre car parks.
Biddulph Valley Way - This traffic-free trail links Stoke to Congleton and passes great scenery and attractions. It is ideal for cycling, horse riding and walking and follows the former Biddulph Valley railway line. Nearly all of the 13-mile route is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and buggies.
Cheadle car parks – Offers useful car parking information in this town at the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Moorlands Connect - Offering flexible and affordable bus travel across the Staffordshire Moorlands, the Moorlands Connect bus service offers a pick-up / drop off service across the district and can arrange connections to regular bus services for onward journeys.
Caldon Canal – Take a leisurely walk along this picturesque canal towpath and delve back into the history of the Caldon Canal. Choose a 3.2km (2 miles) or 5.6km (3 1/2 miles) loop or for a longer route add on a walk around Deep Hayes Country Park.
The Caldon Canal was built as a branch of the Trent & Mersey Canal in 1776 and this canal-side walk, starting and ending at the Hollybush Inn in Endon takes in aqueducts, bridges and original locks. For details visit; Caldon Canal Heritage Walk - The Inland Waterways Association
