Walk 1284 - printer friendly version

Churnet Valley - Kingsley to Cheddleton Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.0 miles / 8.1 km

Ascent - 100 feet / 30 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SK025470
Lat 53.020292 + Long -1.9641812
Postcode ST10 2HE (approx. location only)

The Churnet Valley lies a few miles south of the Peak District National Park. The area is one of the more attractive parts of Staffordshire yet has not been granted any special status. This walk is described as a linear route starting from Kingsley and Froghall Station on the steam operated Churnet Valley Railway (grid ref. SK025470). The walk takes you north to Cheddleton from where you can catch a train back to the start.

There is car parking at Kingsley and Froghall Station which is free of charge for those using the Churnet Valley Railway. After parking walk to the main road and turn right over the railway. Turn left at the first road junction signed B5053 Ipstones. After a short way you can gain the towpath of the Caldon Canal. To your right is a tunnel that takes the canal to its eastern terminus at Froghall Wharf. We are turning west and walking with the canal on our right towards Leek.

In its early stages the canal is tree lined and very verdant. The canal sees very little leisure traffic compared with some canals and you will have a very peaceful walk beneath the trees. To your left is the railway and beyond that the River Churnet, which the canal joins for a short section of the route.

Stay with the canal with the towpath swapping to the other side before you pass the beautifully restored station at Consall (this is the first time that you will get a good view of the trains). Soon after Consall station you reach the Black Lion pub where you can get coffees, drinks and meals. The canal goes under the railway and joins the River Churnet at this point. The towpath returns to the western side of the canal and you continue with the river/canal on your right.

The river and canal divide after about a mile at a lock (grid ref. SJ988501). Here you need to cross the canal again and continue with the canal on your left. Stay on the canal until you reach the road by Cheddleton station. Turn right here and the station is on the other side of the level crossing. Refreshments are available when the railway is operating. All that remains is a pleasant ride back to the start.

The railway operates most weekends throughout the year and also on weekdays during peak periods. Please check the website for timetables, fares and other information - operated Churnet Valley Railway.

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