Alton - Churnet Valley - Park Banks - Crumpwood

Ray Gillett

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From Alton the walk passes through a field to a steep drop into the Churnet Valley. Crossing the bridge over the river, the path then follows the eastern boundary of Alton Towers Estate. The way is through peaceful woods until dropping onto an ancient, narrow and quiet, winding lane through glorious scenery, including passing by two small pretty lakes. Leaving the lane by a footpath we pass into the JCB tractor testing grounds. This is a magnificent area kept in a countryside pristine condition with a long walk alongside a beautiful lake (we saw black swans here on our visit). The path is well-waymarked through small woods with grassy paths, until leaving the area we arrive again at the side of the River Churnet. Crossing a convenient bridge we go up the valley side and back to Alton.

England - Central England - Staffordshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, River, Wildlife

4/29/2015 - Tim Simmonds

We did this walk on 26/04/15, parking in the road next to the cemetery. It's a great little walk as others have said, just watch out for the following in the guide (it would be good to know when it was published as I guess things change); Step 3 - make sure you cross the style to the left heading for the stone wall and not follow the farm track around to the right. The style is in disrepair. Step 15 - when you turn right as you reach the high timber fence, you will cross over a JCB works road and continue with a lower fence on your left and passing the car park also on your left. At the end of the carpark the metal fence will be found in front of you and you turn right down the rough bank/steps to find the path with the concrete slab bridge. Step 23 - the bushes have turned into a wooded bank. Veer to the left and go slightly uphill for about 80 yards. Take the fairly indistinguishable path off to the right which takes you up a steeper bank. Here you eventually get to the top of the rise with a lone stile to the front.

1/18/2011 - Helen Wood

Not up to the usual Walkingworld standard I'm afraid. Very difficult to follow - with directions like "look for the white blossom tree" (not much use in winter!). The start is also difficult to find because you haven't included any road names!

4/24/2010 - Mangal Mistry

I did this walk on 22/04/10, on gloriously brilliant day. I struggled to find the exact cul de sac to park, so I just parked in the High St near white Hart pub. I suggest you use post code ST10 4AQ. Can I also suggest WalkingWorld state nearest post code of parking spot for all walks. Then it would be easy to study it on Google maps or get there via SatNav. Start of walk is from ‘Lord Shrewsbury’ pub car park in New Rd. Rest of the walk is very easy to follow. The author has given brilliant instructions. It is really a superb walk, starting with Alton itself, beautiful Churnet Valley, the river, woods, winding lanes, lakes, and JCB grounds. You can see my pictures of the walk at : http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/mistrymangal/Copy26OfMyPics000312Walk2504Alton220410# Walkingworld Admin: The postcode for the start point in the cul-de-sac is ST10 4AN

3/6/2010 - michael whiteside

Excellent directions so thanks Ray and we appreciate your sense of humour. Shame there is no photo of you in the nettles with your shorts on! Points 14-16 are now as in the photos and directions so no problems there.

1/9/2008 - David Kenneth

Great walk, did it in the summer. Fine for dogs until you get to point number 16...had to jump the stream with the dog because the stile was too high to lift a 40kg dog over! If you have a dog you can pick up' no problem!

9/2/2005 - Peter Ralley

This is really a beautiful walk. One can forgive the noise from Alton Towers and the JCB's. If you are within striking distance of Alton...give it a go. Timing and instructions were spot on.