Alstonefield - Wetton Mill - Grindon - Wetton - Alstonefield

Paul John Bridgett

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Alstonefield - Back of Ecton - Wetton Mill - Grindon - Wetton - Alstonefield

My main surprise with this walk is that I had not done it before using this route. I even managed to find a few paths I had never previously walked. It is not really possible to go far in this area beyond the Manifold Valley Trail without finding a few hills. This walk has a few with varied degrees of difficulty, none really very steep.

Much of the route follows valley paths which are quite easy walking, though there are some climbs and descents to reach the villages on higher ground. All paths were clear when walked, with some recent replacement of stiles with the gated stiles Staffordshire Council seems to prefer. There is one section at the foot of Ossom's Hill which seems to confuse some walkers, as about five paths converge here within about fifty metres. The area is well-waymarked and not really too difficult.

The crossing point for the River Manifold at Beeston Tor has now had the stepping-stones restored and waymarked. Even so, they are sometimes submerged. In such a rare event you will have to paddle with care or avoid this area. There is an alternative crossing point with bridge within 250m; this will add about 1.5km of road-walking or with signposted steep path up bank between Gorse bushes adding about 750m to the overall distance.

The pub originally used on this walk, The Cavalier in Grindon, closed as a pub in 2005 and is now a private residence. Unless using alternative places, for refreshements, food and drinks will need to be carried for this route. There is a picnic site area, close to a small car park in the vicinity of the church in Grindon, with old bench-tables. If not using this you can miss out Waymark 29. The lane for Waymark 30 is about 60m on left from the turn at Waymark 28. Otherwise, refreshments are available at Wetton Mill (Waymark 17), The Olde Royal Oak in Wetton (Waymark 43), or The George in Alstonefield at the end of the route.

England - Central England - Staffordshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Great Views, National Trust, Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife

5/30/2021 - Helen Stern

Did this walk 23/5/21 starting at point 43 as we were staying in Wetton. We enjoyed this walk but found it rather challenging to find our way as there are so many stiles and instructions to navigate. The stream crossing at 35 was impossible due to recent rain so we turned away to the alternative route. Maybe we misunderstood the instructions here as ended up following the road and walking quite a way before being able to cross the river. We ended up with a walk of nearly 9 miles and two hours longer than stated. It’s certainly not the most straightforward of the walking world walks we’ve done but we enjoyed it all the same.