WALKING
AND
CYCLE ROUTES FROM THE COTTAGE DOOR..
ALTON ROUNDHOUSE
This solidly built structure with stone walls, roof and cupola dates from c1815. It was erected as the village's prison or "lock-up", with the purpose of housing felons!
(800 YARDS)
ALTON WAR MEMORIAL
"We Shall Remember"
27 names for World War 1 and 7 for World War 2. A full Roll of Honour can be seen in the Church.
(200 YARDS)
ALTON CASTLE
Walk through the garden gate and enjoy the absolutely stunning views over the Churnet Valley from the Castle gardens.
(500 YARDS)
Situated in the heart of Alton Village the cottage is a walking and cycling haven with many historical sites, monuments, walks and cycle paths from the cottage door..
Put on your walking boots and ramble from the cottage door..
DIMMINGSDALE & THE RAMBLERS RETREAT
Dimmingsdale is a walker’s paradise..
Once part of the Earl of Shrewsbury’s land, it is now owned mainly by the Forestry Commission. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the Churnet Valley and well worth a visit. The broad pathways once formed the Earl’s private drive to the little market town of Cheadle but have now been incorporated into walks for visitors to explore the natural beauty of this place. The thickly forested hills and rocky outcrops are a haven for a variety of wildlife as are the series of ponds that flow through the valley to the Churnet river. Though much of the terrain is steep, there are plenty of low level walks to suit less agile walkers.
There are a myriad of walks throughout the valley from short easy strolls to challenging all day walks. The majority of walks are maintained by the Forestry Commission and maps detailing the walks can be purchased from the Ramblers Retreat.
In addition, there are a couple of paths in Dimmingsdale which are maintained by our local Council:–
The Staffordshire Way, which is a 92 mile walk through some of the finest countryside in the Midlands passes through Dimmingsdale.
The Old Railway Track is another Council maintained path which is a flat easy track which follows the meandering river Churnet.
The Ramblers Retreat is an award winning Country Restaurant and Coffee House nestling in Dimmingsdale..
Their menu is homemade using only the best ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers in the Staffordshire Moorlands. As well as a delicious meal you can also enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this spectacular valley by following one of the established woodland walks. Open all year round Tuesday to Sunday (inclusive).
For those of you who enjoy eating outdoors there are some fabulous open and closed pergola seating areas in the gardens, including specially adapted wooden huts with binoculars to view the wildlife in the trees and surrounding areas.
The Ramblers Retreat is also the base for many events, talks and demonstrations by The RSPB, The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and The Ramblers Organisation. Check out their website for more information www.ramblersretreat.co.uk
CYCLING IS ALSO A POPULAR PASTIME IN AND AROUND DIMMINGSDALE..
A disused railway track runs from Oakamoor to Denstone passing through Dimmingsdale and offers a scenic and relaxing bike ride. Mountain biking is also permitted on some tracks in the valley for those seeking more of a challenge, however, it is wise to check with the Forestry Commission to ascertain permissive routes. Cycle racks are conveniently positioned outside the Ramblers Retreat in Dimmingsdale for those looking for a midway break!
THE STAFFORDSHIRE WAY
Turn left from the cottage door, walk to the top of Town Head, turn right into Hurston's Lane and you will see the Staffordshire Way signpost on the left hand side of the lane by the stile. Only 500 yards from the cottage door, this is the half-way point of 'The Staffordshire Way'.
The Staffordshire Way and the Way for the Millennium span the length and width of the county. The routes explore some of Staffordshire's loveliest countryside and scenery as well as linking country parks, picnic places and many interesting towns and villages. To many people the Staffordshire Way and the Way for the Millennium are virtually "on the doorstep". Both routes are based wholly on public rights of way, paths on which access has been granted or canal towpaths and have been waymarked and signposted to ensure that they can be followed without difficulty in conjunction with guide books. Please visit www.ramblers.org.uk for more information.
ALTON VILLAGE
The village of Alton in Staffordshire, is set in some of the most beautiful countryside in England. The millions of visitors who pass through the village each year on their way to Alton Towers miss out on some of the unique and stunning features of this village and its surroundings.
There are beautiful walks set among the woodland of Dimmingsdale and the Churnet Valley; the Pugin masterpiece of Alton Castle, now a Catholic Youth Centre, towering over the valley. There are three historic churches -
Apart from being a walking and cycling haven, there are many historical monuments and an excellent variety of pubs and restaurants in Alton.
You can find further information about all these attractions and facilities by exploring the web site www.alton-staffs.co.uk
ALTON CASTLE
Walk through the garden gate and enjoy the absolutely stunning views over the Churnet Valley from the Castle gardens.
The Castle is an excellent venue for weddings and conferences.
Relatives and wedding guests often stay at the cottage as it is only a short walk from the cottage door to the church.
The bride and groom are usually collected from one of the local Alton churches at the rear of the cottage to enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the village and onward to their chosen wedding venue.
Horse & Carriage rides are also available to hire from Alton Castle during the summer months for the general public and frequently pass the cottage door.
THE CHURNET VALLEY GEOTRAIL
The old Churnet Valley railway line is now a footpath, leading through Alton with its castle and the high flag tower of Alton Towers, now part of a theme park.
Approaching Denstone, the valley opens out into the broad, flat plane of the River Dove. The Churnet continues past the huge JCB World Headquarters to Rocester, where a Roman road once crossed. The rivers finally meet near the hamlet of Combridge, where the Churnet flows into the Dove.
Leaflets and brochures are available in the cottage showing the many routes and paths available from the cottage door along The Churnet Valley Geotrail or alternatively you can download and print maps from the Keele University website www.esci.keele.ac.uk/srigs/Geotrails/
We hope you will book our cottage and visit us as we are confident that you will not find a more pleasant, varied and exciting village!
