Staffordshire Walks
Coombes Valley is the oldest RSPB reserve in the Midlands, set in a steep-sided valley on the southern edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands, about five kilometres south of Leek. It opened in 1962 and covers around 100 hectares of broadleaved woodland and grassland, with Coombes Brook winding through old oaks and younger mixed woods.
We have four circular walks here, from a short stroll of under a mile to a longer loop of just over three miles. The shortest passes the Play Trail and the Canopy Walkway and suits families. The longer routes climb through the woods past Buzzard Bank, and the longest also takes in Ferny Hill Wood. Expect steps, narrow footbridges and mud after rain, and note that dogs are not allowed on most of the reserve.
The wildlife is the main draw. Pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers arrive in spring, when the dawn chorus is at its best, while winter brings redwings and fieldfares. There are toilets, refreshments and a picnic area at the visitor centre, and the reserve is open daily. For more walks like this, take a look at the Staffordshire Walks app.
Download the Staffordshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Staffordshire Walks app.
Coombes Valley walk 01
A brief woodland stroll at the RSPB's Coombes Valley reserve in the Staffordshire Moorlands. It takes in Valley View, the Play Trail and the Canopy Walkway, then drops to Coombes Brook near Apesford Lane. It is a handy option for families or anyone short of time, with mature trees overhead and a gentle taste of the reserve.
Coombes Valley walk 02
A medium-length circuit of the RSPB's Coombes Valley reserve, close to Leek. Mature woodland shades most of the walk, which passes Buzzard Bank and Coombes Brook and comes close to the Canopy Walkway. Two moderate climbs add some effort, and spring visitors may hear pied flycatchers and redstarts in the oaks.
Coombes Valley walk 03
A fuller exploration of the RSPB's Coombes Valley reserve in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The circuit runs through old oak woodland and spends time beside Coombes Brook near Apesford Lane before coming back past the Canopy Walkway. Climbs are moderate but frequent, and paths can be muddy, so wear sturdy footwear.
Coombes Valley walk 04
The most adventurous circuit at the RSPB's Coombes Valley reserve. It heads up through Ferny Hill Wood, passes close to Ferny Hill, then follows Coombes Brook before returning by the Canopy Walkway. Expect steady climbs and muddy patches, and plenty of birdlife, from spring migrants to winter thrushes.
Navigate the walks
It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.
Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.
The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Staffordshire Walks app.
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0.5-9.5 miles
0.5-4.75 miles
4.5 miles
1.25 miles
2.5-4.75 miles
4-4.75 miles
1.75-6.5 miles
1-4 miles
2.5-5.5 miles
1.25-6.5 miles
0.5-6.5 miles
1.25-4.25 miles
0.75-6.5 miles
0.5 miles
2.75-4.75 miles
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