Staffordshire Walks
Ellastone is a linear village close to the River Dove, right on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border. It is best known as the Hayslope of George Eliot's Adam Bede, published in 1859, and her father, Robert Evans, spent his early years here working as a carpenter. Adam Bede Cottage still stands in the village, and the church of St Peter, a Grade II* listed building with a tower dated 1586, sits at its centre.
The three circular walks here all start in the village and head out into rolling countryside. The shortest is a compact loop to the north with one early climb, quiet lanes and a crossing of Northwood Brook. The two longer routes add a string of woods and then drop to the River Dove, following the Mill Race past Calwich Abbey, which began as an Augustinian priory, and Martin's Pond. The longest also passes close to the Rose and Crown at Middle Mayfield.
Every route finishes near The Duncombe Arms in the village. For more routes like these, take a look at the Staffordshire Walks app, which covers walks across the county.
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.
Ellastone walk 01
A short circular walk from Ellastone in the Staffordshire countryside near the Derbyshire border. After an early climb you follow lanes and paths north of the village, cross Northwood Brook and finish by St Peter's Church, with The Duncombe Arms close by. A good choice for an easy half-morning and some George Eliot history.
Ellastone walk 02
A mid-length circular walk from Ellastone that links wooded ridges with the riverside. You pass Aldercarr Wood, Far Wood and Gold's Wood, then drop to the River Dove, the Mill Race, the site of Calwich Abbey and Martin's Pond before returning to the village and its pub. Allow a relaxed morning or afternoon.
Ellastone walk 03
The fullest circular walk from Ellastone, mixing woodland, quiet lanes and a long riverside section. It passes close to the Rose and Crown at Middle Mayfield, follows the River Dove and Mill Race to Calwich Abbey, and returns by Martin's Pond to the village. A satisfying half-day walk with gentle but steady climbs.
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.
Explore the area
2.75-3.5 miles
1.25-4.25 miles
2.5 miles
1-4 miles
0.75-6.25 miles
1.25-3 miles
3.5-4.75 miles
1.75-6.5 miles
2.5-4.75 miles
4-4.75 miles
0.5-4.75 miles
0.75-3.25 miles
2.5-5.5 miles
1.75 miles
0.5-6.5 miles
Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
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