Local Walks Home

Staffordshire Walks

Hawksmoor Wood Walk and Route Map

A woodland path winding between old oak trees in Hawksmoor Woods, Staffordshire
Hawksmoor Woods · Photo: Mike Faherty

Hawksmoor is an area of ancient woodland in the Churnet valley, close to Oakamoor in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Cared for by the National Trust, it forms part of the Hawksmoor Nature Reserve, and its oaks, steep slopes and quiet paths make it a rewarding place for a short woodland walk.

Our circular route here is a little over a mile and a half, and starts from the hamlet of Greendale. Nearly all of it runs beneath trees, taking in Hayes Wood, the heart of the nature reserve and Hightshutt before it returns along the lanes. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and ravens, all of which are associated with the reserve.

The valley sides are steep and the paths are unsurfaced, rough in places and can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Dogs are welcome, though there are no toilets on site. For more walks like this, take a look at the Staffordshire Walks app, which covers 150 walks across the county.

Download the Staffordshire Walks App to follow this route with real-time GPS navigation.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Staffordshire Walks app.

Hawksmoor Woods walk 01

Hawksmoor Woods Short Circular Walk

Walk distance
1½ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

A short and hilly woodland walk through the National Trust's Hawksmoor Reserve, an area of ancient woodland in the Churnet valley. Almost all of the route is under trees, so it suits a shady stroll and is a pleasant choice when you want some quiet time among the oaks.

The walk begins by the hamlet of Greendale and soon climbs steadily through Hayes Wood. It then reaches the heart of the nature reserve, where the woods are good for birdwatching. Green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and ravens are all said to be seen here.

The valley is steep and the paths are rough and unsurfaced, and they can be muddy, so wear proper footwear. There are no toilets on site.

Hawksmoor Woods Short Circular Walk No ratings yet Be the first - rate this walk in the Staffordshire Walks App

Navigate the walks

Staffordshire Walks App

Follow the Hawksmoor Woods walk with GPS guidance

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.

Download the app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Staffordshire Walks app.

Staffordshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 150+ Staffordshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

Explore the area

Nearby walks

Explore the county

Staffordshire walks map

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Search Staffordshire walks

See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.

Search Staffordshire walks
Expanded route map for Hawksmoor Woods Short Circular Walk, a 1.5 mile circular walk in Staffordshire