Staffordshire Walks
Leek is perfectly placed for exploring the rolling countryside and waterways that surround this charming Staffordshire market town.
These walks range from gentle family-friendly loops around Ladderedge Country Park to longer adventures along the Caldon Canal and out into open farmland, with rewarding viewpoints and welcoming pubs along the way.
Whether you fancy a short leg stretch or an epic circuit around the edge of town, the walks offer plenty of variety, fresh air and lovely scenery to enjoy.
Download the Staffordshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
This first route is a short and simple family-friendly stroll around one side of the Ladderedge country park.
There's a bit of climbing on this route as you walk around the park, but you are rewarded with a nice viewpoint half way around the walk.
Walk information
This second route is basically an extended version of the first route that still enjoys the climb and lovely views from one side of Ladderedge park.
To extend the walk however, it then crosses the road to then explore the other side of the park on a pretty path that tracks the River Churnet and crosses the Barnfield Canal Aqueduct.
Walk information
This third and longer route option is a wonderful varied walk in the countryside to the south of Leek.
You'll explore the Ladderedge Country Park as in the first two routes, but then you'll head of on an epic waterside walk alongside the winding Caldon canal.
There is also a section of nice woodland walking and some open countryside to enjoy on this route.
Based on 5 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Staffordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Nice easy walk, hilly in places. Some cows at the start in Ladderedge. The end of the walk before crossing back over to the car park isnt totally accurate - follow the grassy path which is marked as a footpath on the map rather than the yellow route as there is no path there. You come out just past the garden centre and turn left up the road. Would recommend walking boots as some parts are forest paths and could get muddy if wet. Dog had a great time!
Got confused when required to cross A53. Would be good if map showed road names. Better mapping would improve plus directions.
Walk information
This fourth route is an extended version of the third route that basically adds a lovely water-side walking loop to the walk and that extra loop takes you to a wonderful canal-side pub for refreshments half way around the overall walk.
There is a short roadside walking section on this additional loop, so please be careful here.
Based on 2 user ratings
A well-liked walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Staffordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Nice walk in part of Leek we didnt know about. Did walk day after torrential rain fail and only slightly muddy in places. Path sometimes not clear but easy to correct route after a slight detour.
Great walk if you enjoy the canal! The holly bush inn is a great pub on route!
Walk information
This final route is an epic adventure that actually walks you in a complete loop around the outside of the town of Leek.
If you head clockwise this walk takes you along the Longsdon Walk path first before then turning and walking through more lovely open countryside until you reach a great pub in Abbey Green.
After this you then embark into more countryside and climb over a big hill for some nice views before then turning onto a track and heading back towards Leek.
As you come into the town there is then a long section of road walking until you then get back into countryside and climb Lowe Hill.
After enjoying more great views there, you'll descend the hill, walk past the large town Cemetary, and then finally walk through the Ladderedge Country Park where you'll arrive back the the start point.
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.
Explore the area
4.5 miles
1.25 miles
0.5 miles
2.75-4.75 miles
1.25-6.5 miles
2.5-8.25 miles
0.5-6.5 miles
0.75-6.5 miles
0.25 miles
2.5-4.75 miles
4-4.75 miles
1.5 miles
1.25 miles
1.75-6.5 miles
3.75-6 miles
Explore the county
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