Staffordshire Walks
Set in the beautiful Manifold Valley, these walks from Weag’s Bridge make the most of the scenic Manifold Track and the surrounding rolling countryside.
The walks range from a short, gentle loop to longer and more adventurous routes that follow the River Manifold, visit Thor’s Cave, explore quiet villages and lanes, and even pass the atmospheric ruins of Throwley Old Hall.
With sections of old railway trail, open fields and some rewarding hill climbs, these walks offer something for everyone – just be sure to go prepared if you choose one of the more strenuous options.
Download the Staffordshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
Our first route option is our shortest walk from the Weag's Bridge car park and it takes you along a short section of the Manifold track and loops back up and through lovely countryside back to the start.
The Manifold Track is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders and follows the old disused Leek and Manifold Light Railway and parts of the River Manifold and River Hamps.
Based on 1 user rating
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Staffordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
In wet weather i would...Suggest coming back via the road as the last field has sheep in and due to the steep gradient and mud it is very slippy in places.
Walk information
This second option is a lovely circular walk that includes a longer section of the Manifold track and follows the route of the River Manifold as well as taking you across fields, open countryside and through the village of Grindon.
We have also added a detour to the route which will take you to Thor's Cave which is a natural cavern located in a steep limestone crag. There are some hill climbs on this route.
Based on 3 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Staffordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
We really enjoyed this walk and generally the paths were ok with just one short steepish ascent from the MVW onto the footpath towards the woods. The only issue we had was in the fields just before we got to Grindon. It was an absolute quagmire due to cattle and very wet ground. If we did this again I would try it in summer when the ground is drier.
Lovely walk with plenty of views.Did the detour to Thors Cave, be warned plenty of steps and narrow to get up. I did thoroughly enjoy it but mixed reviews from my other half who landed bottom first in a cow patch.
Walk information
This is our third walk from Weag's Bridge and it follows a wonderful stretch of the Manifold track, which snakes through the Manifold and Hamps Valleys.
As you reach the end of the Manifold track section of this route, there is a delightful tea room but please check that it's open beforehand.
The walk then takes you back through fields, quiet lanes/tracks and open countryside.
There are some hill climbs on this route.
Based on 2 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Staffordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Outward leg (clockwise ) flat with good even surface. Tea room closed 5 years ago....Return leg mainly over fields. Path not always clear....Some of the gates in the first half of the return leg have been nailed shut leaving only the stile available. ...Nearest cafe with toilets in Grindon.
Walk information
Our final walk from Weag's Bridge is another wonderful but strenuous adventure in this lovely area.
If you head anticlockwise on this route it takes up all the way south along the wonderful Manifold track until you nearly reach the village of Calton before then looping back through glorious undulating countryside, visiting the ruins of Throwley Old Hall on the way.
There are a lot of hills on the route, so please go prepared with appropriate footwear and refreshments.
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Explore the area
2.5-4.75 miles
4-4.75 miles
2.5-5.5 miles
0.75-6.25 miles
1-4 miles
1.25-4.25 miles
1.25 miles
2.75-3.5 miles
1.25-4.5 miles
0.5-9.5 miles
3.5-4.75 miles
2.5 miles
3.75-6 miles
4.5 miles
2.75-4.75 miles
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