Whether it's scuffing through the leaves in autumn, when the trees are glorious orange and gold, or pausing in spring to look at the bluebells, or just standing silent to catch the birdsong, Coombes Valley Nature Reserve is a delight. This is a part of rural England, with two ancient manor houses and a picturesque church, so peaceful and tranquil it's sometimes difficult to work out which century we're in.
LOCATION: Three miles south of Leek
START: Follow signs to Churnett Valley Railway from A520. Roadside parking by Cheddleton Station
Grid ref: SJ983520 Postcode: ST137EG
DISTANCE: 8.5 (or 7.5) miles
GRADE: Moderate, but some little trodden paths
TIME: 5 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - White Peak Landranger 118 & 119
REFRESHMENTS: Boat Inn, near station
EN ROUTE: Whitehough, Stocks Green, Sharpcliffe
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News