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The area has a strong appeal to a growing number of people who like to spend their leisure time outdoors.One of the best ways to properly get to know the area is on foot with the 650 miles of footpaths. Whether its an easy canal or river side stroll or a days hike across the rugged moorland we have got the lot. The are is also great for cycling. A number of old railway lines have been converted to traffic free trails providing safe and level cycle~ways, ideal for youngsters and beginners. There are other activities too. Follow ancient pack horse trails and bridleways on horseback. Climb, Hang glide, boat, and fish, need we go on! The Churnet Valley at Oakamoor and the Manifold Valley at Waterhouses both have cycles for hire and routes well away from traffic, with tea-rooms to stop along the way. The area offers plenty of car-parking if you are bringing your own cycles to tour a route of your own choice through the countryside. the edge of the Southern Peak above Leek are The Roaches, a gritstone outcrop, with dramatic views over the countryside across to Tittersworth Reservoir, providing some easy and some more challenging routes. The Dark Peak, as the gritstone area is known, has many craggy outcrops for climbing. Continuing with the more challenging type of sport, there are several hang gliding schools in the area. There is a riding & trekking centre just off the A53 at Flash, between Leek & Buxton. At Denstone there is a Stud and Riding Centre, once more in the picturesque Churnet Valley offering riding for all abilities. Tittersworth and Carsington Reservoirs both have good fly fishing from both boat and bank. Rudyard lake near Leek, Blake Hall, Cheadle and Belmont Pools, Cheddleton all have coarse fishing (tickets from the visitor centre or on the bank) You can hire boats at Rudyard Lake or take narrow boats on the canals. Froghall Wharf in the Churnet Valley at one end of the Caldon Canal has pre arranged trips through the beautiful countryside. The Caldon Canal connects with the main Midlands canal network. The Churnet Valley Railway operates most weekends throughout the summer with trips from Cheddleton to Leekbrook Junction and then back down the valley to Consall, a pretty hamlet that cannot be visited by road and where the River Churnet, the Steam railway and the Caldon Canal all pass through the valley, the journey then goes through to Froghall then back again to Cheddleton. There are magical trips for youngsters on the Thomas the Tank Engine days and the Santa Specials in the winter as well as nostalgic station at war theme days. The Foxfield Steam Railway runs a five mile trip from Blythe Bridge and offers facilities for the disabled. Numerous Country Parks and Nature Reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries throughout the area offer opportunities to see the local fauna and flora, bird-watching, orienteering, and conservation projects. Bradnop, nr Leek offers workshops on country crafts. Leek, Uttoxeter, Ashbourne and the village of Whiston all have golf courses. The Churnet Valley and Staffordshire Moorland area offers strolls beside the Caldon Canal, along an old railway track, from Oakamoor to Denstone, along the Manifold valley with its' flat traffic free made roads. (The latter being suitable for wheelchair users). For the serious walker the whole area offers a large choice of circular routes with varying degrees of difficulty through stunning countryside. The Country Rangers also offer guided walks in the area. The Staffordshire Way, a 92 mile footpath passes right through from Mop Cop, alongside Rudyard Lake, down the Churnet Valley on its way to Kinver Edge. The list of activities is endless, catering for all ages and tastes, we have "something for everyone"! |
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