Churnet Valley Geotrail
A 15-mile long-distance walk in Staffordshire investigating the geology of the Churnet Valley and the industrial activity that resulted from its mineral finds. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SK 026 476
Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Time: 6–8 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
259 Derby, Uttoxeter, Ashbourne and Cheadle
Summary
The Churnet Valley Geotrail, subtitled “True Grits and Ghosts of a Great Industrial Past”, is the result of a project managed by Richard Waller and Ian Stimpson on behalf of the Staffordshire RIGS Group with financial support from the Staffordshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme 2007. As the Churnet Valley information board states, “This geotrail is designed to give the visitor a glimpse of the rocks, minerals, fossils, and industrial heritage of the area, which is intimately linked to the local geology.” Further interpretation boards placed around the route lend more context to the particular spot in which they are sited. The walk begins at the wharf in the Staffordshire village of Froghall and visits Foxt, Whiston, Oakamoor, Lord’s Bridge, Oldfurnace, Hawksmoor Wood, and Froghall Bridge. The route shares sections with both the Staffordshire Way and the Staffordshire Moorlands Way.