Dimmings Dale, Alton and the Chained Oak

We start with a long steady climb up to the National Trust Hawksmoor nature reserve, before dropping down into the lovely wooded valley of Dimmings Dale. Passing the Ramblers Retreat, we then make our way over Toot Hill (a short, but rough and steep climb) and through the village of Alton. Accompanied by the sound of screams from Alton Towers, we soon drop down to cross the river Churnet. We then follow the Churnet Valley way back past the disused Alton train station.

If time allows, we'll take a detour to visit the Chained Oak – a place where legends tell of the Earl of Shrewsbury's encounter with a beggar woman's curse. Every fallen branch is a harbinger of doom for his family, so watch your step! We end the route with a stroll across open fields past Farley Hall, before heading down a quiet lane back to the car park.