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The Staffordshire Moorlands is a destination of captivating contrasts, with breathtaking rugged landscapes, lush green forests and spectacular limestone dales.

Renowned for its vibrant Alton Towers theme park and family attractions, the area is simultaneously a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, drawn by its stunning vistas and rural retreats. You’ll also find quiet villages alongside bustling market towns.

This unrivalled variety makes the Staffordshire Moorlands an ideal destination for your next walking break.

 

The Dark Peak

(Image by @benlikestophotograph)

Explore the dramatic landscape of the Dark Peak, named after the gritstone, peaty terrain, on a walk at The Roaches, a rocky ridge offering panoramic views.

Discover the mysterious gorge at Lud’s Church, the beautiful waterfalls at Three Shires Head and the highest village in England at Flash, 463m/1,519ft above sea level.

Combine your walk with a visit to the market town of Leek, with its quirky independent stores and award-winning eateries.

Stay over in the shadow of The Roaches at Three Horseshoes Country Inn, where you can unwind with a treatment or massage in The Mill Wheel Spa.

 

The White Peak

(Image by @enjoy_staffordshire)

The landscapes are equally inspiring in the White Peak, named after the limestone plateau on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, which is home to the imposing Thor’s Cave and the attractive scenery of Dovedale.

Delve into the area’s history on a walk at the Manifold Valley, which was once a centre of copper and lead mining, and formerly the site of the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, now a popular footpath and cycleway.

The National Trust property at Ilam Park would be an ideal base, while there are a host of nearby tea rooms and inns for a pitstop, including The Black Lion at Butterton and The Manifold Inn at Hulme End.

For a longer stay, Beechenhill Farm, Ilam, is a charming and comfortable spot, with wood-fired hot tub and sauna, and wonderful views.

 

The Staffordshire Way

(Image by @MumofBoysandaCat)

A 148km/92-mile route which links the gritstone trails of the Staffordshire Moorlands with the sandstone ridges of South Staffordshire, the Staffordshire Way combines challenging terrain with nature reserves, canal towpaths and quaint villages.

Immerse yourself in the ancient forests of the Churnet Valley, the picturesque Rudyard Lake or divert from the route into the nearby towns of Cheadle and Biddulph, home to the National Trust’s Biddulph Grange Garden.

Refuel in the Ramblers Retreat at Alton, or indulge at The Flintlock at Cheddleton, a new addition to the Michelin Guide, while an overnight stay or break at The Tawny, near the Consall Nature Park, is a unique way to unwind after your trek.