Ski Club of Manchester Stafforshire Meander

Leader: David Shepherd

Meeting time from 9:15 for a 09:45 start

Walk length 8.55 miles

Time approx. 5 ½ hours depending on stops and group fitness

Ascent 1537 ft

We meet at the Rushton Spencer Staffordshire Council free car park which is accessed from the rough track that runs parallel to the entrance to the Knot Inn, OS grid ref: SJ 93595 62401, Google Maps: 53.15876, -2.09670.

The walk of just under 9 miles in length and will take approx. 5 ½ hours including breaks, and with a total ascent of 1537ft and options to both shorten or lengthen the route for those who wish to do either. We start with a steady ascent north east over to Hollinhall and down to the picturesque weir crossing the river Dane at Gig Hall. Then it’s alongside the river to Danebridge and uphill to the Ship Inn which I hope may be open for refreshment by the time we arrive. We continue on up over Wincle Grange hill then down through Nettlebeds (fortunately free of nettles when I did the reccy) and into the Shell brook valley, followed by the main climb of the day up onto Wincle Minn for the excellent panorama over the Cheshire plain. Onwards down to Dumkins and south over Wormhill back to the cars and into the Knott Inn for post hike refreshment.

This will be a full though not too strenuous day out in the countryside so you will need to bring enough food and drink for the day. As it could be muddy in places good walking shoes or boots are recommended and clothing appropriate for the usually unpredictable the English weather.

If you wish to join the walk please let David Shepherd know by Friday 24th July.

You can view the route on the OS web site.