Probus Club of Kidsgrove > Walks Reports > Walk Report September 2018

Walk Report September 2018

PROBUS WALK REPORT SEPTEMBER 2018

This month’s walk visited the area called Barlaston Downs, also referred to as Barlaston Banks. 

It can be accessed from a country lane off the A34 where you will find a National Trust Car Park.

However we accessed it from the village, turning right opposite the village green where you will find a car park and footpath sign off the lane leading to Barlaston Hall.

The footpath bears right off the lane and continues ascending gradually across fields to reach the head of the downs with magnificent 360 degree views over the Staffordshire countryside.

With a fields fence on our right we continued to remain on the high side of the downs, eventually descending to the valley below, a nameless brook meanders through the valley with water absolutely clear, eventually we crossed a footbridge leaving the brook at a ford.

At this point we followed the NT sign and re-entered the valley pausing for a coffee break before starting the short but steep incline which led us back towards the car park.

Reaching the car park with time to spare we changed into shoes and walked towards the railway crossing and our lunchtime destination The Plume of Feathers. The mornings weather had been ideal for walking and eight hungry mouths soon devoured the ample food provided, so much so that the group petitioned me to return in October.

The October walk will meet on Wednesday October 3rd on the usual car park in Kidsgrove leaving at 0930hrs to Barlaston, parking is arranged at The Plume and Feathers. The walk will follow the Canal towards Stone before branching off to go through the Downs and back to the Plume.

If anyone wants to join us but can’t manage the walk we will be there at approx 12:30pm look forward to seeing you.