This walk explores an attractive area of Staffordshire woodland and heath between Stone and Barlaston. The route includes some excellent views over the surrounding countryside and also further afield into neighbouring Shropshire.
Calculated time: 1h10[?] 
Distance : 2.01mi
Vertical gain : 230ft
Vertical drop : 253ft
Highest point : 607ft
Lowest point : 394ft 
Difficulty : Easy
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : Stone Rural
Starting point : N 52.925655° / W 2.149415° (D/A) The start is the small car park (grid ref. SJ900365) just off Washdale Lane. Leave the car park and turn left following a broad level path. After 200 yards, take the clear path on the right by some picnic tables. This path meanders and climbs between trees eventually reaching open ground with good views away to your left. Ahead you will see the Millennium Monument and this is the next objective. Sadly someone had stolen the brass topograph when I walked this route but hopefully this will be replaced. Despite the vandalism, the view remains excellent especially towards the west and north west.
(1) From the monument, descend on a clear path down towards the stream. During the descent you will notice a path slanting upwards to the right on the opposite hillside. This is the next objective on the route. Having reached this path, follow it uphill to reach the crest of a small ridge and a clear path.
(2) Turn left along this path and enjoy the views to either side. The path eventually descends to the stream. Do not cross the stream, instead follow the path downstream. Cross the footbridge and turn left up the Washdale Lane. The entrance to the car park is a short way along this lane on the left(D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 417ft
1 : mi 0.52 - alt. 577ft - Descend on a clear path
2 : mi 1.05 - alt. 518ft - Turn left
D/A : mi 2.01 - alt. 417ft
This is an attractive area of National Trust woodland and heath lying just to the north of Stone. You can undertake a basic low level circuit but this route includes some climbing with the added benefit of much improved views.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 5/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 5/5
Routemap quality : 5/5
Walk interest : 5/5
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 09/12/19
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
We live quite close to Barlaston & fancied a short walk. The weather was good & the walk was easy to navigate with beautiful views. We will definitely visit again
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+262ft
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2h20
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6.61mi
+151ft
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+112ft
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4.17mi
+207ft
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2h05
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+509ft
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6.3mi
+407ft
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5.75mi
+371ft
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3h00
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+528ft
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3h50
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