Hanchurch Hills and Swynnerton Old Park
16 people attending
4 places left
South-west of Stoke-on-Trent lies a low ridge named the Hanchurch Hills. South of this ridge is the village of Swynnerton and to the north an area of beech and conifer woodlands named Swynnerton Old Park. This is a quiet area of Staffordshire, just west of junction 15 on the M6, but with the potential for an interesting walk! From the higher ground, there are great views to the east of the Potteries and Cannock Chase, and to the south-west of the Wreakin and the Shropshire hills.
Join us on a 10 mile / 16 kilometre walk, exploring the area. The route includes woodland, country lanes and farmland paths. Ascent/descent is no more than 150 metres, so this is a fairly easy-going walk. Along the way we’ll visit some mysterious man-made caves cut into a hillside and see some interesting former water board buildings – a pumping station and water towers – now converted into upmarket homes. There should also be time for a lunchtime drink at the pub in Swynnerton.
For anyone who wants to join the walk without using a car, if you can be at Stoke railway station for 10:00 it should be possible to pick you up and get you back to the station after the event. Message the event leader to discuss a lift and include your phone number.
All photos by the event leader, with permission granted to OutdoorLads for their use.
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What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab..
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water or other fluids (one to two litres) to drink.