Ipstones 10 October 2014 11 miles
(Staffordshire Moorlands, situated just outside the fair City of Stoke-on-Trent)
John Mills led a stellar Ocean's Eleven cast of Yupmeister, Mid Week Tone, Granpop Bill, Knotty, Roadrunner, Brollywolly bagman of Talke Talke, Tim Mothy, Pedro, Malc Jay, Mighty Matt Nixon and, of course, himself.
Tabbenor's Taxis (great rates 24/7) delivered 7 walkers to the Old Red Lion pub in the centre of Ipstones, whilst John just had to pop across the road to his local, Matt and Roadrunner were on time and Knotty arrived last, although there was some anticipation that Keithee may put any appearance at some time during the day with or without bike.
When the rain stopped it was time for the off. But what goees down, must go up. In this case it was up the Devil's Staircase and back to Ipstones, but not before some more bull.
A great breakfast provided the energy for the walkers to set off just after ten, heading northwest towards Stocks Green and past Grade II listed Whitehough Hall. Some of the pinch stiles proving too much of a pinch.
We walked through Whitehough Wood where the rhododendrons had been recently cleared and on through both Coombes and Churnet Valley Nature reserves. John explained what they'd done, whilst Bagman listened intently.
A gentle climb out of the Coombes Valley and on towards Cheddleton not before invoking John's ire at small, inconspicuous development at Upper Fernyhill Farm. 'How can that be allowed? Austin take some photos and email them to me.' Watch out Moorland planners!
We then passed the restored Challinor buttercross one of a number across the Moorlands which mark crossroads (in this case of footpaths), a boundary or a religious meeting place. They were used as places to exchange goods and produce. It is a good example of a medieval standing cross with a stepped base and octagonal shaft.. The monument includes the base, consisting of three steps and a socket-stone, and the shaft, knop and head. The cross was restored in 1926.. The retired Engineers in the group estimated it to be 2.7 meters tall.
On towards Cheddleton and a lot of bull, negotiating a small muddy paddock with lots of affable pigs, although some passed the railway station and a quick, sociable stop at the Boat pub - for those who liked Marstons' ales. Austin nipped off to find a nearby WWII pillbox.
Next stop lunch! So off we marched in the general direction of having to contour around a field of maize, across limed fields and then through the Pointon's rendering factory. Started in 1958 by John Pointon the complex has had a chequered history with planning and environmental regulation being tested to the maximum. What we can say is that the place didn't smell too bad and we more or less followed the footpaths that were on the map!
There was some confusion at Spout House Farm where the footpath was not clearly parked. GPS's out and the path was regained! Then up to Consall village where John held a democratic vote which led to a change in route, with the more direct route to Consall Forge and the pub much to Yuppy's relief. There's a surprise!
It was down to the valley floor by a series of seemingly never ending steps accompanied by a warning of they're slippery. With no Slippery Pete around and the thoughts of beer and food concentrating minds they were negotiated safely.
Rain ensured an 80 min pub stop - big baps - beer - chips - with the Oakhams JHB a particular favourite for the hungry hoards.
John imparted a lot of local knowledge, the Sneyd family and the halls at Whitehough, Sharpcliffe and Belmont. Pedro had opportunity to pet a pony feed a pooch.
Whilst most slipped effortlessly across the bridge over Coombe Brook, Yuppy found it more of a challenge.
The old Felt House Farm looked an impressive building but appeared boarded up. We passed Pointon's helipad with the obligatory 'Elf 'n Safety notice warning us to beware low flying helicopters!.
We passed the oddly named Odda Hall and St Leonard's Church. Back in Ipstones it was time for a pint or two in the pub before Tabbenor's Taxi returned to the Potteries.
The final completed route was 11 miles with 600m of ascent.
Many thanks go to John Mills for planning and leading the walk with his wealth of local knowledge; and to Knotty who has provided these excellent notes, information and photos.
See map of route below:
