Oakamoor and the Churnet Valley

It was back to Staffordshire again this week to explore the area between Alton and Oakamoor. It was Ike's turn to drive and we set off at 06:00 as usual. We parked in the same spot as last week next to the old Alton railway station.

The route took us either side of the river Churnet 

Starting point in Alton

The long platform of the old Alton railway station

Old canal bridge

This looks like some old water course containment / levelling area.

Rob 

Ike claiming his fish record!!!

Lovely little footpaths everywhere

Note the tree roots at the top of the cliff face

Great avenue of tree's along the old railway track

Wind damage

Some parts had green stagnant water

Bluebells as far as the eye can see

Lovely position for a house

This fungi has grown through the branch of this tree.

Oakamoor railway station is a closed railway station in the Churnet Valley, Staffordshire. The station was opened in 1849 as part of the Churnet Valley Line constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway. Serving the village of Oakamoor the station remained open until 1965 when all services were withdrawn

Oakamoor Tunnel ( To the left of the building) is a disused 497-yard (454 m) long tunnel located north of Oakamoor railway stationon the former Uttoxeter to North Rode section of the North Staffordshire Railway.The tunnel opened with the line in 1849. The tunnel was closed in 1964 with the closure of passenger and freight service between Uttoxeter and Oakamoor Sand Sidings (just north of the tunnel).

The Admiral Jervis The pub dates back to the 1800’s when Oakamoor was an industrial village, and was opposite the Thomas Boulton Copper Works. However as the Boulton family had strong religious beliefs, the pub, which was a row of old cottages, was eventually closed and became a coffee room and shop. These were demolished in the 1960’s and the current building was rebuilt and opened as a pub/ restaurant under the name of the Admiral Jervis (who was a Staffordshire naval hero of the 1700’s) 

This is where the canal used to pass under this bridge

Geoff on the turn again!!

Oakamoor weir and bridge

Oakamoor weir and bridge

I've no idea what this is all about

Another shot of the weir

We left the road and headed up this very steep track

Ike and Geoff at the back

Rob with a knobbly tree

Ike and Geoff

The biggest log pile I've ever seen

Lovely rural scene

Trinkets by the side of the footpath

Trinkets by the side of the footpath

Unusual style

All downhill now through this brilliant wood

Geoff

Fallen tree across the footpath

Geoff negotiating around the tree

A heron waiting by the lake for its breakfast

Lovely house with its own lake

Tufted Duck

House at the far end of the lake

Ramblers retreat

Bridge over the old railway track

Alton Station

This looks like a gatehouse to Alton Towers

Another cracking walk with some great finds along the way. It was generally flat going with one exception where we climbed more than 250 feet in under 0.2 miles, quite steep.The woods were just full of birdsong. We spotted a heron sitting by the side of a lake, then later on another being chased by a crow. There was one very notable moment when Ike said he wasn't going to the pub today and no need to hurry back!!! Historic.
See you next week.

Crumpwood Weir and the Pedal Powered Lawnmower

Last week we got a glimpse of Crumpwood Weir from high up on the opposite side of the valley, so we thought this week deserved a visit.
It was Robs turn and we ended up parked not far from the old Alton railway station. The intention was to walk along the old Leek to Utoxeter railway track. to Crumpwood Weir then follow on the Staffordshire Way and end up back in Alton.

This weeks route to Crumpwood Weir

Alton castle on the hill

Steps down to Alton railway station

Alton castle

Alton railway station

Strange looking pheasant

Builders mark on the stones

Crumpwood Weir was built on the River Churnet to make it deeper, so that the Utoxeter Canal could cross through it. Boats would be let down into the river through Weir Lock, towed across the top of the weir and let back into the canal through the flood lock on the far side. The canal opened in 1811 but was financially unsuccessful, closing in 1849 after selling out to the North Staffordshire Railway. Crumpwood Weir is a grade 11 listed structure.

Derelict cottage beside the weir

Footbridge to the cottage

Pumping station

Inside the pumping station

This is definitely a lock from the old canal

Parts of the lock

Geoff

Ike & Rob

Rob getting through the style with the electric fence either side

Geoff, me & Ike

This is an old salters packhorse route

You wouldn't expect to see this in the countryside.

This was our breakfast stop

The Alton lock up

Edward 7th Post box.

This is Rob with his pedal powered grass cutter.

And this believe it or not is a pedal powered washing machine.

Got to be some old sluice gates

Back to the car.

This walk was just over 4 1/2 miles and really interesting with the old canal, railway track and the weir. But the best was meeting Rob with his pedal powered machinery.
See you next week.