6k Run Staffordshire Moorlands: Scenic Churnet Valley Route

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tucked away in the scenic Staffordshire Moorlands, this 5.8km out-and-back route offers a refreshingly flat and accessible escape through the lush Churnet Valley. Following the well-maintained Churnet Valley Cycleway, runners will enjoy an entirely unpaved, traffic-free path that winds gracefully alongside the river. With a negligible ascent of just 12 meters, this route is an ideal choice for recovery runs, speed work on soft ground, or for those transitioning from road to trail. The canopy of ancient woodland provides excellent shelter from the elements, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere as you head from the village of Oakamoor toward Farley Lane.

The area surrounding Oakamoor is steeped in industrial heritage, once serving as a bustling hub for copper and brass works during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Rhineland of Staffordshire" has reclaimed its natural beauty, with the former railway lines now serving as vital green corridors for local wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. As you run, keep an eye out for kingfishers flashing across the water or the heritage steam trains that occasionally puff through the valley on the nearby preserved railway. It is a peaceful stretch of countryside that perfectly captures the quiet charm of the North Staffordshire landscape.