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Home> Walks> England> Staffordshire> The market town of Leek

The market town of Leek

Recommended by
Our view
"An 18th-century watermill provides the starting point for a revolution in transportation."
Walk directions

From the museum turn left along the A523, and immediately left again along Abbey Green Road. Follow this, bearing left over a bridge, to Abbey Green. At the former Abbey Inn, turn right through the car park and go up the obvious path. After 30 paces, cross a stile and walk diagonally left to the top of the slope.

At the top bear right, keeping the fence close to your left. Proceed through a gate into Abbey Wood where the path becomes wider. After another kissing gate carry on up the bridleway until it becomes a grassy track. Aim just to the left of a small copse on the very top of the hill ahead. Continue to a slot in the wall at the corner of Back Hills Wood.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Meadow track and some road walking, many stiles
  Landscape  - Hillside meadow and woodland
  Dog friendliness  - Must be kept on lead at all times
  Parking  - Roadside parking on Abbey Green Road
  Toilets en route  - None on route
Walks in Staffordshire Dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire
About the walk
Leek is an ancient market town that has long been associated with the textile industry. These days, the silks for which it was once renowned have largely been replaced by synthetic alternatives, although a number of textile manufacturers and factory shops selling brand names direct to the public...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Explore Staffordshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
★★★★
awardaward
"Quality inn on the edge of the Peak District, great rooms and food..."
  • Rooms 26
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Lift Available
Self-Catering
Ballfields Barn
★★★★
awardaward
"..."
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
  • BBQ on site
Self-Catering
Ballfields Barn
★★★★
awardaward
"..."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Nearby places to stay
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
This traditional family-owned inn provides individually designed bedrooms, including several modern 'Garden rooms' with hot tubs, some with 4-poster beds. The smart pub-brasserie, with ...
★★★★    Rating
Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
★★★★    Rating
Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
★★★★    Rating
Lane Head Barns
Lane Head Barns includes two luxury self-catering holiday cottages within the courtyard of Lane Head Farm. The two cottages are recently renovated barn conversions and enjoy far reachin...
★★★★★    Rating
Consall Valley Lodge
Consall Valley Lodge can be hired in its entirety, ensuring the privacy for a large group to relax and unwind. The 16 individually designed rooms range from intimate and cosy to large a...
★★★★★    Rating
The Tawny Hotel
The Tawny Hotel is a one-of-a-kind property, which is sure to leave a memorable impression. Various lodges, treehouses, huts and boathouses are dotted around a peaceful estate, which ha...
Quality Assessed
The Black Lion Inn
The Black Lion is an historic gem of a pub in the heart of the village on the edge of the Peak District. It offers a blend of historic character and modern comfort. The three en suite r...
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Swainsley Farm
Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life at Swainsley Farm. Relax in understated luxury at this idyllic hideaway well off the beaten track. It's a spectacular location with stunning ...
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View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
The Plumicorn
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
The Plumicorn
   AA Rosette Award
The Black Lion Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Pecks
   AA Rosette Award
Biggin Hall Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Biggin Hall
View all
Route details
1hr 45min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
4.25 miles (6.8kms)

Ascent:
420ft (128m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Staffordshire
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
Find more walks in Staffordshire

The market town of Leek

Recommended by
Our view
"An 18th-century watermill provides the starting point for a revolution in transportation."
Walk details
1hr 45min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
4.25 miles (6.8kms)
Ascent:
420ft (128m)
Walk directions

From the museum turn left along the A523, and immediately left again along Abbey Green Road. Follow this, bearing left over a bridge, to Abbey Green. At the former Abbey Inn, turn right through the car park and go up the obvious path. After 30 paces, cross a stile and walk diagonally left to the top of the slope.
1 of 6

At the top bear right, keeping the fence close to your left. Proceed through a gate into Abbey Wood where the path becomes wider. After another kissing gate carry on up the bridleway until it becomes a grassy track. Aim just to the left of a small copse on the very top of the hill ahead. Continue to a slot in the wall at the corner of Back Hills Wood.
2 of 6

Follow the faint track, keeping the dry-stone wall just to your right. At the bottom of the hill go through a gate and join a farm track, keeping North Hillswood Farm to your right. Turn left onto a rough surfaced lane until you reach a metalled road at the end. Turn left and 100yds (91m) after Folly Rest Farm, cross a stile on the left. Descend, keeping the hedge to your left, and via a gate follow the track to the wood.
3 of 6

Go over the stile and pick your way along the narrow path through the holly of Ramshaw Wood. At the top right-hand corner, cross the stile and keep going straight, keeping the bank of trees to your right. At the end of these trees go ahead along the bridleway and retrace your steps back to Abbey Green
4 of 6

Opposite Abbey Dairy go right, over a stile, for a waymarked field path and continue in the same direction over a succession of small aluminium gates. After the fifth continue along the field edge, with the fence on your left. At the far top left corner of the next field, cross a stile to your left and descend, now with the hedge and fence to your right.
5 of 6

At the bottom, cross the stile and head right past the house. At a metalled road, go left, and then left again along the A523, back to Brindley Mill.
6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Meadow track and some road walking, many stiles
  Landscape - Hillside meadow and woodland
  Dog friendliness - Must be kept on lead at all times
  Parking - Roadside parking on Abbey Green Road
  Toilets en route - None on route
Walks in Staffordshire Dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire
About the walk
Leek is an ancient market town that has long been associated with the textile industry. These days, the silks for which it was once renowned have largely been replaced by synthetic alternatives, although a number of textile manufacturers and factory shops selling brand names direct to the public...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Staffordshire
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Explore Staffordshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
★★★★
awardaward
"Quality inn on the edge of the Peak District, great rooms and food..."
  • Rooms 26
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Lift Available
Self-Catering
Ballfields Barn
★★★★
awardaward
"..."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Self-Catering
Ballfields Barn
★★★★
awardaward
"..."
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
  • BBQ on site
Nearby places to stay
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
This traditional family-owned inn provides individually designed bedrooms, including several modern 'Garden rooms' with hot tubs, some with 4-poster beds. The smart pub-brasserie, with ...
★★★★    Rating
Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
★★★★    Rating
Ballfields Barn
This detached contemporary barn nestles on a delightful south facing hillside location on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. A beautiful tranquil rural location in ...
★★★★    Rating
Lane Head Barns
Lane Head Barns includes two luxury self-catering holiday cottages within the courtyard of Lane Head Farm. The two cottages are recently renovated barn conversions and enjoy far reachin...
★★★★★    Rating
Consall Valley Lodge
Consall Valley Lodge can be hired in its entirety, ensuring the privacy for a large group to relax and unwind. The 16 individually designed rooms range from intimate and cosy to large a...
★★★★★    Rating
The Tawny Hotel
The Tawny Hotel is a one-of-a-kind property, which is sure to leave a memorable impression. Various lodges, treehouses, huts and boathouses are dotted around a peaceful estate, which ha...
Quality Assessed
The Black Lion Inn
The Black Lion is an historic gem of a pub in the heart of the village on the edge of the Peak District. It offers a blend of historic character and modern comfort. The three en suite r...
Quality Assessed
Haybarn at Swainsley Farm
Awaiting description...
★★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
The Plumicorn
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Three Horseshoes Country Inn
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
The Flintlock at Cheddleton
   AA Rosette Award
The Plumicorn
   AA Rosette Award
The Black Lion Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Pecks
   AA Rosette Award
Biggin Hall Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Biggin Hall
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby