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United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Staffordshire
Staffordshire Moorlands

Checkley

Easy hikes and walks around Checkley

4.4

(825)

5,725

hikers

351

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Checkley offer a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is characterized by rolling hills, the meandering River Tean, and ancient woodlands such as Dimmingsdale and Hawksmoor. Hikers can explore river valleys, shaded paths, and extensive pastureland, providing a quintessential English countryside experience.

Best easy hiking trails around Checkley

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Ramblers Retreat – Ramblers Retreat Café loop from Alton Towers Resort, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 24 minutes to complete. This route explores woodland areas near the Ramblers Retreat.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Earl’s Drive, Dimmingsdale – Dimmingsdale Mill Pond loop from Oakamoor, an easy 4.3 miles (7.0 km) path. This trail allows walkers to experience the Dimmingsdale valley and walk alongside its mill pond.
  • Local hikers also love the Croxden Abbey Ruins – Croxden Abbey Ruins loop from Croxden, a 3.4 miles (5.4 km) trail leading through open fields and historical points of interest, often completed in about 1 hour 29 minutes.
  • Hiking around Checkley is defined by rolling hills, river valleys, and ancient woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, focusing on easy hiking trails.
  • The routes in Checkley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 700 reviews. More than 5000 hikers have used komoot to explore Checkley's varied terrain.

Last updated: July 1, 2026

4.7

(11)

167

hikers

#1.

Ramblers Retreat – Dimmingsdale Mill Pond loop from Alton Towers Resort

5.11km

01:24

80m

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(5)

33

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

snorgate
May 23, 2025, Croxden Abbey Ruins

Worth a stop and have a wonder around. plenty to see. 10-15 minutes is enough.

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Not great after heavy rain

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Just outside the Severn Trent facility.

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The current church was built in 1884-85, replacing an older 13th-century church that was formerly the guest chapel of Croxden Abbey.

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Croxden Abbey, also known as "Abbey of the Vale of St. Mary at Croxden", was a Cistercian abbey. A daughter house of the abbey in Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy, the abbey was founded by Bertram III de Verdun of Alton Castle, Staffordshire, in the 12th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1538. In 1176, Bertram III de Verdun, the lord of the manor of Croxden, endowed a site for a new abbey near Alton, Staffordshire, to a group of 12 Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy. Bertram founded the abbey, like many noblemen of his time, for the souls of his family. The monks remained at the Alton site until 1179, before moving to land near Croxden, a few miles south. Croxden was relatively prosperous, drawing the majority of its wealth from sheep farming. By 1315, the monks were supplying more wool to the continent than any other religious house in the county, with transactions being recorded with Florentine merchants well into the 1420s.

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A whipping post is a post set upright to which offenders were tied to be whipped. During the medieval period through to the 18th century corporal punishment in the form of whipping was a common sentencing by the courts. Whipping was often the punishment for vagrancy and petty larceny crimes. Punishment often took place in public places or at the local community whipping post. The whipping post near the Old School House survives well and stands as a relic of this form of punishment within the local community during medieval and post medieval periods. Fortunately a got past without a flogging! 😅

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St. John's Church in Hollington, is a Church of England building designed by G.E. Street, built as a chapel of ease in 1859-1861, and currently has two services a month, one for Holy Communion and the other for Morning Prayer.

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Hawksmoor NT Nature Reserve . Good place to take a lunch break

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Checkley?

Checkley offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 180 routes specifically categorized as easy. This ensures plenty of options for a relaxed outdoor experience.

Are there easy hiking trails suitable for families with children in Checkley?

Yes, Checkley's landscape of rolling hills, river valleys, and ancient woodlands provides many gentle paths perfect for families. Trails like the Hawksmoor Wood loop from Oakamoor are relatively short and offer an engaging experience for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails around Checkley?

Most easy hiking trails around Checkley are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands with your canine companion. Always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and check for any specific local signage regarding leads.

Are there many circular easy hiking routes in Checkley?

Yes, many of the easy hiking routes in Checkley are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the popular Ramblers Retreat – Ramblers Retreat Café loop from Alton Towers Resort and the Earl’s Drive, Dimmingsdale – Dimmingsdale Mill Pond loop from Oakamoor.

Where can I find parking for easy hikes in Checkley?

Parking is generally available at popular trailheads. For routes in Dimmingsdale, you can often find parking near Oakamoor. For trails around Croxden Abbey, parking is usually accessible close to the ruins. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient parking spots.

Is it possible to access easy hiking trails around Checkley using public transport?

While some areas may be accessible by local bus services, public transport options can be limited in the more rural parts of Checkley and the Staffordshire Moorlands. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus schedules is recommended if you plan to rely on public transport.

Are there any easy trails that feature waterfalls or other natural attractions?

Yes, you can find easy trails that lead to beautiful natural features. The area around Dimmingsdale is particularly scenic, with routes that pass by the Dimmingsdale Mill Pond. You might also discover the Waterfall and Stepping Stones on Churnet River Tributary on some routes.

What historical points of interest can I see on an easy hike in Checkley?

Checkley offers a blend of nature and history. You can explore the Croxden Abbey Ruins on an easy loop trail, or visit the Ramblers Retreat, which is a notable local landmark. The village of Checkley itself has a trail detailing historical points of interest.

How long do easy hikes around Checkley typically take?

Easy hikes in Checkley vary in length but generally range from 1 to 2.5 hours. For example, the Dimmingsdale Mill Pond – Earl’s Drive loop from Alton Towers Resort can be completed in about an hour, while the Croxden Abbey Ruins loop takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the best season to enjoy easy walks in Checkley?

Checkley's easy walks are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, autumn showcases stunning foliage, and winter provides crisp, quiet landscapes. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there any easy hiking routes near cafes or pubs in Checkley?

Yes, some easy routes offer convenient access to refreshments. The Ramblers Retreat – Ramblers Retreat Café loop, as its name suggests, starts and ends near a café. You might also find routes that pass near traditional pubs like the Black Lion Pub, Consall Forge.

Which easy trails offer the best scenic views in Checkley?

Many easy trails in Checkley provide beautiful views, particularly those that traverse the rolling hills and open pastureland. Routes through Dimmingsdale and along the River Tean offer tranquil riverside scenery and glimpses of ancient woodlands.

What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Checkley?

The easy hiking trails in Checkley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and picturesque landscape, including the tranquil river valleys, ancient woodlands, and well-maintained paths suitable for all abilities.

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