Short-ARS to Apedale

Saturday 28 April

The next Short ARS on Saturday 28 April is led by Jeanette Shenton around Apedale Country Park.

Meet Audlem Public Car Park at 9.30 am.

Jeanette writes:-

The path starts at the Apedale Heritage Centre. Use post code ST5 7LB and park in the Heritage Centre Car Park (Free)
This is a relatively flat 4.5 mile walk, with only 2 stiles but with some short steep ascents. Total height gain is 117 metres. The route follows some shingle paths, muddy wetlands and woodland.

There are some great views, fascinating industrial and geological landscapes and is dog friendly.
The path follows the perimeter of the park, passing what was once a canal which served to transport the produce of the mineworkings. We will also pass the Apedale Outcrop and stand in the mouth of the Apedale Volcano.
The path then returns through a meadow and woodlands, with views across the valley, passing a restored chimney and the relatively new mining memorial, with great views as far as The Roaches and Cannock Chase, before return to the car park.
There are toilets and a lovely café at the heritage Centre but they don't open until 10.30am, this could be a good place to stop at the end for a drink and an ice cream.
There are tours of the disused mine workings available from the Heritage Centre(on the hour every hour between 11am and 3pm at weekends, £4 per adult (with discounts for concessions)
Also at the Centre is a small mining museum, where you can experience what it was really like to work in the pits and it is the home of the Apedale Valley Light Railway.

NB All walkers must have suitable footwear and be prepared for adverse weather, carry food and water to last for the entire walk and be suitably fit for the various lengths of walk.
Each walk is led by a nominated leader who will carry some first-aid equipment. The leader has the right to refuse to include in a group anyone who is felt not be adequately equipped.
Non-members of ARS are welcome to come on a walk but are expected to join ARS and pay the membership fee after a trial walk or two.

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