Short ARS to the Wedgwood Monument

Jeanette Shenton is leading the next Short ARS walk on Saturday 25th March leaving Audlem Car Park at 9.30 am.

The walk

This is a circular 5 mile walk from the North Staffordshire village of Audley, near Newcastle-under-Lyme. Parking is available in the public car park on Church Street, opposite the church, ST7 8DE. (No public toilets available)

The walk goes across open countryside around Bignall End, then up to Boon Hill and the Wedgwood Monument. Here there are extensive views across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and beyond. The route returns following quiet rural paths back to Audley.

There are three quite short steep inclines (total height gain on the walk is about 180 metres), but on the whole it is flat or undulating. There are numerous stiles but most are in good condition.

When the walk was recced at the end of January there were some considerable muddy areas (by gates and stiles mainly) and so walking poles would be useful, and of course suitable waterproof foot wear.

Meet in Audlem car Park at 9.30am for the 30 minute journey to Audley.

Additional information:

The Wedgwood Monument which stands atop Bignall Hill was erected in 1850 as a memorial to John Wedgwood (1760-1839) who had been a local colliery owner.

The monument was damaged in a gale on 2nd January 1976 and now stands a quarter of its original height. It affords sweeping 360-degree views: south across Staffordshire and the city of Stoke-on-Trent, north across the Cheshire Plains, east to Mow Cop and the Peak District and west to North Wales

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.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.