Level: This is a fairly easy walk although some navigation

is necessary and it can be muddy in places. Follow route

clockwise

Distance: 4.9 miles

Time: 2½ hours

Parking: By the library at Blythe Bridge. There is also a

car Park in Fulford

Refreshments: Pubs in Caverswall, Fulford and Blythe

Bridge

Public transport: Bus stops in Blythe Bridge and Fulford

THIS has some splendid views. Although not flat, there are

no hard climbs but some of the stiles may be difficult to

manage.

The journey:

From the car park at Blythe Bridge, turn right along the

road towards the station. Just before the level crossing, turn

right into Caverswall Road.

Pass two turnings on the right and at the first on the left

(Caverswall Road – odd numbered houses) turn left down this

road, footpath sign Caverswall. The road soon ends and follow

the broad path along the field to a fence, where you change

sides.

Cross the Foxfield Railway and then at the third electricity

pole, head right along the clear path.

This soon joins a hedge and meets a minor road by a gate.

Turn right along this road, which can be busy. Go round the

left bend, then shortly take a sharp right. Here take the

footpath on the left by a stile and gate. Follow this broad

path for a short distance to a bend. Here there are stiles on

either side. Take the left stile into a large field.

When I walked this, the path was ploughed over. If it has

not been reinstated you will need to aim for the three taller

trees seen half to your left.

Cross the field to find the stile in some holly to the left

of these trees. Caverswall village is directly ahead as you

cross the field.

If uncertain, follow the left edge of the field until you

come to the stile. Once over the stile you will see Caverswall

Castle ahead. Aim for this, passing a deep hollow on your

right. At the hedge, locate the stile to cross a series of

paddocks and tracks along a well-stiled and marked path, to

emerge on the road close to the church.

Turn right and then, at the first road junction, turn right

up the sunken road. As it starts to turn left, by the

Caverswall sign (it's back will face you), bear right along the

path which is the second of two paths.

Keep to the right of the field towards the farm ahead and

cross another field to a small road. Over and along the farm

drive opposite. At the end go over a stile and head right down

the field.

About 30 yards left of the far right corner is a stile,

plank bridge and another stile. Go over these and then aim for

the top of the field to find a gap in the fence. From here,

look diagonally right to locate a stile in the hedge below. Go

over this.

Virtually straight across on the footpath and cross the

Foxfield Railway. Here, head right to virtually the top

right-had corner of the field. As you reach the top fence, you

will see the stile. Over and along the rough ground to another

stile. Over and then aim down the hill towards the church tower

ahead to reach a stile. Over, slightly right to another stile,

and then ahead towards the church.

Just before the next stile ahead you will see a footpath

sign by gate on the road. Go to this and then turn right along

the road. Follow this to the next junction then follow the road

round to the left.

Just past the farm, before the right hand bend, locate the

footpath on your left and cross a paddock to another stile.

Over and up the next field to climb the steps to the

railway.

Cross, then head right, following the fence on the left.

Just before the end of this long and rough field, head right to

locate the stile about 30 yards to the right of the fence.

Over and then look for the stile on your left to cross. Then

head right so that the hedges and fences are to your right.

Follow through fields to reach a gate and lane. At the end

there is a junction.

Keep ahead and the lane soon becomes tarred and enters an

area of housing. Follow this to emerge at Fulford. At the main

road turn right and follow back to Blythe Bridge, turning right

to reach the car.

Contributed by Peter Matthews, of the Staffordshire Area

Ramblers' Association. For further information, call 01782

336556.