Staffordshire walk: Biddulph to Congleton (+Map)

This is an easy, almost flat walk using a local bus.

The journey:

FROM Biddulph town centre walk to the Wharf Street car park and then to the ring road and turn right to cross the road at the second set of traffic lights.

Immediately opposite is Station Road. Follow this road around the corner at Hall Road, to reach a parking area on the left and the Biddulph Way disused railway line. Turn right towards Congleton for a good three miles until you reach the canal. For a shorter walk (4.2 miles) go under the canal, then left up the steps to reach the canal. Then turn right, along the aqueduct for a good half mile. You will see two bridges close together, one is the road and the other is the railway line. Go up the railed steps to reach the railway station. Follow the road, under the main road, then past the Railway Inn to join the main road where there are some shops. There is a bus stop back to Biddulph a little further down the road, or close to the station sign going towards Congleton.

For the full route continue on the railway line for nearly a mile, and as you emerge from the embankment and enter a cutting there is a bridge. Bear left here up the track, signed route 55, which climbs up to a road. Turn left, and follow the road for nearly half a mile to reach some traffic lights. Go straight across these and walk towards the centre of Congleton (Lawton Street). At Market Street turn right for the bus station (opposite Morrisons).

Contributed by Peter Matthews of the Staffordshire Area Ramblers' Association. For further information phone 01782 336556.