We did this walk on the recommendation of our friend Barbara Hemmings, who loves this walk. It’s worth it for a walk that starts and ends at a great little country pub. Could this be why Barbara loves it so much?

 

To get to the start of this walk take the B5026 out of Eccleshall - turn right on the first roundabout in Eccleshall town if you are coming along the A519 from the Newcastle direction and you’ve got it. Go along this road for about ¾ of a mile and you will see a sign on the right hand side of the road pointing down a lane to ‘The Star Inn.’ Follow this sign and after about ½ a mile you will come to a junction in the road with The Star Inn on the opposite side. It’s OK to use the pub car park as we’ve spoken to the owner and she is fine with it if you just let them know (if they are open).

Once you’ve parked and donned your boots it’s time to set off back in the direction that you’ve just driven. If you didn’t drive there then there is a signpost at the junction and you should take the direction of Pershall Green and Eccleshall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carry on along this road for about 150 metres and you will find a stile on the left just after you have crossed a stream under the road. When we were there the footpath sign was hidden in the hedges so keep your eyes open for it. The stile is more like a ladder so you should spot it. Don’t be tempted to take the fishermen’s entrance after just 50 metres. This takes you into Cop Mere pool but there is no path around the actual pool so I’m told.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once over the stile and in the field it’s just straight on keeping the fence to your left. You will keep spotting Cop Mere pool through the trees on your left. Carry on walking following the fence and you will cross over a number of stiles into various farm fields. After rain these can be a little muddy so you might have to pick your way through. It had rained quite heavily the day before we went but it wasn’t too bad. If you keep following the ‘straight ahead’ sign on the stiles you will leave the fields behind and start to enter a more woodland environment. There is a small pond to the right just after you get into the wooded area, and it’s worth a stop here to take a look at the bright blue dragon flies skipping over the water in their dozens. If you carry on following the stile signs straight ahead, you will eventually come to a derelict mill building by the side of a road. The roof has mostly collapsed and the old walls have become covered with Ivy and may other climbing invaders. Architecturally it is un-notable, but the dereliction and subsequent takeover by nature gives it a somewhat sad but noble air. As if holding-out for a new owner to bring it back to glory.

On the road turn left and walk down to the lane just 50 metres away. At the lane take a left again and this road takes you back to your start at the Star Inn. This is not too busy a road but it has no footpaths so remember to walk on the right facing the oncoming cars. Also use your ears and listen for traffic so that you are aware of what’s coming.

Once back at the Star Inn you can make your way home or take a drink or have lunch/dinner. I can recommend the rear garden if the weather is fine. It’s very spacious and very well kept. Just the place to rub your feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a lovely - not too strenuous - walk through working farmland. The fields of wheat and grazing cows give you a distinct ‘out of town’ feeling, and all of the paths are well marked public rights of way.

Clothing notes: As a lot of this walk is through farm fields it’s best to wear good walking boots. I don’t recommend training shoes. Also there are a lot of nettles and thistles about, so long trousers would be advisable unless you don’t mind the odd sting. Of course check the weather report before you leave and take appropriate clothing.

Happy Walking.

 

Copyright John Heesom 2007