Oakamoor: Nature, Trails and Railway History

Oakamoor combines a river valley, nature experiences and an unusually vivid railway history. The disused railway line along the Churnet Valley is now part of the network of routes for walkers and cyclists. At the same time, tunnels, the railway station, bridge and former railway facilities tell the story of the village’s industrial development. For a trip with varied interests, Oakamoor thus offers nature and culture without requiring you to limit yourself to just one way of exploring.

Trails and Nature Around Oakamoor

The Oakamoor picnic area is next to the Oakamoor-Denstone Greenway, a disused railway line along the Churnet Valley. On site, there are car parks, toilets, shops, a picnic area and facilities for outdoor activities. This combination is helpful when planning your day if you want to combine walks, a break in the countryside and further exploration.

The Oakamoor and Whiston Circular Walk begins in Oakamoor and follows the river upstream at Cotton Dell to a nature reserve. In the surrounding area, the route leads into Hawksmoor Nature Reserve, a woodland area characterised by oak and birch trees and rich wildlife, which has been owned by the National Trust since 1927. Cotton Dell Nature Reserve complements this landscape with ancient woodland and flower-rich grassland in a secluded river valley.

For a shorter and easier outing, the Cotton Dell Stroll is an option: this walk is easy and suitable for pushchairs. The difference between this Stroll and the Circular Walk provides a clear choice for planning your day. You can include the easy, pushchair-friendly Cotton Dell Stroll or choose the Oakamoor and Whiston Circular Walk, which leads from Oakamoor towards the nature reserve. The disused railway line near Oakamoor also serves walkers and cyclists as a route.

Historical Discoveries in the Village

Oakamoor has several notable reminders of its architectural and transport history. The Church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1832 by J. P. Pritchett of York in the Gothic style. Gate House is a Grade II listed building and was formerly the home of a railway crossing keeper on Mill Lane in Oakamoor.

The listed bridge in Oakamoor is also an important part of the village’s history: it spans the River Churnet, dates back to the 16th century, was extensively rebuilt in the 18th century and widened in the early 19th century. The Oakamoor Tunnel was 462 yards long and the longest and wettest tunnel in the North Staffordshire Railway system. The railway station served Oakamoor from 1849; in addition, a branch line was built to the works facilities and into the heart of Oakamoor.

Nearby, Oldfurnace Cottage stands on the site of a former Elizabethan blast furnace built by Lawrence Loggin in 1592. Historical sites such as these make Oakamoor particularly interesting for travellers who see a walk not only as exercise but also as a way to access the history of the village.

The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

If you choose Oakamoor as a destination for nature and cultural experiences, you can tailor your search for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage to your preferred travel dates. Those travelling with a pushchair can consider the Cotton Dell Stroll as a specific option for an easier walk. Those more interested in landscapes and the history of the trails can include the Circular Walk, Hawksmoor Nature Reserve and the old railway line in their plans. For days focused on cultural history, the church, Gate House, the bridge, the tunnel and the former railway connection offer different points of interest.

Discover More Places

If you would like to consider destinations other than Oakamoor, here is a compact selection: Coven, Gayton, Perton, Hatherton, Stone, Hamstall Ridware, Madeley and Loggerheads.

To the overarching travel overview: Staffordshire.