RSPB Coombes Valley is a nature reserve located in Staffordshire, situated on the edge of the Peak District. This region is characterized by ancient woodlands, particularly towering oak trees, and flower-rich meadows, alongside a steep-sided valley and the meandering Coombes Brook. These diverse habitats create a varied landscape suitable for several outdoor activities like road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and more.
RSPB Coombes Valley offers a range of outdoor activities, with 5…
145
Routes
4.3
(132)
Average rating
1396
People visited

4.8
(12)
61
hikers
9.89km
02:42
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(15)
46
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(4)
43
hikers
4.57km
01:18
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
52
riders
33.4km
01:55
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

31
riders
51.1km
02:49
850m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.1
(38)
27
riders
30.7km
01:27
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

31
riders
44.5km
02:27
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.8
(6)
81
riders
48.3km
02:47
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
28.2km
01:51
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
20.6km
01:12
210m
210m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
26.3km
01:33
320m
320m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1.0
(1)
28
riders
26.5km
01:51
460m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
26
riders
20.8km
01:21
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
20
riders
24.0km
01:36
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
riders
19.8km
01:26
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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31
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
29
runners
20.8km
02:13
80m
70m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
runners
13.6km
01:28
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
runners
6.35km
00:40
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.6
(7)
12
riders
26.9km
01:38
110m
110m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
71.1km
04:52
1,090m
1,090m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
riders
26.9km
01:50
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
9
riders
53.2km
03:11
270m
270m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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RSPB Coombes Valley offers a range of outdoor activities, primarily hiking and nature observation within the reserve. The surrounding Staffordshire Moorlands provide opportunities for road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The komoot community has identified 5 routes in the area, with an average rating of 4.47 stars.
RSPB Coombes Valley features several hiking trails for different abilities. These include the Natural Play Trail (0.5 miles / 0.8 km) for families, the Valley Woodland Loop (1.6 miles / 2.6 km), and the more challenging Woodcock Trail (3.2 miles / 5.2 km). The Buzzard Trail also offers a route deeper into the woods with valley views. Find more options in Hiking around RSPB Coombes Valley.
Yes, the Natural Play Trail is designed for families and is accessible to pushchairs, featuring activities like a canopy walkway. Other trails, such as the Valley Woodland Loop, are also suitable for families. Explore more in Family-friendly hikes around RSPB Coombes Valley.
Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are generally not permitted on the internal paths of the RSPB Coombes Valley reserve to protect wildlife. However, dogs are allowed on public footpaths that may interlink with the reserve. For dog-friendly options, consult Dog-friendly hikes around RSPB Coombes Valley.
While the reserve itself focuses on pedestrian access, the surrounding Staffordshire Moorlands offer road cycling opportunities. Cyclists can find various routes in the broader region. Guides like Road Cycling Routes around RSPB Coombes Valley provide options.
The nearest traffic-free route for cycling is located near Biddulph, approximately 12.5 miles (20.5 km) away. For more information on such routes, refer to Traffic-free bike rides around RSPB Coombes Valley.
RSPB Coombes Valley is a haven for wildlife, with over 100 bird species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot redstarts, pied flycatchers, and wood warblers in spring and summer, along with buzzards, woodpeckers, and tawny owls. The wildflower meadows also attract a variety of butterflies and insects.
RSPB Coombes Valley is special for its ancient woodlands, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere. Established in 1962, it is the oldest RSPB reserve in the Midlands. The blend of habitats and changing seasons provides a unique natural experience.
The broader region around RSPB Coombes Valley offers various paths suitable for jogging. While the reserve's internal paths are primarily for walking, the surrounding areas provide options. Consult Running Trails around RSPB Coombes Valley for local routes.
Yes, bicycle racks are available at the reserve's car park, indicating that parking facilities are provided for visitors. Visitors can cycle to the reserve and then proceed on foot.
The official website for RSPB Coombes Valley is available through the RSPB website. The specific page for the reserve is rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/coombes-valley/. The reserve can also be contacted by phone at 01538 384017.

