4.6
(290)
2,721
hikers
26
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Audley Rural traverse a landscape characterized by moorland ridges, offering panoramic views across Staffordshire and Cheshire. The area features a mix of woodlands, open heathlands, and farmlands, providing varied environments for exploration. Hiking routes often incorporate canal paths, such as those along the Trent & Mersey Canal, and tranquil lakes like Bateswood Pool and Bignall Hill Pond. This diverse terrain includes elevated points like Bignall Hill, which provides expansive vistas.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
4.70km
01:18
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
11.4km
03:07
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8
hikers
10.1km
02:46
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
10
hikers
10.1km
02:50
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
5.07km
01:22
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Some footpath repair has taken place here and the level raised between the 2 pools. I have walked here several times over winter and always been able to get through even with all the rain we've had. Occasionally there has been a bit of water flowing across the path but easily crossable even in trainers
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T:UK - Bignall Hill https://share.google/1qgMwVUqgojZ5wboP
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A memorial monument erected in 1845 in memory of a local mine-owner John Wedgwood
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The Apedale Valley Light Railway is a heritage narrow gauge railway with a collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives. You can take the 15-min train ride between Silverdale and Apedale or just have a look and then go for a longer walk in Apedale Country Park.
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Apedale mine museum and cafe. Opening Hours: Thursday 10:30am–4pm Friday 10:30am–4pm Saturday 10:30am–4pm Sunday 10:30am–4pm Monday 10:30am–4pm Tuesday 10:30am–4pm Wednesday 10:30am–4pm
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Simple but good value food. There are stream train rides. A number of tracks to explore.
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Useful to know if you are planning a route in this area. The path between the lakes/ponds is currently flooded and appears overgrown (March 2022) making this way inaccessible.
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There are over 25 hiking trails in Audley Rural that are easily accessible from bus stations, allowing you to explore the region without a car. These routes range from easy strolls to more moderate excursions.
Audley Rural offers a diverse landscape for hikers. You'll find moorland ridges with panoramic views, attractive woodlands, open heathlands, and traditional farmlands. Many routes also incorporate tranquil waterways, such as canal paths along the Trent & Mersey and Macclesfield Canals, and scenic lakes like Bateswood Pool and Bignall Hill Pond.
Yes, Audley Rural has several easy, family-friendly hikes starting from bus stations. For example, the Bateswood Pool loop from Audley Rural is an easy 5.4 km walk, and the Bignall Hill Pond loop from Audley offers a pleasant 4.7 km route. These trails are generally well-suited for various fitness levels.
For those seeking a more moderate challenge, routes like the Bignall Hill Pond – Tranquil Lake loop from Audley (11.4 km) or the Tranquil Lake – Audley Castle Hill loop from Audley (10.1 km) provide longer distances and more varied terrain, all starting conveniently from bus stops.
Many trails in Audley Rural are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially when passing through farmlands or nature reserves, and be mindful of local signage regarding livestock or protected wildlife areas.
Audley Rural's trails offer a mix of natural beauty and historical interest. You might encounter unique natural features like Gawton's Cave, an intriguing rock formation, or explore areas like Parrot's Drumble Nature Reserve. Historical landmarks such as Mow Cop Castle, a folly summerhouse, also provide impressive views across the Staffordshire moorlands and Cheshire Plain.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible hikes in Audley Rural are circular routes, meaning you'll end up back at your starting point without needing to retrace your steps. This makes planning your car-free adventure straightforward and convenient.
Audley Rural offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter hikes can be beautiful, especially on clear days, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and shorter daylight hours. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
The hiking trails in Audley Rural are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the convenience of public transport access, and the well-maintained network of trails that cater to various abilities.
Yes, several routes incorporate the region's tranquil waterways. The Bignall Hill Pond – Tranquil Lake loop from Audley is a prime example, offering scenic views of these water features. You can also find highlights like Winterley Pool and Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area along various paths.
The elevation gain on these trails varies, catering to different fitness levels. Easy routes like the Bateswood Pool loop have a modest gain of around 55 meters. Moderate trails, such as the Tranquil Lake – Apedale Heritage Centre loop from Audley, can involve climbs of up to 190 meters, offering more challenging ascents and rewarding panoramic views.


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