WALK: NW England - Rudyard Lake

Walk leader

This walk is being led by Sarah.

Walk summary

This is a lovely, relatively flat, 5 mile circular walk around Rudyard Lake. We will walk through forest, and across open fields enjoying the view over the lake, and see if we can spot the lady of the lake. Please be aware that there are a couple of stiles on this walk.

This event is for plus size people only to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18 we would ask you to consider if there might be other groups that you could attend.

Route description

We will meet in the car park beside the Leek and Rudyard Railway, and we will follow the train line along the public footpath towards the lake. When we reach the dam we will have a lovely view down the lake and may see the sailing boats out on the lake. We will follow the path down the side of the lake, enjoying the view across to the holiday houses that sit on the lake, and trying to spot the lady of the lake.

At the end of the lake, we will take a left turn onto Lake road, which crosses over the river and into farmland. The road takes a gentle incline up through the open field, we will pass a copse of trees in the shape of a cross, and proceed up to an old hostel. We will navigate over a stile and into a forested area where the path becomes a bit more muddy. We will traverse another stile and process into Radcliffe Road and pass along beside the holiday homes we could see from the other side of the lake. Along here there is a café where we can stop for a snack. Where Radcliffe Road take a sharp right we will take the public footpath to the left. The path becomes a little more uneven but we follow it along a gentle decline back to the dam wall where there is another opportunity for a coffee stop. We will then cross the dam wall and turn right at the other side and follow the path back to the car park where we started.

Link to the Komoot route: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1488077535?share_token=ag5d024vcsaFxPU0nPFicaDTO25u3B6TN14d20OwVBPBIyYpsj&ref=wtd

More info

• The meeting point is the Leek and Rudyard Railway station (ST13 8PF) where there is free carparking. There is also a café on site. If this carpark is full there are other paid for car parks and on road carparking available.
• There are toilets at the dam wall, and there are multiple options for a snack break on route.
• Friendly dogs are welcome to join the walk, but must be put on short lead around livestock, on roads and when asked by the walk leader.
• We will be going at a gentle pace that will work for everyone, and nobody will be left behind. The walk will be led with this in mind and numbers will be capped.
• You should bring all clothing and kit that you need for the weather - including sturdy footwear, a waterproof jacket and warm layers.
• Please bring any food or snacks you need for a walk of this length, and plenty of water.
  
  
  

About Every Body Outdoors

Every Body Outdoors are fighting for clothing, gear, and representation for larger/plus-size bodies in the outdoors movement in the UK, so Every Body can feel safe and welcome on the hills, trails, lakes, and more. We are working with brands and retailers to improve the availability and fit of plus size outdoors clothing and kit, whilst also providing online and in-person opportunities for our community to gain skills and confidence and meet other plus size outdoors lovers.

We have a code of conduct that we expect all event attendees to adhere to, and you will be asked to agree to this when you register.

The small print

Walking is an outdoor activity that comes with risks. You are responsible for your safety at all times when on an Every Body Outdoors walk.