Churnet Valley Circular Walk from Leek
Staffordshire
Starting on the edge of the Staffordshire market town of Leek, this 9 km circular follows the Caldon Canal and the River Churnet out into the moorland fringe and back via Ladderedge Country Park. It is largely gentle and dog friendly, with enough open water and woodland to keep most dogs entertained.
The going is mostly flat with a couple of gentle climbs, but you do cross active farmland so livestock are likely and dogs need to be on a lead through stock fields. The towpath sections are narrow so keep dogs close around cyclists and boaters, and after heavy rain the field paths get muddy. Parking is at Barnfields car park just south of the town centre, with cafes, pubs and toilets back in Leek for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on the trail, plenty of cafes, pubs and toilets in Leek town centre at the start.
- Parking
- Free public car park at Barnfields just south of Leek town centre next to the Caldon Canal aqueduct.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Churnet Valley Circular Walk from Leek dog friendly?
This 9 km circular walk rates 6 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a reasonable choice for most dogs. The route follows the Caldon Canal and River Churnet with plenty of woodland and open water to keep dogs entertained, though a few features mean it suits confident, well-trained dogs best.
Can dogs be off lead at Churnet Valley Circular Walk from Leek?
There are stretches where dogs can enjoy more freedom, particularly along the canal towpath and through woodland sections, but leads are essential in stock fields as the route crosses active farmland with livestock. The towpath sections are also narrow, so you'll want to keep dogs close when cyclists or boaters pass.
What should I know before visiting Churnet Valley Circular Walk from Leek with my dog?
The walk is largely flat with only a couple of gentle climbs, but field paths can get muddy after heavy rain so it's worth coming prepared. There are no facilities on the trail itself, though Leek town centre — just a short distance from the Barnfields car park start — has cafes, pubs and toilets for a post-walk refresh.
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