Deep Hayes Country Park Circular Walk
Staffordshire
Deep Hayes Country Park sits in a steep wooded valley of the River Churnet near Longsdon, where a series of small reservoirs originally built to feed the Caldon Canal are now the centrepiece of a Staffordshire County Council country park. A short circular path of about 2.1km follows duckboards and gravel tracks along the valley floor past the pools and through mixed woodland, an easy walk suited to buggies and young dogs, while a longer route extends beyond the park to link with the Caldon Canal towpath and the villages of Cheddleton and Longsdon for a walk of up to 9.6km. There is very little climbing on the short loop, though the extended route has a modest pull out of the valley.
This is a dog friendly walk, though dogs are asked to stay on a lead throughout the park to protect nesting waterfowl on the pools and other visitors on the narrow paths. The reservoirs and the stream give a dog plenty to look at even without going in the water, and the wooded valley provides good shade in summer. Livestock is not generally an issue within the park boundary, though the extended route towards Cheddleton and Longsdon crosses working farmland where sheep or cattle may be present, so a lead is sensible there too. Parking is available at the small car park off Coltsfoot Way, and Cheddleton, a short walk or drive away, has a canal-side pub.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.1 km (1.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- No cafe or toilets in the park itself; a canal-side pub in Cheddleton, a short walk or drive away.
- Parking
- Deep Hayes Country Park car park, Coltsfoot Way, Staffordshire County Council, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Deep Hayes Country Park Circular Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Valley View - Peak District
Sleeps 8 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,408 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in StaffordshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Deep Hayes Country Park Circular Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Deep Hayes Country Park, and it earns a solid 7/10 for dog friendliness. The wooded valley setting, small reservoirs, and stream make for an interesting outing even for dogs who aren't swimmers, and the short loop is well suited to younger or less experienced dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Deep Hayes Country Park Circular Walk?
Dogs are asked to stay on lead throughout the country park itself, mainly to protect nesting waterfowl on the pools and to keep things comfortable for other visitors on the narrow paths. If you extend the walk towards Cheddleton or Longsdon, the route crosses working farmland where sheep or cattle may be present, so a lead is the sensible choice there too.
What should I know before visiting Deep Hayes Country Park Circular Walk with my dog?
The short circular loop is around 2.1km on duckboards and gravel tracks with very little climbing, making it a good option for dogs new to walking or those who prefer easier terrain. There are no cafe or toilet facilities within the park itself, but Cheddleton — a short walk or drive away — has a canal-side pub if you need a pitstop. Parking is free at the small car park off Coltsfoot Way.
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Deep Hayes Country Park Car Park, Coltsfoot Way, Cheddleton, Staffordshire ST13 7JS
53.0773, -2.0603
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