Coombes Valley RSPB From Coltstone Near Ipstones, North Staffs

Introduction

This shortish walk is based around the wonderful ancient woodland of Coombes Valley, managed for birds by the RSPB. This is the perfect time to see its special birds, so I set off in hope of seeing some.

I started the walk from Coltstone to the south of Leek, some 60 minutes from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk is 4.5 miles with over 800feet of ascent.

The weather was fresh, cloudy, and breezy, but pleasant enough, and a few glimpses of sunshine later on.

It took 2 hours 40 minutes to complete plus 20 minutes for lunch, though I hung around looking for birds for quite a lot of the time!

The walk isn’t great for dog walking, being extensively within a nature reserve.

I walked in a clockwise direction.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.

I parked at the entry to Crab Tree Farm on Church Lane, between Cheddleton and Ipstones. postcode ST10 2JT, What 3 Words statement.nerve.leave

Collyhole To Coombes Valley

I set off along a narrow lane towards Whitehough.

A couple of days of rain, and suddenly everywhere looked vibrantly green!

The route led up the drive of Whitehough Hall.

After rounding the hall I slipped through a gap in the wall.

Soon, I was entering Whitehough Wood.

It’s a pretty wood with numerous nest boxes, though I didn’t see any being used.

Low Wood And Coombes Valley RSPB Reserve

Whitehough Wood soon leads on to Low Wood. Here, I located a small warbler, probably a chiffchaff, hunting for invertebrates in the trees and shrubs.

I reached the sign for the right turn, to Woodcock Trail, but ignored it for a while.

2Instead, I carried on ahead to drop down to Coombes Brook.

From the bridge I went off piste and followed it upstream for about 100 metres, before returning to the bridge and back up the hill to take the Woodcock Trail path.

The path wends its way through the stunning oak woodland, eventually returning to the brook at another bridge. This bridge leads you on to the paths to the RSPB Visitor Centre. I didn’t cross, but chose to sit on the bench at a viewing point. Years ago, this was a hide overlooking a pond. Now hide and pond have gone and the bench overlooks some marshy ground. Previously, I’ve seen pied flycatchers using the brookside nest box here, but today, only one box was in use, with blue tits flitting in and out.

Then I noticed something on a dead tree just by the bench….unmistakably a tree creeper, then another, and then another two. I realised I’d arrived just as the family were fledging from their nest. A third chick then crawled out, but stayed on the tree trunk next to the crack on the crumbling bark, seen below.

This chick flew off, and I could still see at least one more moving about in the nest cavity, but I left before it did!

Sharpcliffe Hall And Blackbank Wood

I followed the footpath uphill Backhill Wood, emerging near Sharpcliffe Hall to stunning views over the hills..

The path approaches the hall from the back, and this stunning carved wooden gate gave an idea of the owners’ passion for outdoor sculpture.

At the front of the hall was this horse and jockey, formed from rusty bits of scrsap metal.

The back garden had a whole zoo thing going on!

The hall itself is rather magnificent.

And the very long drive is bordered with animals sculpted from horseshoes!

At The Lodge I turned right, admiring the panoramic view.

At Colley Croft, the sculptural theme continued with the grinding stone sign.

The ford, marked on the map, has come to life with this week’s rain.

The woodland edge along the path to The Clough has wonderful views to Blackbank Wood, and today the skies brightened and the quiet glades were alive with birdsong.

After turning the corner at Coltstone, passing a couple of cottages and crossing a small field next to a new barn, I entered the stunning Blackbank Wood. The path winds down through the wood. This place is well off the beaten track, and well worth a visit.

This area of North Staffordshire is simply unbeatable natural beauty, especially at this time of year. Highly recommended!

And Finally….

I’ve been listening to the new album Pink Elephant by Arcade Fire. It’s unusual, and reminds me a little of The National. It’s growing on me. This track is “Ride Or Die”.