The walk will start and finish at the Star Inn. We begin by passing under the road to Westbridge Park, then take the old road to the original Walton Bridge and Stone Canoe Club. After following the River Trent for a short distance, we cross Crown Meadow, before joining the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath, which we follow past the town, and up to Meaford Locks. Here, we pick up a footpath towards Outlanes and the Common Plot. The route then takes us around Alleynes High School, before crossing the A520 to Nanny Goat Lane and returning to The Star, via St Michaels churchyard.
There’s plenty of history associated with Stone, so we’ll pause to look at things of interest along the way… for example, we’ll take a look at the historic Joules brewery buildings, the new Crown Wharf, and the old buildings at the end of Mill Street (associated with milling flint for the potteries and flour for Hovis bread).
The route consists of towpaths and public footpaths, with just two well-maintained stiles (one with a gate alternative) and, of course, we’ll stop for a coffee break. Boots or strong shoes/trainers recommended.
Start: 10.15am at the Star Inn Car Park, to depart at 10.30am. As the pub won’t be open at this time, public toilets are located just around the corner, in Crown Street Car Park. We should be back for lunch by 1.00pm.
Sat Nav: ST15 8QW (nearest). Approach via the A34 (follow the signs to Stone). The entrance to the Star Inn car park is on Stafford Street (opposite M&S).
Lunch: The Star Inn, 21 Stafford Street, Stone, ST15 8QW. I’ll send out menus nearer the time, as the standard Marston’s menu is no longer available online. If you wish to join us for lunch, then please let me have your menu choices by Tuesday 19th September.
Organiser: Nigel Holmes