Weston

This circular walk starts and finishes at the Woolpack, Weston.  There are plenty of parking spaces at the rear, and although the pub doesn’t open until midday, we hope that we will have access to the toilets for 15 minutes when we arrive.

The route does involve crossing a couple of busy roads, but there are safe crossing places in all cases.  The majority of the route is on quiet roads and footpaths, and there are some stiles, but most are well maintained.

Leaving the village, we follow the A518 almost to Weston Hall, before carefully crossing the road to Willowmore Banks and on to Salt.  As we approach Salt, you can see Pitts Column in the distance.  Next, we cross a substantial, but disused, stone railway bridge over the former Stafford and Uttoxeter Railway, which served the Salt and Sandon station.

After crossing the River Trent, the Trent & Mersey Canal, and the A51, we join a part of the ‘Stone Circles’ route (and also part of the recent Sandon Walk).  As we enter the wooded area, look up to your left to see Pitts Column (which is currently quite overgrown).

Our route then takes us on to Gayton Brook, which we cross and follow for a short distance, before heading to Gayton Church, then back to the Woolpack for lunch.

Meet: in the Woolpack car park at 9:45, ready to depart by 10:00.

Sat Nav: ST18 0JH – W3W: ///wing.stunt.dominate

Terrain: One small climb, seven stiles and some uneven paths, so boots/strong shoes recommended, but not essential.
Organiser: Nigel Holmes
Lunch: 13:00.  Please let me have your menu choices by Friday 17^th October. The menu can be found by clicking here