Upper Dane Living Landscape Walk: Gib Torr to Gradbach

The first in a series of brand new Living Landscape walks from Cheshire Wildlife Trust will take you into the headwaters of the River Dane where the Westerly Pennines slip anonymously into the Cheshire Plain. Stunning views, ancient rock chasm’s and all manner of upland wildlife, this walk really does have it all.
Starting at Gib Torr we will explore Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Black Brook Nature reserve before meandering down through the valley and exploring some of the regions most threatened habitats including; blanket bog, upland heath and ancient clough woodland. Just when you think you have seen it all we will finish by descending through Lud’s church, a truly bewitching ancient chasm.

The walk will be led by our Slowing the Flow Project Manager and Cheshire Wildlife Trust's Dane catchment advisor. During the walk they will shed light on the work they have been undertaking, in partnership with the landowners in the area, to improve water quality and alleviate flood risk on the River Dane.

Location and Times:

Meeting Location: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's Black Brook Nature reserve at Gib Torr. The nearest post code is SK17 0TA.  

Map reference: SK 021 650

Meeting time: 10:00am

FROM LEEK Take the A53 out of Leek heading towards Buxton. After approximately 5 miles you will see The Winking Man pub on your right. Take the first turning on the left after The Winking Man. Continue for roughly ¾ mile and you will come to small parking area in a gateway on your left hand side opposite a conifer plantation.

What to Bring:

This is a 3.5 mile walk and includes two steep inclines, therefore, a reasonable level of fitness will be necessary.
Please bring a packed lunch, enough to drink and suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Binoculars are also advisable.
Please note that this is not a circular route, however, a lift back to the starting point will be provided.

More Information and Booking:

Visit Cheshire Wildlife Trust's website.