Biddulph Valley Way

The Biddulph Valley Way cuts through proper moorland between Congleton and Staffordshire, a seven-mile stretch that feels genuinely remote despite being sandwiched between two towns. You're walking through heathland and woodland, following the valley floor with the high ground rising either side - it's the sort of place where you'll see grouse and the occasional buzzard if you're quiet enough.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll - the path demands attention and the climbs are real - but the payoff is landscape that hasn't been prettified for postcards. The moorland sections especially have that windswept, open quality that clears your head in about twenty minutes.

Allow three to four hours for the full route if you're taking it at a reasonable pace and actually looking about. The nearest town is Congleton, which gives you a proper base with cafes and shops, though frankly you'll want a packed lunch rather than doubling back.

It works brilliantly if you're camping or glamping nearby. Avona Escapes is only 2.3 miles away - genuinely convenient for a morning or afternoon walk without the faff of a long drive. Kisswood Cabins sits a bit further out at 5.2 miles but still manageable. The valley way pairs well with gentler park-based activities; you could do a proper hike here one day and relax at the glamping site the next without it feeling like an expedition.