CAFAG Walking Club

16/06/2026

🥾 Now Available: Nine Walks Around the Biddulph Valley🥾

We're delighted to announce the launch of our new FREE booklet, Nine Walks Around the Biddulph Valley, produced in collaboration between Biddulph Ramblers and Biddulph Town Council.

Showcasing some of the wonderful walking routes our town has to offer, the booklet is designed to help residents and visitors alike discover Biddulph's beautiful countryside, heritage and green spaces.

We're incredibly proud of the finished booklet and the partnership that made it possible.

As an added bonus, two of the featured walks have been included in this year's Biddulph Festival programme, giving even more people the opportunity to experience these fantastic routes together. Find further details here: https://www.biddulphramblers.org.uk/

Pick up your free copy today from the Town Hall and other venues around town, and start exploring!

18/05/2026

COOMBES VALLEY – 18TH MAY 2026

Our monthly walk saw the group head up to the stunning Coombes Valley Nature Reserve, an RSPB reserve nestled in the hamlet of Bradnop, just outside Leek.

Although the weather couldn’t quite decide what to do, it mostly stayed on our side, allowing us to enjoy the peaceful valley and its incredible views across the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Coombes Valley is a beautiful ancient woodland known for its steep wooded valleys, streams, and rich wildlife. Managed by the RSPB, the reserve is home to a variety of woodland birds, butterflies, and mammals, making it a fantastic place for nature lovers and walkers alike.

We had the privilege of spotting buzzards circling overhead along with several pied flycatchers. Throughout the walk we were treated to an incredible array of birdsong, distant calls echoing across the valley, and even the occasional rumble of thunder in the distance.

As you can see from our pictures, we had a lovely walk and it is definitely somewhere we will be returning to.

CAFAG at The Whitfield Valley Centre

18/05/2026

11/05/2026

🌿 Walking Club Trip – Coombes Valley Nature Reserve

Date: 18th May
Transport: Minibus trip

ONLY 4 SPACES LEFT

📍 Overview

Join us for a day out at the stunning Coombes Valley Nature Reserve, a peaceful woodland valley managed by the RSPB.

This beautiful reserve is known for its rich birdlife, tranquil streams, and sweeping countryside views. Expect a mix of shaded woodland paths, open vistas, and the calming sound of running water throughout the walk.

It’s a true nature escape just beyond the city.



🚶‍♂️ Walk Details

Distance: Moderate (approx. 3–5 miles depending on route)

Duration: 2–3 hours at a steady, social pace

Terrain:

Undulating woodland trails

Some steeper inclines and descents

Uneven ground with tree roots and natural paths

Sections may be muddy, especially after rain

Scenery Highlights:

Ancient woodland

Babbling streams

Valley viewpoints

Seasonal wildlife and birds



⚠️ Suitability

This walk is best suited for:

Walkers with a moderate level of fitness

Those comfortable on uneven and hilly terrain

People with sturdy footwear (walking boots recommended)

Not ideal for:

Wheelchairs or pushchairs

Anyone needing flat, even surfaces throughout



🐕 Important Information

No dogs allowed (RSPB reserve rules to protect wildlife)

Please respect the natural environment and stay on marked paths

Keep noise to a minimum in bird-sensitive areas



🎒 What to Bring

Walking boots or sturdy shoes

Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)

Waterproof jacket

Drinks and snacks (advisable to bring your own for the duration of the walk)

Optional: binoculars for birdwatching



🌿 Flexible Participation

This is a relaxed, social outing — you don’t have to complete the full route.

There will be plenty of opportunities to pause, sit, and simply enjoy the surroundings. Whether you walk the full distance or take time to relax and soak up the peaceful woodland atmosphere, the day is about being out in nature at your own pace.



💛 Contribution

To help cover the cost of fuel and parking, we kindly suggest a small voluntary contribution on the day.

There’s absolutely no obligation, but any support is greatly appreciated and helps us keep these trips running for everyone.



🌱 Final Note

This is a slower-paced, social walk with plenty of time to take in the surroundings. It’s less about distance and more about enjoying nature, fresh air, and good company.

CAFAG at The Whitfield Valley Centre

08/05/2026

Our friend at Middleport Matters Community Trust are meeting for a wellbeing walk on Wednesday 20th May.

No need to book just turn up.

details are below.

🌿 Middleport Wellbeing Walk 🌿

Join us on Wednesday 20th May for a gentle walk focused on improving mood and supporting your wellbeing.

Starting point: Middleport Matters Community Rooms, St Paul’s Church, Dalehall, ST6 4BY.

No need to book, just turn up.

31/03/2026

🌿 Next Community Walk – Join Us! 🚶

Our next walk is planned for Monday 27th April 🙌

The Mini Bus is now full thankyou to everyone who responded so quickly.

If you’d like to join us, you’re very welcome—just get in touch so I can register you with the group.

We’ll be meeting outside Middleport Pottery (main entrance) at 10:30am.

It’s a great chance to get some fresh air, meet others, and enjoy a relaxed walk together 🌿

Thanks, and hope to see you there!



CAFAG at The Whitfield Valley Centre

Middleport Matters Community Trust

23/03/2026

Today saw our 3rd walk of the season — and it didn’t disappoint 🌿

We enjoyed a nice, leisurely stroll from the centre down to High Lane, then along the Greenway and around the beautiful Victorian Tunstall Park — a historic green space known for its wide open lawns, mature trees, and the lovely Floral Hall at its heart.

We stopped for a brew at the Floral Hall, which was a perfect chance to relax and take it all in ☕

We were also treated to the song of a nuthatch — an elusive little bird known for its unique ability to climb down trees headfirst and its sharp, distinctive call. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a picture, but a real treat to hear and spot all the same.

Everyone was in high spirits and full of conversation — exactly what these walks are all about.

Thanks to everyone who attended 🙌

Our walking group is open to all and meets once a month.
To find out more, please get in touch.

Here’s to the next walk 🚶‍♂️🌿



CAFAG at The Whitfield Valley Centre

11/03/2026

You may remember that in October 2024 we supported environmental historian Ben Anderson from Keele University, who led two workshops designed to help residents and community members enrich the existing stories of the Whitfield Valley Colliery with their own histories, memories, and experiences.

The CAFAG Walking Group were paramount in helping this project come together, sharing their knowledge and local connections.

The findings from these workshops have now been curated and published on the Museum of Possibilities website, which you can explore here:

https://mopwhitfieldvalley.wordpress.com/

Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to preserving and sharing the history of the Whitfield Valley community.

CAFAG at The Whitfield Valley Centre