Dimmingsdale Valley & Furnace Forest Walks- Forestry England — Attraction in Staffordshire Moorlands

Beautiful sites and views to take in during some of the walks in this area. We parked at Ramblers Retreat which has free parking and accessible free toilets. You're also able to refill your water here which is handy if you're doing the walks. Water is also available for your pets. The food & drink here is also delicious.

I would suggest either taking a picture of the map located by Ramblers Retreat before starting your walk or taking a map. The routes are posted with coloured markers however there are few and can be confusing at times which turn to take.

The walks are not pram friendly (we have a 15 month old and used a carrier). Pets are free to run as they please & there are streams and lakes close by for them to dip their paws on the warmer days. There are also plenty of benches along the entire routes to take a seat if you're getting tired, or if you've taken some food & drink.

The chained oak is easily accessible from the Ramblers Retreat car park which is fascinating if you've heard the legend behind it. Definitely worth a visit if you have the time.

Be aware of closing times for the car park so your car doesn't get locked in. Times vary depending on time of year but they do have a notice board as you drive into the car park...

Dimmingsdale as a walking area has been there for as long as i can remember. Formerly an iron ore and lead smelting area it now shows little signs of its former industrial use.

The most obvious reminder is the water mill at the lowest lake, althpugh is now a private residential dwelling.

At the entrance nearest to Alton itself is a very nice traditional cafe called the rambler's retreat. I remember seeing members if the owners family digging out footings and renovatiing the building, late 70's or early 80's ??

Anyhow, there are pleasant walks either side of tge lakes, i tend to walk along Earl's drive on the way up and down the track on the opposite side, that tends to be wetter though.

Ypu can spend as little as an hour walking or much more if you wish.

On Earl's drive you will see a picture memorial to Tom Beardmore, a local guy from Cheadle i think, who was killed in action during WW2. He was fighting on the Gustav line a German defensive line just south if Rome.

A nice place to be remembered.

The tranquility is...

Open 24hour a day 2 amply sized car parks on the ramblers retreat but they close at 7pm there are a few layby on the road adjacent to the ramblers but they are sign post up for a fly fishing Syndicate, there are quiet a few routes to walk you can easy walk for hours. The scenery is beautiful with the ponds and the small Brooke running down the valley, the fallen trees, stepping stone little wooden bridges and the odd rope swing here and their. The ground quiet flat on the main path the start off with a slightly incline perfect for talking the little ones on their bikes and walking the dog the main path is quiet wide easy for multiple group to pass by each other the other paths that spur of got from field dirt path to slightly over grown close forest path so depending on where you goin choose you foot attire wise easily walked in trainers if sticking to the main path but would advise boot if walkong some of the other paths due...