RSPB Coombes Valley — Attraction in Staffordshire Moorlands

Visited on a Friday afternoon - a friendly welcome from the staff and some advice about the reserve. We were a couple of adults with no kids so we weren't too bothered about the play areas but some young children were enjoying them which is good to see.

The woodland trails take you up and around the valley. At this time of year, there is not a lot to see but we heard plenty of birds (often with the help of the Merlin app). The walk was very enjoyable and it was very peaceful.

We went on the Woodcock trail and it was confusing finding our way back. We'd been advised before we set off that one of the bridges was closed on the return leg. However, the signs for the diversion were somewhat confusing (one said follow the diversion route in reverse but it wasn't 100% clear where the diversionary route went) and as a consequence, we went in circles once or twice.

We eventually forded the stream by the bridge/route that was closed (the water level isn't deep and it was easy to cross) and finally made our way back.

Well worth a visit as it is a peaceful walk but spring/summer are probably a better time...

This was my first visit to this reserve. The staff gave me a warm welcome and explained the various routes and what I might be lucky enough to see. I took the Woodland trail which takes about 2 hours in total to complete . Although the Birdlife was scarce the sunlight through the canopy and the tranquility more than compensated. The route takes you through beautiful deciduous hillside and valley woodlands. It could be quite a difficult climb up to the car park if you have any walking or Health problems then the shorter route would be advisable. The walk also crosses over the shallow river by a number of small bridges. Some of these were being repaired during my visit. There are lots to do and see for smaller children including the tree top rope walkway. There are adequate car parking facilities and a small shop for cold drinks. This reserve is well worth a visit for...

On a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon Coombes valley is a beautiful place to relax. Woodland trails take you up and down the valley, there are plenty of benches to rest as you explore and discover wooden castles, nature musical instruments, bridges across a gentle river. The visitor centre has toilets which open until late. Parking is £4 which can be paid in the visitor centre, when open, by phone or in the honesty box. Watch out for the cockerel, he's aggressive. We didn't see him. For us, one of the bridges was closed on our return leg so we were sent on a diversion that took us up a hillside and then back down taking us a long way out of our way and then back the way we came. The signage was not very good but hopefully this won't be the case when you go! We will go back as there's a lot more exploring to do. Well...