TravelTrekker

Great walk throught the valley, well sign posted walks with some sections a little more challenging then others, but great for us and our dog. Parking was easy and the Ramblers Rest served fantastic food and drinks.

Fantastic afternoon wandering around the Dimmingsdale Valley. We didn't wander too far because I was looking for the Chained Oak tree (and found it). We will be back to follow a couple of routes around the area at some point. Parking was free but I imagine on a good day it gets packed out quickly. Popped into the Ramblers retreat for a fantastic americano & vegan chocolate torte! Yum!

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 stating the times.

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 rather fighting.

What a fantastic day we had walking Dimmingsdale valley what a gem near Newcastle Under Lyme.The scenery along the walk just great . Dog friendly Teddy bear and Maple loved going in to the water. And then you find the restaurant, fantastic.

A lovely set of walks. Free parking available, drive to it are country roads. Sadly can't access any water, even though some of the photos on the website suggest you can. Walk routes are clearly marked on the main map but not when out on the walks. Be careful or you can end up on quite a hilly and uneven walk with bikes coming down the other way. On the easier routes they've sadly put down larger stones meaning you may roll your ankle. Still a really nice walk, beautiful views, and a great little tea shop selling excellent, if pricey, ice creams. They do sell more items but I didn't look at a menu so cant comment.