Ramblers Retreat – Dimmingsdale Mill Pond loop from Froghall

Running trails & routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Kingsley

Ramblers Retreat – Dimmingsdale Mill Pond loop from Froghall

Hard

5.0

(1)

runners

Ramblers Retreat – Dimmingsdale Mill Pond loop from Froghall

02:14

18.8km

380m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

722 m

Willow Wood Workshop

Highlight • Structure

This is certainly worth a highlight. They run classes as well as repairing existing items.

We took the kids to a willow weaving class held at Ford Green Hall when they were little. Very therapeutic!

The little workshop was closed when I passed it otherwise I would have browsed.

There is also a very quaint establishment selling hand crafted pottery further down the canal so be sure to look in when you pass that way.

Tip by

760 m

Helly's Tea Room

Highlight • Rest Area

A popular tea room with an extremely good reputation in a very picturesque spot.

Sadly it was closed because of Covid but I look forward to using these pleasant facilities soon.

Tip by

878 m

Froghall Wharf Lime Kilns

Highlight • Historical Site

Limestone was brought to the wharf by tramway from the quarries at Caldon Low. Here it was burnt in these kilns to produce quicklime, or put directly onto canal barges for shipment to the potteries at Etruria.

Tip by

9.15 km

Mather's Wood

Forest

11.6 km

Ramblers Retreat

Highlight • Historical Site

Superb location for many walks. The food is all locally sourced where possible too.

Tip by

11.6 km

Ramblers Retreat Café

Highlight • Cafe

Nice little cafe that's popular with cyclists, situated on a quiet lane in the heart of Dimmingsdale.

Tip by

11.8 km

Dimmingsdale Mill Pond

Highlight • Structure

The smelting mill is now much altered and is a private residence, but the former mill pond is a very popular place with walkers in National Trust's Dimmingsdale.

Lead smelting mill described as new in 1741 and converted to corn grinding in 1784. Single high breast water wheel and three pairs of stones.

The Alton Mill, situated at the mouth of Dimmingsdale, is still known at the Smelting Mill even though it had longers use as a corn mill. In 1741 Geroge Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, leased out a 'newly erected building for the smelthing of lead commonly called a smelting mill, refinery and slag hearth...' at Alton Common. In 1760 lead was still being smelted and the site had a smiths shop, two houses, a barn, nine acres and a pool. The will of Edward Coyney, 1772, mentions his share in the mill along with his share in the mines at Ecton, which is the most likely source for the lead being produced at Dimmingsdale.

Source: Churnet Valley Guide

Tip by

18.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types