Ramblers Retreat – The Lord's Bridge loop from Oakamoor
Ramblers Retreat – The Lord's Bridge loop from Oakamoor
4.6
(8)
52
hikers
Ramblers Retreat – The Lord's Bridge loop from Oakamoor
02:54
10.8km
130m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
29 m
Oakamoor Weir and Sluice Gates
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
3.84 km
The Ranger
Forest
4.94 km
Earl’s Drive, Dimmingsdale
Highlight • Trail
Built by the Earl of Shrewsbury to allow his horse and carriage to travel through his private paradise, this gravelled route gives stunning views through the centre of the valley, overlooking lakes, streams and woodland.
It’s the best way to get the full Dimmingsdale experience, with the majority of all other routes through the valley joining to this magnificent drive.
source: Ramblers Retreat
Tip by
5.93 km
Dimmingsdale Mill Pond
Highlight • Structure
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
6.12 km
Ramblers Retreat
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
6.77 km
Toothill Wood
Highlight • Forest
Fantastic viewpoint from the top which can be reached on easily followed footpaths although paths can be muddy.
They are quite steep in places so take care and wear good footwear.
Tip by
7.42 km
Alton Bridge Hotel
Highlight • Restaurant
Dogs are so welcome that the management leave doggie snack biscuits in a sweetie jar at the bar.
The powder room is exceptional too. The nicest one I've visited in a public house by a long stretch.
The venison and dumplings is definitely recommended highly.
Tip by
8.64 km
The Lord's Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
Probably built for the Earls of Shrewsbury as a carriage bridge, now it is the footbridge that connects Dimmingsdale to the Churnet Way (Oakamoor to Denstone) ... and the Chained Oak.
Source: Churnet Valley Guide
Tip by
9.05 km
Reproduction Cast Iron Milepost
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
10.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.67 km
976 m
927 m
215 m
Surfaces
6.98 km
1.44 km
1.08 km
763 m
391 m
143 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (180 m)
Lowest point (100 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 12 July
24°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free