The Grotto and Gene's Grave – Serpentine Lake loop from Brown Edge

Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands

Brown Edge

The Grotto and Gene's Grave – Serpentine Lake loop from Brown Edge

Moderate

4.8

(10)

hikers

The Grotto and Gene's Grave – Serpentine Lake loop from Brown Edge

02:07

7.63km

140m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

42 m

Greenway Bank Heritage Trail

Highlight • Rest Area

It looked very good but as I have no small children, I did not enter. There are picnic benches near abouts too so a full day of fun for the family can be had.

Tip by

253 m

The Grotto and Gene's Grave

Highlight • Structure

Fun little walk through to the nature reserve but the grotto itself has mystical notes to it too if you check out the floor design.

Tip by

874 m

Serpentine Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

Such a great spot to visit. Pack a picnic as there are plenty of benches around to have a break and take in these beautiful views.

Tip by

1.87 km

Warden's Tower (Knypersley Castle)

Highlight • Monument

This is a 3 storey prospect tower with an attached wing built in 1829 for a gamekeeper. (Lucky fella!)

It is sometimes referred to as Knypersley Castle.

Tip by

2.09 km

Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area

Highlight • Natural Monument

It's nice to reserve sections to the wildlife. The public still benefit as we are able to enjoy more species upon our visit.

Tip by

2.39 km

The ridge at the top of the fall is perfect for crossing barefoot. Its a very shallow depth.

The rocks below are perfectly situated for a very invigorating seated shower too, should the urge arise in summer ...and you don't mind soaked shorts.

I sure wish I lived here!!!

Gawton was a lucky hermit!

Tip by

4.34 km

Marshes Hill Common Local Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

Marshes Hill Common Local Nature Reserve is all that's left of a once extensive heathland that covered the area. It is now an island of heathland with great views over the surrounding countryside.

Marshes Hill Common is designated a Site of Biological Importance because of its important heathland animals and plants.

Tip by

6.03 km

Pool Car Park, Knypersley Reservoir

Highlight • Parking

I passed this second carpark and wanted to highlight it for those komooters who need another free place to park.

This carpark had no time limit displayed at the gate so I hope it allows longer than the one at the visitor centre which closes gates at 5.

It is near to another walk to Norton Green as I noticed the public footpath sign near a squeeze stile on the bridge. (An exploratory walk earmarked for another day)

Tip by

7.63 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.15 km

1.18 km

1.09 km

194 m

Surfaces

2.63 km

1.59 km

1.38 km

1.09 km

775 m

130 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (260 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

Weather

Tuesday 6 October

13°C

7°C

70 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

March 17, 2022,knypersley Reservoir - Marshes Hill Loop

Really enjoyed this route, very muddy in parts, especially between highlights 9 -11, which is par for the course at this time of the year. So, rather than looping back round Marshes Hill via Habitat Walk to re-join Kynpersley we opted to make our way back via the road (no footpaths) so not something I would usually do. Not sure …