Section 2 of 3, Stone Circles Challenge
Barlaston to Norton Bridge
10 miles (16 km). About 3½ hours, moderate.
Start: SJ 887 383. Finish: SJ 872 297. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Up and down
About 207 m of climbing and 223 m of descent; highest point 196 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Barlaston.
- Bus stops
- Plume of Feathers PH, 80 m from the start. Directions SJ 886 383Railway Station, 100 m from the start. Directions SJ 888 383Orchard Place, 130 m from the start. Directions SJ 886 382
- Car parks
- Car park (free), 190 m from the start. Directions SJ 885 383Car park (free), 680 m from the start. Directions SJ 893 383Car park, 940 m from the start. Directions SJ 895 387
Getting back
The section finishes at Norton Bridge. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- New Street, 250 m from the finish. Directions SJ 871 299Shallowford Cottages, 440 m from the finish. Directions SJ 874 293
Planning the Stone Circles Challenge
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Stone Circles (Stone Ramblers).
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 42%, earth, rock and mud 13%, gravel and tracks 6%, grass 5%; the rest (34%) isn't recorded.
About 44% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 14 stiles, 1 kissing gate, 5 gates, 3 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 66 m in a kilometre (1 in 15), starting 2.3 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- The Plume of Feathers, Barlaston: at the start.Fitzherbert Arms, Swynnerton: 4.6 miles in.Labour in Vain, Yarnfield: 7 miles in.The Railway Inn, Norton Bridge: 9.7 miles in.
- Café
- Extremes Food & Thoughts, Barlaston: at the start.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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