Best walks to or from Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent Station to Stone Station

A direct, almost entirely flat waterside route along the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath. Surface varies from good bonded gravel to loose stone and with cobbled ramps at the roving bridges and a stepped bridge near Stone station. Generally dry with only the odd puddle after rain.

Easy: 12km, gentle ascents.

The towpath is a traffic-free cycle route shared with cyclists who can approach fast with little warning. A stepped footbridge over the railway at the Stone end and steps at road crossings.

Lunch: A pub and supermarket at Barlaston and a filling-station shop at Trentham roughly halfway.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Stoke-on-Trent Station to Longton Station

A pleasant, quiet, mostly off-road urban walk making good use of canal towpath, parks, grassy and wooded areas, footpaths beside the railway and with some pavement. The path up from Smith's Pool can be wet and muddy after rain; steps at the Stoke end have a ramp alternative. Uses the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath. Industrial-heritage interest including bottle ovens, the Pye Hill clock tower, the Baines chimney and a signal box. Longton's Victorian Market is worth a look.

4km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Kidsgrove Station to Stoke-on-Trent Station

Mostly Trent and Mersey Canal towpath, with a woodland-and-road section over the hill around Harecastle Tunnel through Bathpool Park. The canal offers great variety, passing industrial relics and modern development and with steps at the Kidsgrove end and some shallow mud but a lot of good surfaces.

11km.

Crossing the road in Kidsgrove needs care — no proper crossings, just raised road sections. Steps from Kidsgrove station car park to the towpath. The towpath is shared with the 555 cycleway and is narrow in places.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route