Deep Hayes Country Park - Cheddleton, Staffordshire - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

Deep Hayes is a country park with industrial heritage, that is now an area of woodland and meadows with a series of pools and pathways. There is a visitor centre with information boards providing details of a variety of walks for all abilities. A bird hide is well positioned with feeding stations and bird boxes to attract the local wildlife. There are also toilets and free parking. The park is approximately two miles outside of Leek and is best approached from the A53 at Longsdon. (visit link)

Deep Hayes Country Park is a recreational area which has been created around a disused reservoir. The reservoir itself was built in 1849 by the Potteries Waterworks Company to compensate the River Churnet for the loss of water to several mills further downstream, while at the same time works were completed at nearby Wall Grange to pump 1½ million gallons (6.8 million litres) of drinking water from Caena's Well.
During the 1830s and 40s thousands died in cholera epidemics because of poor water, so clean water was needed to serve the growing population of the booming Potteries region.

The reservoir at Deep Hayes was formed behind an earth dam 50ft (15m) high and 400ft (122m) long, which was built by hand. It continued to 'top up' the River Churnet until as recently as 1979, when problems with the dam's structure became too costly to repair.
The water level was reduced, and three separate pools were made to create the country park you see today, complete with trails, toilets and visitors centre. Source: (visit link)

The visitor centre is open:
Summer: Sat 11.00-5.00 Sun 11.00-6.00
Winter: Weekdays booking only Sun 2.00 - 4.00 (visit link)

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 60 hectares Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: There are a variety of colour codes trails and footpaths in attractive countryside ranging from the ridge top, down the open valley side, through small woods, and alongside the pools and brook. A nature trail of around 1.5 miles explores the upper reaches of the valley. The Staffordshire Way long distance footpath adjoins the country park and offers unrivalled scope for exploring the county. What points of interest are there?: Woodland, meadows, pools , pathways, colour codes trails, views and adjacent to canal towpath What activities are available?: For the family there are a variety of picnic places, space for informal games and easy walks alongside the pools. For the walker there are colour coded footpaths in ranging from the ridge top, down the open valley side, through small woods, and alongside the pools and brook. A nature trail of around 1.5 miles. Bird watching, bird hide and wildlife. List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Steep areas, cliff faces, muddy pathways, uneven ground, waterside locations, stepping stones, waterfall, marsh area, quarry. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   04/29/2020 Gushoneybun visited it