Tittesworth Circular Walk

The Tittesworth Circular Walk is a great route for a family-friendly adventure outdoors; however, some of the terrain might not be suitable for those in wheelchairs or families with pushchairs due to uneven terrain and a number of stairs along the route. The pleasant nature of this trail also makes it a popular one, so make sure to arrive early to secure a spot in the car park and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet out on the track. If you are travelling by car to access the trail, utilizing the car park will cost you £2.5 for 2 hours or £4.70 for the day.

Made up of fairly wide and well-maintained tracks, the Tittesworth Circular Walk is perfect for those looking to get out and explore nature without the hassle of a difficult-to-navigate or physically demanding route. Along the trail, you will have some wonderfully scenic views across the calm waters of the reservoir with a backdrop that includes the rolling green hills of the countryside, beautiful stretches of forest, and a rocky ridgeline known as the Roaches to the northeast. With plenty of amenities such as picnic/barbecue areas and a refreshment shop along the trail, you will have no reason not to spend the entire day by the water’s edge… unless it rains of course.

Setting out from the trailhead next to the car park, make your way to the south towards the visitor’s centre and turn left when you reach the crossing in front of the building. Make your way across the car park and head to the trail marker in the left corner to pick up the trail. At the fork, head to the left to pass by the children’s play area and make your way along the edge of the reservoir. Follow the trail for 0.4mi, as it crosses two bridges over the River Churnet and arrives at a sign leading to the edge of the water. Follow this to the right to continue around the edge of the reservoir.

Continue along the path for 0.5mi, as it takes you through a beautiful woodland area before exiting the tree cover to cross a charming meadow. Keep right to re-enter the forest and continue along the path as it bends to the left to meet up with the main trail. From here, head right at the junction and keep walking through the forest for 0.3mi, where you will need to cross a series of charming bridges.

After exiting the tree cover, head to the right to make your way to the edge of the water. Cross over the meadow and keep the hedge on your right, following the path as it bends around the reservoir towards the left. Enter into the trees once again to make your way across a stretch of boardwalk, several sets of stairs, and a small bridge crossing, before meeting back up with the main trail.

Head right and follow the Long Trail to re-enter the woodland terrain, keeping on for 0.5mi as the trail works through a series of small climbs and descents through the forest. Stay right to cross over another bridge and follow the signs uphill toward the dam wall.

Cross over the dam that once supplied the nearby town of Leek and its various industries with its water supply, and make your way up the wooden stairs at the opposite end. Head right at the top and continue uphill to arrive at a junction. Here, walkers will follow a path to the right that is signed for the visitor centre in order to continue around the reservoir. Crack on for 11.0mi through the forest, passing a farm on the left and making your way across several sets of boardwalk and stairs to arrive at a boat rental hut.

From here, pass by the hut and make your way through the barrier, keeping right to continue walking for 0.4mi through a scenic meadow. Make your way over yet another bridge, staying to the right to pass through another stretch of meadow. Once you have reached the gate, pass through it and cross over the road to gain access to a series of bird hides where you can spot local wildlife. After taking in the views, make your way along the road and turn right to follow the access road that leads you back to the car park. Upon completing the Tittesworth Circular Walk, take some time to enjoy the area around the reservoir and have a nice picnic with scenic views, or head to the nearby Lazy Trout to have a quick pint for a job well done.

Trail Highlights

Tittesworth Reservoir

Located near the town of Leek in Staffordshire, the Tittesworth Reservoir is a water storage that is fed by the River Churnet and supplies water to the surrounding area. Originally built in 1958, the reservoir was updated in 1963 and is the largest by volume in the Staffordshire area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to walk around the Tittesworth Reservoir?

The walk around the Tittesworth Reservoir takes roughly 3-4 hours.

Are there any amenities along this trail?

Near the visitor’s centre, you will find toilets, a place to buy refreshments, a children’s playground and picnic areas.

Find other amazing walks in Peak District National Park:

• Kinder Scout
• Mam Tor
• Stanage Edge
• Dovedale Walk
• Padley Gorge