Barks Holiday Cottage, self catering accommodation is 2.6 miles near Alton Towers and sleeps 4/5.
Walking to Alton Towers might not seem notable if you're unfamiliar with the area around here. It is worth knowing that there are only a handful of places you could possibly stay that are easy walking distance - all in Farley. People searching for accommodation near Alton Towers are under a false impression of convenience if they opt for Alton. As I say, the entrance to Alton Towers is in Farley, midway between Oakamoor and Alton. And we are just outside Oakamoor. Travelling to Alton Towers by public transport, wherever you are staying, should be regarded as the start of a full day of adventure.
Our holiday cottage guests have just set off. I offered them a lift (it would have taken two cars) and gave them the local taxi number, but no, they fancy a walk and public transport. Good for them, I definitely approve. I drew them a map so that they could walk through the fields and woods, but they showed me the children's buggy, fully loaded for the day. Ah!
There are three children and three adults and a buggy straggling down the hill to Oakamoor to catch the 32A bus up the hill the other side to Alton Towers. I asked if they had checked the bus times and our guests thought maybe the bus came every 10 minutes towards Alton Towers, rather than every 2 hours which is the reality. They are are now goal oriented, the 12.10pm is their mission. Welcome to the countryside!
They also have the idea that taxis queue up outside the exit of Alton Towers like they do at city train stations. I can't recall this scene at Alton Towers, but hopefully they do. I insisted they take our telephone number because we will fetch them, no problem. Essential I suspect.
Meanwhile some readers of Ethical Traveller have contacted us for Alton Towers accommodation. I must remind them to bring stout shoes. Ethical travellers will relish the challenge that awaits them.
