Alton Towers opens 20th March
Many of our holiday cottage guests are families 4 of 5 who are looking to wrap a holiday around a couple of days of fun at Alton Towers. Others are small groups of friends who want nothing more than a couple of packed days at Alton Towers.
To all you Alton Towers lovers . . . prepare for the season to start in earnest on 20th March. There was a taste of the action over half term.
We are ready! The cottage is ready!
We have bought our Merlin Entertainments annual pass and have already been onto the London Eye. If you have your Merlin pass, all you need now is some comfortable accommodation just a short nip from your favourite theme park. Look no further . . . please check out our 3 night and 7 night self-catering breaks.
Nearly Feb half term already
Feb half term - Alton Towers is open on reduced hours and ticket prices. We have availability please enquire on 01538 703436 for dates and prices
March 20th - Theme Park opens in earnest. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers please do drop us an email to check availability at our holiday cottage on your preferred dates. 3 nights or 7 nights self catering lets available.
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Walking the Moorlands seasonal update
I can't believe it is nearly half term. The school hike is going well. We set off at 8.25am in a bit of a rush. It takes about 10 minutes to get ready. A 6yr old needs to be constantly hurried along and questioned about progress - teeth cleaned? wellies on? school shoes in rucksack? coat? waterproof trousers? bookbag? Then I need to check my layers are warm enough for the downhill start and adjustable for the upward return - woolly hat, necker, ski jacket seems to be working at the moment. Dog leads? rucksack? phone?
Whatever the time of year there is something marvellous about walking around the Churnet Valley. The sunrise and cloud formations over Beelow Hill, on the other side of the valley, have been wonderful the last week or so.
The wildlife is preparing for spring. I have noticed that the birds are singing more. This morning the woodpeckers were in action, clattering against some trees. Yesterday there were foxes everywhere. We shut the hens into their run even though the foxes had other seasonal matters on their minds.
The extra daylight is welcome. And to add to our sparkling sunny morning was a sprinkling of fresh snow.
We only do the school hike going to school. It is one thing for a 6yr old to kick a tennis ball along a downhill track for 20 minutes, but too much after a hard day at school to walk 40 minutes up a steep hill. And sadly we have to fit some real work into our day.
March 20th - Theme Park opens in earnest. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers please do drop us an email to check availability at our holiday cottage on your preferred dates. 3 nights or 7 nights self catering lets available.
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I can't believe it is nearly half term. The school hike is going well. We set off at 8.25am in a bit of a rush. It takes about 10 minutes to get ready. A 6yr old needs to be constantly hurried along and questioned about progress - teeth cleaned? wellies on? school shoes in rucksack? coat? waterproof trousers? bookbag? Then I need to check my layers are warm enough for the downhill start and adjustable for the upward return - woolly hat, necker, ski jacket seems to be working at the moment. Dog leads? rucksack? phone?
Whatever the time of year there is something marvellous about walking around the Churnet Valley. The sunrise and cloud formations over Beelow Hill, on the other side of the valley, have been wonderful the last week or so.
The wildlife is preparing for spring. I have noticed that the birds are singing more. This morning the woodpeckers were in action, clattering against some trees. Yesterday there were foxes everywhere. We shut the hens into their run even though the foxes had other seasonal matters on their minds.
The extra daylight is welcome. And to add to our sparkling sunny morning was a sprinkling of fresh snow.
We only do the school hike going to school. It is one thing for a 6yr old to kick a tennis ball along a downhill track for 20 minutes, but too much after a hard day at school to walk 40 minutes up a steep hill. And sadly we have to fit some real work into our day.
Fancy an Alton Towers self-catering Spa weekend?
Banish the cold - how about an Alton Towers self-catering Spa Break to warm you up?At Barks holiday cottage you'll lots and lots of warmth and comfort during the winter season: Open fires, underfloor heating, central heating, electric blankets and freshly baked cakes as part of your warm welcome. Add in the Alton Towers Spa - sauna, steam room, pool, footbaths, relaxation rooms (I love the heated tile recliners) and lots of extra treatment options to add to the indulgence.
With this idea there is no chilly pinch in your toes or your wallet:
2 night winter break at Barks Holiday Cottage £185
entry to the spa from £10 for 4 hours - £18 weekend and £10 midweek
Bring your own champagne for some fireside indulgence . . .
It might be cold outside and the Alton Towers theme park is closed until Feb half term week but there is warmth & comfort in abundance.
Is Barks self catering holiday accommodation near Alton Towers ? Yes - just 2.6 miles away! I checked on my way back from the Spa this week.
Enquire now about taking Barks holiday cottage for your summer Alton Towers and Peak District family holiday. 01538 703436
3 nights £295 - perfect for 2 whole days at Alton Towers
7 nights £450 - max out at Alton Towers and have time to take in the scenery, the local shopping, the zoo, the Opera House. . .
Winter self catering
Winter view.
The snow has been fantastic here. Yesterday it was 6C but on the north side of the stone walls there was still a line of white snow giving the countryside a quilted effect.
The forecast is for more snow tomorrow. Maybe another school closure and day's sledging.
Meanwhile summer bookings are coming in from families looking for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers for their summer holidays.
Please email us regarding availability on your preferred dates of 3 nights or 7 nights or just give us a ring on 01538 703436
Churnet Valley Walks
Barks Holiday Cottage accommodation near Alton Towers is also perfect as a cosy base for a weekend of walking in the Churnet Valley.
I walk down into the Churnet Valley everyday taking my son to school, and then the dogs and I walk back up the steep valley sides through the most magnificent woodland and open countryside. The exercise is good for the heart, the views are good for the soul.
This week there has been enough snow that we have sledged to school, which is handy because even the 4x4s were slipping on the untreated road.
I walk down into the Churnet Valley everyday taking my son to school, and then the dogs and I walk back up the steep valley sides through the most magnificent woodland and open countryside. The exercise is good for the heart, the views are good for the soul.
Booking a self-catering holiday cottage Tip 7: Dates
Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com
Tip 7. Dates
Finally, think about the date of your holiday. The school holidays obviously book up the quickest so be prepared to book in advance to get the accommodation and holiday you want - the best cottages often book up a year in advance by repeat holiday makers. Alternatively, be prepared to be flexible and change your dates.
Barks - this is good advice. We have already had bookings for the summer 2010 school holidays. Alton Towers is a very popular destination for families. Families that holiday at Barks often spend 2 days at the Alton Towers Theme Park and another day at the Alton Towers waterpark (Cariba Creek). Leaving barely enough time for the mulitude of other activities that abound in the area.
Confirmed bookings are only taken on receipt of a completed Booking Form and require 50% payment on booking (please see our Terms & Conditions & Booking Form)
Tip 7. Dates
Finally, think about the date of your holiday. The school holidays obviously book up the quickest so be prepared to book in advance to get the accommodation and holiday you want - the best cottages often book up a year in advance by repeat holiday makers. Alternatively, be prepared to be flexible and change your dates.
Barks - this is good advice. We have already had bookings for the summer 2010 school holidays. Alton Towers is a very popular destination for families. Families that holiday at Barks often spend 2 days at the Alton Towers Theme Park and another day at the Alton Towers waterpark (Cariba Creek). Leaving barely enough time for the mulitude of other activities that abound in the area.
Confirmed bookings are only taken on receipt of a completed Booking Form and require 50% payment on booking (please see our Terms & Conditions & Booking Form)
Booking a self-catering holiday cottage tip 6: Duration
Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com
Tip 6. Duration
Some holiday cottages have specific days of the week for check in and check out (usually a Saturday) so ensure this fits in with your plans - if you're looking for a 10 day break at a property that only allows 7 or 14 day bookings, you won't be able to do this. The same goes for weekend breaks - during peak holiday periods these may not be permitted unless it's a last minute booking or a cancellation.
At Barks we keep it simple. You book 3 nights, 7 nights or longer according to what suits you and our availability. We have, quite honestly, given up trying to work to a Friday change-over day. Just book the dates you need - first come, first served! Please note: Bookings can only be confirmed on receipt of the paperwork and the deposit. To enquire about availability please email us or give us a call.
Tips on booking a self-catering holiday cottage as provided by Travelsupermarket.
Tip 6. Duration
Some holiday cottages have specific days of the week for check in and check out (usually a Saturday) so ensure this fits in with your plans - if you're looking for a 10 day break at a property that only allows 7 or 14 day bookings, you won't be able to do this. The same goes for weekend breaks - during peak holiday periods these may not be permitted unless it's a last minute booking or a cancellation.
At Barks we keep it simple. You book 3 nights, 7 nights or longer according to what suits you and our availability. We have, quite honestly, given up trying to work to a Friday change-over day. Just book the dates you need - first come, first served! Please note: Bookings can only be confirmed on receipt of the paperwork and the deposit. To enquire about availability please email us or give us a call.
Tips on booking a self-catering holiday cottage as provided by Travelsupermarket.
Alton Towers Annual Pass - special offer
For a limited period Merlin is offering its Annual Pass at a huge discount. Book online on the Alton Towers website before 10th Jan. The good thing about the Merlin Pass is that you get enty to all the other places as well as Alton Towers. You can buy a pass just for Alton Towers, and also one just for the Waterpark at Splash Landings. The Merlin pass appears not to allow entry to the Waterpark, which for those of us a couple of miles away is a bit of a blow.
Book now for family self-catering accommodation for the Alton Towers season. Please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for availability.
Book now for family self-catering accommodation for the Alton Towers season. Please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for availability.
Self-catering holiday cottages - Tip 5: Cooking
Tip 5. Cooking
Cottage holidays are generally self-catering. Some cottages are supplied with large, well equipped kitchens while others will have a kitchen corner or kitchenette. You should always have enough pots, pans etc for the maximum amount of people that can occupy the property, but if you are planning on a lot of cooking it is best to enquire about the facilities. The larger the property, the greater your chances of a well-equipped kitchen. Remember to take some basic supplies with you so you don't have to go in search of a supermarket as soon as you arrive.
Barks - we are self-catering and make available a litre of milk, tea bags, instant coffee, soap. We have a farm shop that will deliver on a Friday, a Morrisons 3 miles away in Cheadle, and recommend those from the south to either come via Ashbourne where you have the choice of Sainsbury's and M&S Food, or stop at the services for M&S on M1 at junction 23A. The Kitchen at Barks is modern and well-equipped. We are next door if you need a particular utensil or pan.
Cottage holidays are generally self-catering. Some cottages are supplied with large, well equipped kitchens while others will have a kitchen corner or kitchenette. You should always have enough pots, pans etc for the maximum amount of people that can occupy the property, but if you are planning on a lot of cooking it is best to enquire about the facilities. The larger the property, the greater your chances of a well-equipped kitchen. Remember to take some basic supplies with you so you don't have to go in search of a supermarket as soon as you arrive.
Barks - we are self-catering and make available a litre of milk, tea bags, instant coffee, soap. We have a farm shop that will deliver on a Friday, a Morrisons 3 miles away in Cheadle, and recommend those from the south to either come via Ashbourne where you have the choice of Sainsbury's and M&S Food, or stop at the services for M&S on M1 at junction 23A. The Kitchen at Barks is modern and well-equipped. We are next door if you need a particular utensil or pan.
Booking a holiday cottage. Tip 4: Transport
Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com
Tips on booking a self-catering holiday cottage as provided by Travelsupermarket.
Tip 4. Transport
Be prepared for traffic jams if you're travelling in peak season, get directions to the cottage and don't forget your breakdown cover.
Be prepared for traffic jams if you're travelling in peak season, get directions to the cottage and don't forget your breakdown cover.
Barks - It can be busy getting in and out of Alton Towers at peak times. Normally the queues are from the Uttoxeter side (south) and through Alton so staying at Barks means you avoid the busiest roads. I make no claims in favour of the M1 or M6, but at least they are not as bad as going south on the M5 on change-over day.
Directions are provided with confirmation of booking and Sat nav can be relied upon to get you pretty close.
Booking a holiday cottage. Tip 3: Choose the right-sized property
Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com
3. Choose the right sized property
Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and check whether any of the beds are sofa beds. Is it practical for a member of your party to sleep in the lounge?
Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and check whether any of the beds are sofa beds. Is it practical for a member of your party to sleep in the lounge?
Barks - we sleep up to 5 all in proper beds. We have a double bed and 3 singles. There are 2 bedrooms with flexibility as to how the beds are arranged. There is also a cot if required.
NB There is also a separately accessed double room with en-suite that can be made available if you need extra stand-alone space e.g for a couple of nights visit from grandparents. Additional fees applicable, please enquire.
If your party is very large, we know other people in the area with holiday cottages that can accommodate large groups and would suit several families holidaying together.
Booking a self-catering holiday cottage - tip 1 set a budget
I came across these tips for booking a self-catering Holiday Cottage (prepared by Travelsupermarket) and have pleasure sharing them with you, with a few explanatory notes relating to Barks Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers. All 7 tips will be blogged over the course of the next few days.
1. Set a budget
Taking a break in the UK is often thought of as the cheaper option, but with more and more luxury cottages entering the rental market, it's easy to overspend. Also, think about the petrol costs for the journey getting to your destination.
Taking a break in the UK is often thought of as the cheaper option, but with more and more luxury cottages entering the rental market, it's easy to overspend. Also, think about the petrol costs for the journey getting to your destination.
Barks adds - and consider the drive time if you have children on board! To get to Alton Towers takes:
· 3 hours from London
· 4.5 from Glasgow. (So if you were thinking of travelling to Scotland save yourself that extra 4.5 hours driving and holiday here instead! Countryside is similarly idyllic and easily accessible and you can get that ‘away from it all feeling.)
· 3.5 hours from Newcastle
· 3 hours from Cardiff
Trains can be taken to Stoke-on-Trent or Derby and connecting trains to Uttoxeter where you'll find buses to Alton Towers. There are buses from Stoke to Cheadle or Alton Towers, local taxis, and as we live nearby we'll endeavour not to leave you stranded if we are around!
To help you with your budget we offer 3 nights at £295 and 7 nights for £450. We are told it is fair to describe Barks as very smart self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers, but at very reasonable prices.
Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage in the Churnet Valley
Holiday accommodation in the Staffordshire Moorlands, ideally situated for Peak District walks and Alton Towers fun.
01538 703436
Booking a self-catering holiday cottage - tip 2: choosing where you want to go
Barks self-catering holiday cottage in the Churnet Valley. Holiday accommodation ideally situated for Peak District walks and Alton Towers fun. Sleeps 4/5. 01538 703436
I came across these tips for booking a self-catering Holiday Cottage (prepared by Travelsupermarket) and have added a few explanatory notes relating to Barks Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers.
Top Tip 2. Deciding where you want to go
Holiday cottages are available to rent in most parts of the UK, the most popular being Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District and The Cotswolds (what about Alton Towers and the Peak District??? Barks). Once you have decided on your location start looking at other details such as do you want to be by the sea, in the countryside or near a city (or a theme park)? An isolated retreat may seem ideal when you're booking it, but think about the practicalities too - especially if you're with children or a large group - is there a supermarket nearby or a good pub/restaurant?
Barks adds - we are lovely and rural and off-road, but rest assured there is a supermarket 3 miles away, a take-away that delivers, plenty of pubs and restaurants which are child-friendly and lots of family-oriented entertainments, including Alton Towers a mere 3 miles away. We are not well-placed for the sea though!
If your group is larger than the 4/5 that we can accommodate please do drop us a line as we know other reputable self-catering cottages in the area to suit various sizes of groups.
I will post all 7 tips over the course of the next few days.
Christmas holidays self-catering cottage in superb countryside
Whilst we can't guarantee snow, we can tempt you with a cosy country cottage with open fires (and reassure you about the proper modern kitchen and a decent shower in the bathroom) and don't foget the lovely views, peace and quiet and fresh air. There is open countryside to go for walks, and pubs and tea rooms to complete your rambling mission.
Come to the countryside and relax!
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Winter off peak weekends are £185 for self-catering with all linen and log fires included (and central heating too). Self-catering country cottage sleeps 4/5.
High season holiday times, which includes when Alton Towers is open, we offer 3 night breaks for £295 and 7 nights self catering accommodation for £450.
Bookings for the Alton Towers 2010 season are coming in now, so to reserve the dates that you want please email us on barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436 for futher information.
Planning your visit to Staffordshire and Alton Towers?
Our holiday cottage is 3 miles to Alton Towers and 3 miles in the other direction to some of the nations favourite beauty spots in the Peak District.
For a family of 4/5 we offer 3 nights for £295 and 7 nights for £450. All linen included.
Alton Towers is open for February half term, (13th -21st February 2010) and the main season begins on 20 March 2010. We currently have availability! 01538 703436.
Nb During the winter months we accommodate walkers for weekend breaks. Cosy log fire, underfloor heating, full central heating, frosty views, wooded walks etc. Please email or ring 01538 703436 for prices and availability.
Children to Alton Towers
Barks Holiday Cottage self catering accommodation 3 miles from Alton Towers, sleeps 4/5. 3 nights £295 and 7 nights £450. Winter walking weekends available for £185 until Alton Towers opens again for 2010 season. Call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com
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We went to Alton Towers on Friday afternoon for the final visit of the 2009 season. It was so busy. We had to queue everywhere. Don't ask me why, but we waited for 30 minutes to go on Squirrel Nutty. When he was three my son thought this was a lovely ride, but now he is six I knew that he and his friend were wasting time. We moved onto the Dragon which was much more thrilling, but still a horrendous queue. Then I sent them off on their own into the queue for the swings at Cloud Cuckoo Land, and they waited patiently for a really long time to get one short ride.
I consulted other local mothers with similar age children about their tolerance for adrenalin rides and most agreed that Runaway Mine is the turning point. While your children are the age when this ride is still a thrill, a relatively cautious mother is still within her comfort zone to accompany her offspring. Beyone this age, these mothers have cannily roped in friends or dads to do the accompanying. After all, someone has to carry bags and sound impressed by all the bravado.
I have made it clear to my son that I shall not be accompanying him onto Oblivion and Rita etc. He said he thought next time he would be brave enough to go on Submission. Is there seriously a ride called Submission? Surely he means Oblivion. Thank goodness for the height restrictions.
On our way out, soaking wet as a result of an ill-judged ride on a galleon that was being fired on by water cannons, we stopped to enjoy the flame-throwing, juggling entertainer. I enjoyed his act better than all the rides and, despite the fact that we were shivering with cold, we cheered and clapped as he threw flaming batons into the night sky.
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We went to Alton Towers on Friday afternoon for the final visit of the 2009 season. It was so busy. We had to queue everywhere. Don't ask me why, but we waited for 30 minutes to go on Squirrel Nutty. When he was three my son thought this was a lovely ride, but now he is six I knew that he and his friend were wasting time. We moved onto the Dragon which was much more thrilling, but still a horrendous queue. Then I sent them off on their own into the queue for the swings at Cloud Cuckoo Land, and they waited patiently for a really long time to get one short ride.
I consulted other local mothers with similar age children about their tolerance for adrenalin rides and most agreed that Runaway Mine is the turning point. While your children are the age when this ride is still a thrill, a relatively cautious mother is still within her comfort zone to accompany her offspring. Beyone this age, these mothers have cannily roped in friends or dads to do the accompanying. After all, someone has to carry bags and sound impressed by all the bravado.
I have made it clear to my son that I shall not be accompanying him onto Oblivion and Rita etc. He said he thought next time he would be brave enough to go on Submission. Is there seriously a ride called Submission? Surely he means Oblivion. Thank goodness for the height restrictions.
On our way out, soaking wet as a result of an ill-judged ride on a galleon that was being fired on by water cannons, we stopped to enjoy the flame-throwing, juggling entertainer. I enjoyed his act better than all the rides and, despite the fact that we were shivering with cold, we cheered and clapped as he threw flaming batons into the night sky.
Day out at Alton Towers
Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage:
Winter weekend in the country £185 for 2 nights for a family of 4/5 with all bed linen and a real log fire included. Please email barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436. Winter weekends and short breaks are on offer from 1st November to 17th December so put your walking boots on and enjoy some fresh air in the Peak District.
Alton Towers 2010 season
Barks is 3 miles to Alton Towers and offers self-catering accommodation for family of 4/5.3 nights for £295 and 7 nights for £450. Bookings require 50% deposit and remainder 4 weeks before arrival.
01538 703436 barks@btconnect.com.-------------------------------------
I am planning our last day at Alton Towers for this season. I have 3 tickets and my 6 year old has had to make some tough choices about who to accompany him. Parents - one, other, both, none - or friends. The friends option is top priority, so much so that finding a friend with a more daring parent is in fact the favourite option. Currently racking my brains to think which parent of my son's friends would enjoy this offer the most!
Adrenalin Week at Alton Towers Nov 2009
Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage info: We have availability from 1st November at our winter discount rate of £185 for 2 nights for a family of 4/5 with linen and log fire included. email barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436.
Half term: Fully booked for half term from now until 1st November, sorry!
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ADRENALIN WEEK!
Just discovered that the Alton Towers season goes on until 7th November. They've added Adrenalin Week from 2nd - 7th November!
This really has to be the last chance of the year to get your heart racing and escape to the UK's favourite theme park resort. I checked the website and tickets are £10 for 10 rides when booked online or £15 on the day.
These classic Alton Towers pure adrenalin-pumping rides are yours from 10-4pm everyday - Oblivion, Nemesis, Air and seven more.
These classic Alton Towers pure adrenalin-pumping rides are yours from 10-4pm everyday - Oblivion, Nemesis, Air and seven more.
Not only that, but we have started a winter offer and have availability during that time! Please call us on 01538 703436 or email us.
Railway Walks and ... Trains to Alton Towers
Railway Walks and the idea of taking the train to Alton Towers . . .
(First written in 2009 and updated a little in 2013)
I quite fancy Julia Bradbury's job. I watched Railway Walks, and as I watched her walking along a disused railway track in Scotland I thought of our local Beeching-closed railways in Staffordshire. It was a strange coincidence because during the day I'd noticed that Staffordshire County Council have published information on the stretch of former railway from Oakamoor to Denstone and given it a name: the 'Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway'.
The rail theme continued this morning. I picked up the local paper and the lead article is about a stretch of local railway that might be reopened. Cauldon Lowe through Froghall and off to Leek and Stoke has been acquired and may re-open for freight and passenger services. Wow! I've blogged before that the only traffic on the A52 (a dangerous road with some serious hills and bends) is mostly used by tractors and quarry lorries. It seems a crazy decision to start transporting the Lafarge lime and WBB (now Sibelco) silica sand via lorries along the A52 when it used to be transported more cleanly and safely by rail, and canal. Today's article suggests that Lafarge is seriously engaged in trying to use rail transportation again, which should be encouraged, and the result may be just 18 months away. (originally written in 2009, this has not yet happened by March 2013)
The newspaper article also raised the idea of being able to take the train to Alton Towers. Oh really . . .?! Further sections of the railway from Froghall to Oakamoor and Oakamoor to Alton Towers might, apparently, one day be re-opened to ease Alton Towers traffic. Surely this is our great local paper getting a bit sensationalist, or is it?
Rail access to Alton Towers logically needs to connect with existing rail links and probably add park and ride facilities. My mind always turned south to Uttoxeter for possible solutions. This story presents a northern option, which changes the possibilites dramatically. This option potentially opens the tracks to rail traffic from Stoke via Froghall . Interesting; I just don't believe this is even close to being seriously negotiated, let alone imminent.
There is good condition track in place from Froghall to Oakamoor and occasionally a steam train puffs along it. The end of the line is near Oakamoor at the river where there's no longer a rail bridge. Across the river, into the village, there is a long-closed tunnel, home to some lovely bats, I hear. Needless to say, residents of Oakamoor are not convinced by the relevance of having the line re-opened for the pleasure of Alton Towers tourists, knowing that it will barely impact the level of traffic that speeds daily through the village when the theme park is open.
But things are changing round here by the day, regardless of the protests of local residents. Our gorgeous rural backwater has become earmarked as a 'Churnet Valley Leisure Corridor'. Oakamoor, a hidden gem and not currently a leisure destination in its own right, could find its status dramatically changed with the addition of 650 tourist lodges.
Nearby Moneystone Quarry (WBB/Sibelco), along this stretch of rail track, has now ceased operations (2012). The site has a restoration order on it but meanwhile new owners, Laver Leisure, are applying for an enormous leisure development, not just of the quarried land but of the adjoining farmland as well. Plans revealed to date (2013) show this to be disproportionate to the area, almost linking the villages of Oakamoor and Whiston with all these lodges. Further consultations with local residents are planned so we will see what transpires.
I predict that the deal-breaker or deal-maker for any serious rail development along the Churnet Valley will be the section from Oakamoor to Denstone, alongside Alton Towers (to the left of the picture); the stretch recently named the Churnet Way. Let's see what happens . . .
There is no denying the negative impact of Alton Towers traffic for miles around. Sadly, however, no obvious solution has yet been proposed. New roads through ancient woodland and private estates have not proved feasible for many reasons, despite a financial commitment from Alton Towers. The solutions voiced to date are worse than the problem, in my opinion. And, for the record, the problem is serious.
Everyone is keeping tabs on the seriousness of this rail proposal and all the development proposals. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council are preparing a Masterplan, but for some time they have been keeping us, and the hopeful developers, in suspense. Interesting times!
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