Slitting Mill, near Rugeley, Staffordshire

Slitting Mill Waterfalls

route · Waterside walk

Source image

5.3

Wildland

1–2 hours for the supplied loop

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandRiversideWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.3

A route through woodland and beside water leads to the Slitting Mill waterfalls; one supplied trail description continues through Birches Valley and past Fairoak Pools and Stony Brook Pools.

The appeal is the combination of waterfalls and a longer woodland-and-pools walk, rather than a single roadside viewpoint. The supplied route is described as a moderate loop, with rough and potentially muddy sections.

Peaceful · Wild

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Slitting Mill, near Rugeley, Staffordshire

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The experience

Choose the short waterfall visit if time is tight, or use the sourced 5.1-mile loop for a longer outing through Birches Valley. The route source describes a moderate walk and cautions about rough sections and wet conditions.

Things to do

Walk the Birches Valley loop

The supplied route description gives a 5.1-mile loop taking in river-side paths, the waterfalls, Birches Valley, Fairoak Pools and Stony Brook Pools. It is rated moderate; rough and wet sections need care.

1.5–2 hours

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Not established by the supplied sources

A short waterfall visit

01
Follow a locally verified path to the Slitting Mill waterfalls.
02
Allow time to view and photograph the cascades.
03
Return by the same verified route; the short-route distance and duration are not supplied.

Half day · 1.5–2 hours

Waterfalls and Birches Valley loop

01
Follow the described loop beside the river towards Slitting Mill Waterfalls.
02
Continue through Birches Valley.
03
Pass Fairoak Pools and Stony Brook Pools; allow time to look for wildlife.
04
Wear appropriate footwear and take care on rough or wet sections.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · Early morning is suggested in the source row for a quieter visit; this is not independently verified.

The source row recommends late spring to early autumn for mild weather and lush foliage. It also notes that rain may strengthen the waterfall flow while making paths slippery.

Rough sections and wet-weather conditions are noted for the longer route. Use suitable footwear and take care on slippery ground.

The route

ascent: 357 ft
surface: Rough sections; other surfaces not specified
distance: 5.1 miles
duration: 1.5–2 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Loop
parking start: Not established by the supplied trail source; check before visiting.
shorter alternative: A shorter visit to the waterfalls is described by a supplied source, but its route, distance and duration are not established.

Slitting Mill Waterfalls
River-side paths
Birches Valley
Fairoak Pools
Stony Brook Pools

Worth pairing with

Birches Valley

Included as part of the supplied 5.1-mile loop, which also passes two named pools.

What to look for

The waterfalls themselves, woodland and the pools named in the longer loop: Fairoak Pools and Stony Brook Pools. Wildlife watching is suggested by the route source, but specific species are not documented.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn is suggested in the source row; the waterfalls may be fuller after rain, when paths can also be slippery.

Late spring to early autumn is suggested in the source row. After rain, water flow may be stronger, but paths may be slippery. An early start is suggested there for a quieter visit, but is not independently confirmed.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for the supplied loop; allow additional time for stops.

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Route at a glance

Duration

1–2 hours for the supplied loop; allow additional time for stops.

Terrain

Woodland, Riverside

Parking / start

Parking arrangements are not consistently established by the supplied sources. Check before visiting; do not assume village-road parking is permitted.

Practical information

Opening & access

A walking route to the waterfalls is described by the supplied trail sources. Confirm the current route, access and starting point before setting out.

Parking

Parking arrangements are not consistently established by the supplied sources. Check before visiting; do not assume village-road parking is permitted.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The supplied route description warns of rough sections and recommends appropriate footwear. Step-free access is not established; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Waterfall, pools