Banktop Woods

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Banktop Woods

Harston Wood Harston Wood, a nature reserve of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The start of the footpath through the wood. — Harston Wood Credit: David Weston

Banktop Woods is a picturesque woodland located in Staffordshire, England. Situated on the outskirts of the village of Banktop, the woods cover an approximate area of 100 acres. It is known for its diverse ecosystem and natural beauty, attracting nature enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The woodland is characterized by a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, birch, and pine. The dense canopy provides a sheltered habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and a wide array of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls.

Banktop Woods offers several walking trails that meander through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting surroundings. These trails are well-maintained and suitable for all levels of hikers, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature. Along the paths, one can discover small streams, wildflowers, and occasional clearings that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its natural beauty, Banktop Woods is also home to a range of recreational facilities. There is a designated picnic area with benches and tables, providing a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the serene surroundings. The woods also offer opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and nature studies.

Banktop Woods is a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether one seeks a peaceful stroll, an adventure in the wilderness, or simply a chance to connect with nature, this woodland is a delightful destination for all.

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Banktop Woods Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.015266/-1.9611595 or Grid Reference SK0246. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Harston Wood

Harston Wood, a nature reserve of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The start of the footpath through the wood.

David Weston

Tramroad through Harston Wood

The line of a former tramroad, looking west, downhill along a steady incline. The tramroad carried limestone from quarries at Caldon Low, westwards to Froghall Wharf at the end of the Caldon Canal.

David Weston

Froghall Wharf

The end of the Caldon Canal. The lock in the foreground leads to the canal basin.

David Weston

Lime kilns at Froghall Wharf

Lime kilns, long disused, near the canal wharf.

David Weston

End of Caldon Canal, Froghall Wharf, 1978

Looking from the extreme end back towards the partly derelict warehouse. This was later restored with some alteration, it is a grade II listed building.

Robin Webster

Churnet Valley 2021 Christmas Polar Express

Brian Deegan

Kingsley & Froghall trains

A preserved railway line near Leek in Staffordshire, running from Froghall up the valley to Cheddleton with one intermediate stop at Consall, and (since 2011) on an extension to a former quarry at Cauldon Low, where as of 2012 there is no station. The society has plans to connect to the national network at Stoke-on-Trent. The lines were originally constructed by the North Staffordshire Railway (the "Knotty"). According to one writer, "the buildings on the Churnet Valley line are of local stone, straightforwardly neo-Tudor, and effective" [Lloyd & Insall, "Railway Station Architecture", David & Charles 1978, p.17].

Ralph Greig

Caldon Canal, Froghall

Lattice Cottage overlooks the Caldon Canal, near its end just west of Froghall Tunnel.

Stephen McKay

Froghall Tunnel, Caldon Canal

Froghall Tunnel is only 76 yards (69 metres) long but its very low profile means that it is an impenetrable obstacle to most modern narrowboats. To ensure boats do not enter and then get stuck there is a profile gauge hanging over the tunnel mouth. Another gauge is provided at Flint Mill Lock to give boaters forewarning so oversized boats should not get this far.

Stephen McKay

Kingsley & Froghall Station

The southern terminus of the Churnet Valley Railway looks immaculate in the late afternoon sunshine although things are not quite what they seem. Firstly, although this might look like a country station, it was built to serve an area of heavy industry with limekilns and a copper works nearby (the latter did not close until 2014). After closure, the station buildings were demolished in 1968 and the new building is a replica using some original material. It was opened in 2004 by Pete Waterman, the well-known record producer and railway enthusiast.

Stephen McKay

Kingsley & Froghall Station - running in board

Interestingly, the Churnet Valley Railway has chosen to use replica LMS signs for the running in boards (the larger signs used at the ends of the platforms, a practice largely discontinued on the modern railway) rather than the later British Railways style. The LMS usually angled these slightly outwards and that has been done at the other end of the platform.

Stephen McKay

Kingsley & Froghall Station

This second platform at Kingsley & Froghall was restored by the Churnet Valley Railway in 2008 to include the replica waiting shelter. The overall effect has been to create an authentic period feel. Perhaps only the 'volunteers needed' banner could not have been part of the scene 70 years ago.

Stephen McKay

Woodcutters Row, Foxt

Adjacent to the steep road up from Froghall to Foxt is a terrace of cottages called Woodcutters Row including, at the east end, the former pub seen here. See also SK0248 : The Woodcutters' Arms and Woodcutters Row which suggests the pub ceased to be operational sometime in the 1960s.

Stephen McKay

Entering Foxt

The Staffordshire village of Foxt, high above the Churnet Valley, has an unusual name of Olde English origin. This is the approach heading up the hill from Froghall.

Stephen McKay

New Cottages, Foxt

These terraced houses look as they should belong in an industrial town rather than on the edge of a tiny village in the Staffordshire hills. Still, they enjoy a spectacular view down into the valley.

Stephen McKay

Moorings at Froghall

Some things defy understanding. Here at Froghall a canal basin has been restored capable of taking several full sized boats on the tiny stretch of what remains of the Uttoxeter canal. The moorings are excellent. But there is a huge snag. The only way boats can get here is to navigate the height restricted Froghall Tunnel - so it is only accessible to a small proportion of the craft currently using the canal network. Unsurprisingly on this May morning there was not a boat in site.

Stephen McKay

Lime kiln at Froghall

This is one of a set of lime kilns close to Froghall Wharf believed to date from the 1880s. The kilns are set into a retaining wall 50 metres in length and 12 metres high.

Stephen McKay

Hetty's Tea Shop, Froghall Wharf

Hetty's Tea Shop is located in this beautifully restored canalside warehouse at Froghall. Upstairs there is a holiday apartment. The building dates from the early 19th century and is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

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Banktop Woods is located at Grid Ref: SK0246 (Lat: 53.015266, Lng: -1.9611595)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Staffordshire Moorlands

Police Authority: Staffordshire