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Downs Banks
A little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the Midlands
Washdale Lane, Oulton Heath, Near Stone, Staffordshire
Car park
Limited parking for approx. 30 cars
Dogs
The car park is unsurfaced. The 1½ mile trail has narrow pathways, steep climbs which are uneven and unsurfaced, with benches at regular intervals. There are no toilets on site, the nearest RADAR adapted toilets are approx. 2 miles from Downs Banks.
Steps/uneven terrain
Uneven paths and steep slopes in places.
By road
About 5 miles from M6 junctions 14 and 15. Drive into Stone town from the A34 at the roundabout by a "Shell" garage. Bear left onto the one-way system and follow on the left side. Turn left at "Crown and Anchor" pub. Turn right at the end of the one way road. Go over level crossing by "The Talbot" pub and follow "Mount Road". Continue as the road runs next to the canal, Follow the road as it turns right and then for a further mile. Go over a ford and the main entrance is on your left.
On foot
Within 2 miles walk of both Stone and Barlaston on local public footpaths. ½ mile from the Trent and Mersey Canal.
By bus
Regular bus service between Stoke-on-Trent train station and Stafford train station, stopping at Barlaston and Stone on the way.
By bicycle
A ½ mile cycle ride from National Cycle Network route 5 which runs from Stoke-on-Trent to Stafford, passing through Stone. Follow brown roadsigns from Bridge 98 on the canal.
Highlights
Woodland
A small wilderness of woodlands and heath, with far-reaching views.
Places to stay
2 Lichfield Lodge
A newly-converted, dog-friendly gate house on the edge of the Shugborough Estate, with walks from the door.
Top trails
Trail
Downs Banks dog walk
This little wilderness of woodlands and heath in the heart of the West Midlands is a fantastic place to explore with your dog.
Trail
Downs Banks Edges walk
Taking you over hills and through secret valleys this walk will let you experience two different ages of the landscape, where modern farming meets age-old rough grazing.
About Downs Banks
Downs Banks Brook is a beautiful babbling stream that runs the length of Downs Banks. Keep your eyes open and you may see the fantastic blue flash of a kingfisher.
There are far-reaching views from the highest point on the Downs. A rock pillar stands here and shows you what landmarks can be seen in the distance on a clear day. The Long Mynd (National Trust), Mow Cop Castle (National Trust,) the Wrekin (a prominent hill formed from an extinct volcano) and the Clee Hills are just some of the landmarks to look out for.
From spring to autumn much of Downs Banks is grazed by a small herd of friendly cattle. They're helping us to restore the heath and recreate the traditional ways of farming that have shaped this landscape over hundreds of years.
Support us
Article
Volunteer at Downs Banks
From repairing fences to helping protect vital wildlife habitats, there’s a lot to get involved in while volunteering with the Staffordshire conservation volunteers at Downs Banks.