We went on a route march to explore beyond the tunnel, as there are facilities marked here on our map.

Tunnel safety notice and size gauge.

Tunnel entrance.

We had a look around the visitor centre that seems to be getting ready for the season, and decided to take the Blue Walk around the surrounding woodland area. Supposed to be 2.5miles, but seemed longer as majority of it was uphill.

Uphill walk.

Disused tramline bridge.

Disused Limekilns.

Staffordshire moorland view, from the top of the hill.

Back down again and looking in envy at this basin. Uttoxeter basin that was finished after having money left in a will to complete it. How we wished we could have got through the tunnel to this idyllic spot.

We then had walk to find the Churnet Valley railway station.

Found the station.

And there was a pub opposite, and it would have been rude not to have partaken of a pint whilst there, so we did. A little treat we don’t often do.