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Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands

Brown Edge

Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands

Brown Edge

Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

Easy

4.8

(41)

253

hikers

Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

01:28

5.47km

70m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 7, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

215 m

The Grotto and Gene's Grave

Highlight • Structure

Fun little walk through to the nature reserve but the grotto itself has mystical notes to it too if you check out the floor design.

Tip by

836 m

Serpentine Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

Such a great spot to visit. Pack a picnic as there are plenty of benches around to have a break and take in these beautiful views.

Tip by

1.83 km

Warden's Tower (Knypersley Castle)

Highlight • Monument

This is a 3 storey prospect tower with an attached wing built in 1829 for a gamekeeper. (Lucky fella!)

It is sometimes referred to as Knypersley Castle.

Tip by

2.26 km

This highlight has a story to it that will explain the name I have given it (I couldn't find a name for it when I researched after the hike).

I was looking for Gawton's Stone (after briefly reading a couple of weeks ago that one could enter into it and cures have been claimed) and my eyes drew me to the rock forms on a bank on the opposite side to this.

I hastily began ascending and I pulled a muscle in my right calf so I limped up and limped back down in frustration.

I saw this formation on the other side so I thought I might as well get to it before I have to abort the circuit and go home.

I was 100% convinced this was the rock.

I sat inside it in awe and enjoyed the sounds of the strong winds that only seemed to be there and then I descended.

It was a few strides later that I realised I was walking normally. With amazement I continued my walk in complete comfort.

When I got home and looked at pictures of Gawton's Stone, I realised that this awesome rock was not the one.

Tip by

2.57 km

Gawton's Well Waterfall

Highlight • Viewpoint

The ridge at the top of the fall is perfect for crossing barefoot. Its a very shallow depth.

The rocks below are perfectly situated for a very invigorating seated shower too, should the urge arise in summer ...and you don't mind soaked shorts.

I sure wish I lived here!!!

Gawton was a lucky hermit!

Tip by

2.86 km

Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area

Highlight • Natural Monument

It's nice to reserve sections to the wildlife. The public still benefit as we are able to enjoy more species upon our visit.

Tip by

3.88 km

Pool Car Park, Knypersley Reservoir

Highlight • Parking

I passed this second carpark and wanted to highlight it for those komooters who need another free place to park.

This carpark had no time limit displayed at the gate so I hope it allows longer than the one at the visitor centre which closes gates at 5.

It is near to another walk to Norton Green as I noticed the public footpath sign near a squeeze stile on the bridge. (An exploratory walk earmarked for another day)

Tip by

4.41 km

Lovers' Tree

Highlight • Natural

I thought this was charming.

I have not before seen such a graffiti carved trunk of lovers' initials.

I hope their love lasts as long as the initials remain etched.

Tip by

5.47 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.88 km

1.12 km

338 m

127 m

Surfaces

3.10 km

1.12 km

779 m

365 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 19 August

17°C

10°C

84 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 2, 2026,Knipersley Reservoir

Family walk around Knypersley Reservoir. Parked at Greenway bank car park and walkes around the serpentine lake and then onto the reservoir itself.
Lived in stoke all my life and this is my first time here!

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Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

The Grotto and Gene's Grave

Serpentine Lake

Warden's Tower (Knypersley Castle)

Gawton's Cave

Gawton's Well Waterfall

Knypersley Reservoir Conservation Area

Pool Car Park, Knypersley Reservoir

Lovers' Tree

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