Aston Ring (7.78 miles 12.45 km ) Print
This attractive route provides an off-road circular route of approximately 7.8mls [12.5km], much of which follows the Weaver Navigation. Parking is available at the Leigh Arms adjacent to the A49 swing bridge (CW8 4QT) but please telephone first (01606 853327) and park away from the pub. Limited parking is available at Davenports Farm Shop just off the A49 nearby (CW8 4QU) but please phone first to arrange on 01606 853241. The path beside the river between the two crosses is now closed for 6 months to a year [20/01/2018] as badgers have undermined both the path and a detour. We are working to get this reopened asap.
To see a Video of the route, click here:
ASTx03 Start
From the Leigh Arms go through the bridle gate on the road side by the bridge. Your path goes underneath the bridge. Dismount to go underneath, there are mounting blocks at either side.
ASTw01 Waypoint 1
Bridleway
Take the road along the riverbank of the Weaver Navigation and cross the bridge to the lock gates.
ASTw02 Waypoint 2
Bridleway
Continue past the lock gates and over a wooden bridge. At the end of this bridge you will see bridleway signs straight ahead and to the right. You can go in either direction to make the circuit. I think the best views can be seen from an anti-clockwise direction.. For this turn right and go straight ahead along the foot of the wooded hillside.
ASTw03 Waypoint 3
Bridleway
Bear right through two bridle gates to Lodge Lane. If you wish you can turn left and follow the bridleway under the railway and turn left at the bottom towards Dutton Lock.
ASTw04 Waypoint 4
Bridleway
Turn left through the farm yard at Dutton Lodge Farm.
ASTw05 Waypoint 5
Bridleway
Turn right on the track, which runs up to the railway and under the line.
ASTw06 Waypoint 6
Bridleway
At the far side of the rail bridge take the unfenced track uphill, across fields and into a green lane.
ASTw07 Waypoint 7
Bridleway
At the T junction in half a mile turn left to Aston Grange.
ASTw09 Waypoint 9
Bridleway
Turn right onto the track to the wooded bank above the River Weaver and down to the flood plain below.
ASTw10 Waypoint 10
Bridleway
At the foot of the hill a gate leads onto the riverside meadows. The bridleway runs diagonally across the fields to the riverbank.
ASTw11 Waypoint 11
Bridleway
At the end of the fields there is a bridle gate on the river bank. The track continues along the lawns of the riverside cottages and out through another bridle gate.
ASTw12 Waypoint 12
Bridleway
Keep on the riverbank under the viaduct, retracing your steps over the bridges before and after Dutton Lock.
ASTw13 Waypoint 13
Bridleway
Take the bridleway on the left, which climbs a hill to a bridge over the Trent and Mersey Canal.
ASTw14 Waypoint 14
Bridleway
After crossing the canal turn right on a bridleway keeping to the hedgeline.
ASTw15 Waypoint 15
Bridleway
Pass through a bridle gate and a belt of woodland, then diagonally across a field to recross the canal.
ASTw16 Waypoint 16
Minor Road
Follow the minor road to the A49 and cross straight over to the Leigh Arms car park.