Are you looking for an easy family friendly country walk that starts in historic Clay Cross, has free parking, is on a bus route if you don’t drive, and has a fantastic tearoom and farm shop halfway round? Then this could be your perfect 2 hour ‘get away from it all’ walk. This is an easy 3-mile circular route on quiet and pretty country lanes.
Free Parking
We parked for free at Holmgate Road long stay car park.
We could have parked in the middle of Clay Cross but when we noticed it was only 2-hour free parking we moved the car down to Holmgate car park, because although the walk was short and would take less than 2 hours, we planned to have a pit stop at Stretton Hall Farm Shop and Tea Room.
Fun Facts: Coal was discovered in Clay Cross during the 19th Century, and with the increasing demand for coal the population trebled by 1840. The small village of Clay Cross became a boom town with houses, schools, churches and chapels being built.
The Walk
From Holmgate car park walk down and out of the car park and cross the main road.
Continue past the library onto Holmgate Road and past Kenning Park on the left.
(You will walk through the park on the way back)
This is quite a long road. Go past North Street on the right.
The pavement on the left hand side does stop, and so I advise you to cross over and walk along the other side of the road where there is pavement for safety.
Keep walking until you reach a road on the left which is a continuation of Holmgate Road. Turn left here towards Littlemoor. There is a signpost to Littlemoor.
Walk past a pretty blue boat filled with plants and over a small bridge.
Continue past some old stone cottages with neat front gardens on the right opposite Holmgate School on the left.
Go past the new houses on the left which have been designed in a traditional cottage style and are very appealing. Hmm any for sale?
Into the Countryside
Now you’ll find yourself in the countryside.
Carry straight on.
There is pavement for a while and when it finishes do remember to walk facing oncoming traffic. It’s a quiet lane but all the same take care and hop onto the grass verge if you need to leave space for a passing car.
Enjoy the peace and quiet, the high hedgerows, wildflowers, delightful meadows, and birdsong. It’s lovely here!
Walk round the bend and up the road walking past Parkhill Farm and Holmgate House, both on the right.
Walk up to the T Junction.
T Junction
At the T junction go left back towards Clay Cross (1.5 miles).
This is Market Lane.
Stretton Hall Farm Shop and Tea Room
Just down the road on the right is Stretton Hall Farm Shop and Tea Room.
This must be one of the nicest tea rooms with delicious food and a relaxed vibe. There’s seating outside with splendid views and inside it has a modern country style. The owner must be quite artistic because outside there are wicker statues of Robin Hood and deer. While inside the windows have been prettily enhanced with painted countryside scenes.
The menu is mostly light bites including breakfast and Vegan options (Fantastic!). But if you are famished you could try the Pie of the Day with homemade chips, mushy peas, and gravy! They do Sunday lunch too.
I don’t know about you but why does a Latte in a country tearoom always seem more special than my Tassimo version at home!
Continuing the Walk back to Clay Cross
Come out of Stretton Hall Farm Shop and Tearoom and turn right into the lane. You’re walking back towards Clay Cross.
St Bartholomew Church
You’ll see St Bartholomew church spire ahead to the left. Keep walking down the lane.
Fun Facts: The church was designed by Architect Henry Isaac Stevens in 1849 and consecrated in 1851. It cost £2,400 to build, which considering inflation is £404,896.08 in 2024.
There is a weathervane on the top of the spire to mark the end of the Crimean War in 1856.
Inside there’s a stained-glass window designed by William Morris who pioneered the Arts and Crafts Movement during the late 19th Century. The first vicar Revd. Joseph Oldham was married to William Morris’ sister Emma and so William Morris was the natural choice to create the window which depicts St. John, St. Peter and St. James.
Fishes Lane
Carry on walking until you reach Fishes Lane on the left. Turn left onto Fishes Lane.
Go through a yellow barrier.
Walk along the lane past a pretty garden and walk under another yellow barrier.
Walk across the grass bearing right onto a small path.
Immediately go left down a narrow gravel path with houses over to the right.
Green Tree Tunnel
Walk under a tunnel of greenery leading to a bridge. Go over the bridge and bear left.
Walk along a dirt track with a high stone wall on the left. The church will be up there to your right.
Left at the Gap
There are 2 gaps in the wall. Walk past the first one which is immediately on your left after the bridge, and continue for a while until you reach the second one. This takes you straight into Kenning Park.
Walk past a beautiful Weeping Willow tree on the right and a kids play area on the left.
Walk towards the car park and turn right when you reach the main road and back to Holmgate car park and the hustle and bustle of Clay Cross.
Host Coffee Shop
If you’d like another pit stop you could try ‘Host’ at 13-15 Market Street which serves great speciality coffee, and of course there will be cakes and brunch too.
A Final Note
This is a lovely walk if you fancy a short 3-mile stroll to enjoy the peaceful countryside with a lovely cafe halfway around along with several cafes in the centre of Clay Cross.
AllTrails Route
FAQ's
Is the Clay Cross Circular Walk suitable for families?
Yes, the Clay Cross Circular Walk is family-friendly, offering an easy 3-mile route on quiet country lanes. It's suitable for children and offers interesting stops like the Stretton Hall Farm Shop and Tea Room.
Where can I park for the Clay Cross Circular Walk?
You can park for free at Holmgate Road long stay car park. While there is parking in the middle of Clay Cross, the 2-hour limit makes Holmgate car park a better option if you plan to stop at the farm shop and tea room.
Are there any toilets along the Clay Cross Circular Walk?
Yes, there are toilets available at Stretton Hall Farm Shop and Tea Room, which is about halfway through the walk.
Is the walk dog-friendly?
Yes, the Clay Cross Circular Walk is dog-friendly. However, remember to keep your dog on a lead, especially on roads.
What type of footwear is recommended for the Clay Cross Circular Walk?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Clay Cross Circular Walk. While most of the route is on pavements and country lanes, some parts may be grassy or gravelly, so sturdy footwear is advisable.