Plan your trip

GETTING THERE

Alton is off the B5032 between Cheadle and Denstone; nearest towns are Uttoxeter and Stoke. No rail access. WALK HERE See Walk 9 in this issue.

WHERE TO EAT/STAY

If you’re visiting with family, the obvious answer is to stay at one of the Alton Towers Resort hotels (details below). There are three themed hotels, including CBeebies and Splash Landings waterpark, plus woodland lodges and treehouses to choose from. A family room in Splash Landings costs from £222 B&B – you can pay more for packages that include park admission. Alternatively, away from the park there’s the White

Hart Inn in Alton (01538 703384, www.altonwhitehart.co.uk), which has family rooms with breakfast for £130, and Thai food served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. And of course there’s the

Ramblers’ Retreat, pictured right, (01538 702730, www.ramblers retreat.co.uk), which is the perfect stop on our Churnet Valley walk. i MORE INFORMATION

One-day entry to Alton Towers costs £55 for adults and £48 for children aged 3-11 (2018 prices) – but substantial discounts are available when you book online (eg £33 adults and £27 children as we went to press). Fastrack tickets (which avoid the ride queues) cost between £20 and £95 per person depending on the package you choose. Full details at www.altontowers.com