Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Staffordshire

Staffordshire Moorlands

Brown Edge

Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

Moderate

4.8

(19)

hikers

Serpentine Lake – Gawton's Cave loop from Brown Edge

02:29

8.95km

160m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.71 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 …

Tip by

4.06 km

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

5.24 km

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

6.23 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

6.46 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

6.55 km

Druid Grove and Gawton's Well

Highlight • Natural

This is a very mystical spot. It has been referred to as a Holy Well and cures are claimed from its waters.

The well is associated with a diseased man …

Tip by

6.82 km

Gawton's Cave

Highlight • Natural Monument

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 …

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8.58 km

Marshes Hill Common Local Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

Marshes Hill Common Local Nature Reserve is all that's left of a once extensive heathland that covered the area. It is now an island of heathland with great views over …

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8.95 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.39 km

1.66 km

949 m

738 m

208 m

Surfaces

2.93 km

2.36 km

1.52 km

1.12 km

703 m

315 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (270 m)

Lowest point (150 m)

Weather

Friday 9 October

12°C

7°C

52 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

March 17, 2022,knypersley Reservoir - Marshes Hill Loop

Really enjoyed this route, very muddy in parts, especially between highlights 9 -11, which is par for the course at this time of the year. So, rather than looping back round Marshes Hill via Habitat Walk to re-join Kynpersley we opted to make our way back via the road (no footpaths) so not something I would usually do. Not sure …