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Sutton Coldfield Group

We are the Sutton Coldfield Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

A moderate walk of around 9 miles from Tutbury out to the Fauld Crater at Hanbury - the site of the Fauld explosion where in 1944, 3,500 tons of high explosives accidentally blew up, creating a crater some 300 feet deep and approximately a quarter of a mile in diameter. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-30218324     

Today the crater has been increasingly taken over by nature but can be visited following marked paths up to the memorial dedicated to the 70 people who lost their lives in the explosion.

The walk leaves Tutbury via St Mary’s Priory Church (whose history is closely connected with Tutbury Castle) with views of the castle ruins, heading out towards Fauld on field paths. Approaching the Crater from its ‘industrial side’ there is a relatively steep but short ascent giving fine views across the Staffordshire countryside. Leaving the Crater from the far side, the route back to Tutbury is fairly flat and across countryside using field paths. The walk has a notable number of stiles (typical for walks in this area) the majority of which are in ok condition. On return to Tutbury refreshments available at the Leopard. 

Sunday, 20 July 2025
Start time:
9:50 am
Estimated finish time:
2:45 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
14.5km / 9.0mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

Guests please contact the walk leader if you would like to join this walk.

We are sorry, but only assistance dogs are permitted to join our walks.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available

Starting point

Grid reference:
SK 21104 28921
Nearest postcode:
DE13 9NA
what3words:
saddens.sank.bucket
Start time:
9:50 am

Meet at Wyndley Swimming Pool car park 08:45 for car sharing. Directions- suggested route to avoid event at Barton-under-Needwood: take A38 north, exit at the Branston junction signposted Burton. At the roundabout, take the first left and follow Branston Road to Tatenhill. At the crossroads, turn right onto Main Street. At the fork, take the right arm up to the B5107, cross over (note it's a staggered T junction), passing the Acorn pub on the left. Follow the road to the right into Anslow and at the fork go left and continue into Tutbury along Bushton Lane/Belmont Road/Ludgate Street. At the mini roundabout, go left and the Duke Street car park (with toilets) is on the right, just before the Leopard pub. There is also on-street parking on High Street and Monk Street. The walk will start from Tutbury, outside the Leopard pub on the corner of Monk Street and Castle Street.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking