The Long March to Marchington

This trail starts on the outskirts of Hanbury and ends on the approach to Marchington. This trail to Marchington is 7km (5 miles). There is a trail farther west to Uttoxeter, another 5km (3 miles), so right now you are 12km (about 8 miles) from Uttoxeter.

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The 402 bus crosses this trail at #8 and again in Marchington,  taking you to Uttoxeter train station.

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The walk starts on the Hanbury Hill and after enjoying the views from the ridge you’ll quickly descend into the flood plain in the valley. Most of this section follows the river meadows and plains before rising to the village of Marchington. If you continue to Uttoxeter, after Marchington you’ll can either take the final drop to the Dove Explorer Trail along the Uttoxeter flood plain (you will meet livestock) or stay on the ridge and take the 'Moist' route mainly along lanes and drop into Uttoxeter through the houses instead. 

The trail is particularly strange between geocaches #13 and #14. Be bold. Be friendly.

There is one pub along the route between #14 and #15 and then two more in Marchington, with the Dog and Partridge especially welcoming to geocachers. There is a shop and café near to #13 and another shop in Marchington.

This geological map of our route (in blue) shows the rock underneath the soil beneath your feet.  You are currently on the orange - gypsum.  At Coton-in-the-clay you'll pass through an area of river terrace clay, and most of the trail is on 'alluvium' - a mix of clay, sand, silt and other material that's be left by the river over thousands of years.