Morridge Ridge Loop – Staffordshire Moorlands

Location: Morridge, Staffordshire Moorlands

Distance: 12.9 km / 8 miles

Elevation gain: ~350 m

Time: 3h 51m

Walk type: Solo ridge walk

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Introduction

Morridge was a fairly spontaneous choice for a walk.

After my first trip to Kinder Scout, I found myself wanting to explore more hiking routes. One evening I started looking online at walks within reach of home, simply to see what might be possible.

With a free weekend ahead, I decided to try something new — plotting and navigating my own route for the first time. Morridge, a ridge in the Staffordshire Moorlands, looked like a good place to start: quiet countryside, open views and not too far from home.

It would also be my first solo hike.

The plan had been to start early and watch the sunrise from the ridge. Instead, thick fog and mist covered the landscape for much of the first couple of hours.

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Climbing out of Onecote

The route begins in the small village of Onecote, following quiet lanes before climbing gradually through farms and open fields towards the Morridge ridge.

The early morning fog gave the walk a very still atmosphere, with the surrounding countryside only appearing in brief glimpses through the mist.

*Morning fog covering the fields on the climb out of Onecote.*

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Walking the Ridge

Reaching the ridge, the route continues along farm tracks and open fields running along the higher ground.

Rather than dramatic moorland, Morridge is made up of farmland and grazing land stretching across the ridge, with wide views across the Staffordshire Moorlands.

During the first part of the walk, visibility was limited by the fog, making the ridge feel quiet and isolated.

*Farm track leading towards the Morridge ridge in thick early morning fog.*

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Navigating the Route

As this was the first time I had plotted and navigated my own route, much of the walk was spent checking directions and making sure I stayed on the correct tracks between farms and fields.

Small landmarks and signposts became useful reference points along the way.

*Signpost near Mixon Mines marking routes across the ridge.*

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The Fog Lifts

After a couple of hours the fog slowly began to clear, revealing the surrounding countryside.

Rolling farmland and small valleys opened up in the distance, giving a completely different feel to the earlier part of the walk.

*Views opening across the Staffordshire Moorlands as the fog began to clear.*

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Returning to the Village

The descent back towards Onecote follows a mixture of quiet farm tracks and country lanes.

After the exposed ridge, the lower ground feels more sheltered as the route passes streams, trees and small fields on the return to the village.

*A small stream on the return towards Onecote.*

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Reflections

This walk ended up being memorable for a few reasons. It was my first solo hike and the first time I had planned and navigated a route myself.

*First solo hike and the first time navigating a route I had planned myself.*

Morridge may not have the dramatic scenery of some Peak District routes, but the quiet farmland landscape and open ridge paths make it a peaceful place to walk.

For a first solo route, it felt like the right balance of distance, steady climbing and time spent exploring somewhere new.