Meerbrook is a small village situated at the northern end of Tittesworth Reservoir in the lovely Staffordshire countryside. Not only is it blessed with the attraction of the reservoir, but the rocky ridge of The Roaches stands sentinel to the north-east; this combination attracts hikers, climbers, bird-watchers and family picnickers to the area throughout the year.
The village mainly consists of a collection of cottages, The Lazy Trout Inn, a village hall, a church, chapel and a former school now converted into a Youth Hostel. St Matthews church dates back to 1564, although it was extended and more or less re-built in the 1870’s. If you are lucky enough to find it open, you will discover lovely stained glass windows inside, but if closed, its attractive and unusual exterior is still worth a look; there are also super views of Hen Cloud from the churchyard.
Meerbrook used to be somewhat larger, but with the construction of the reservoir in the late 1950’s, some cottages, farms and a pub were lost. However, it gained the Visitor Centre for Tittesworth reservoir, located close by, and the “Staffordshire Moorland Walks” pass through… The visitor centre has a gift shop, play areas and a licensed restaurant, and is the ideal starting point for two wonderful waterside walks; a short, mile-long “red” trail which encompasses Churnet Bay picnic site, is suitable for wheelchair users and families with smaller children, while a longer, 5 mile route takes in woodland, farmland and the dam wall at the southern tip. Bird hides are situated at various points – around 200 species have been recorded here, including rarities such as crossbill, Arctic redpoll and snow bunting.
Although sleepy, Meerbrook is a charming little place, surrounded by some of the best countryside the Staffordshire Moorlands has to offer.