The Blithe rises in the Hills to the East of Stoke on Trent near Heywood Grange Farm at around 800 feet above sea level.

It passes the village of Blythe Bridge and roughly follows the Stoke to Derby Railway line until it reaches Church Leigh.

The River then turns south and flows into Blithfield Reservoir at Newton Hurst.

On leaving the reservoir it flows south-east for about another 5 miles, passing the village of Hamstall Ridware until it reaches its confluence with the River Trent at King's Bromley.

[5] The reservoir is a major water source for South Staffordshire but is also utilised for a range of leisure activities from Angling to Sailing.