We are the Staffordshire Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
We will be taking a short walk through the village for the first stop for refreshments and toilets (Canal Side Bistro and Farm Shop), then following the canal for a gently 2 mile warm up until we reach Meadow Lane Bridge, where we join a country lane for a short walk towards Cannock Chase.
From Seven Springs Car Park we climb uphill into the woods of the chase, eventually following the tracks back down towards Seven Springs Stepping Stones. After a rest stop we continue through the woods to Punch Bowl Car Park, crossing the main road and uphill again into the fringe of the Shugborough Estate, eventually climbing up to Triumph Arch, where we can stop for photos if the weather permits.
After a short walk we have an option to stop off for toilets/refreshments, then taking the bridleway to River Trent & Mersey, which we then follow back towards Great Hayward (offering great views of Shugborough Hall), crossing Essex Bridge (the longest pack horse bridge in England) before descending back through the woods to the start point. Packed lunch required, though purchasing options available en route.
The proposed lunch stop has limited seating. Please be prepared for a rest on the grass.
Waterproof boots recommended as water levels may be high and reach the stepping stones.
National Trust membership not required to access the paths on the walk
Start Point - Great Haywood Memorial Car Park - Main Road, Great Haywood, Staffordshire, ST18 0SU, What 3 Words: amphibian.trek.decency
