southport group logo

Southport Group

Southport Ramblers welcome all age groups from 8 to 80+ for fortnightly worry-free walking (travelling by coach) with like-minded people throughout the year.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
1 of 0

Overview

Just southeast of Stafford Milford offers easy access to Cannock Chase and its many footpaths and trails. Not far away is the NT Shugborough Hall, whilst running through the parkland the Staffordshire Way leads you to the Trent & Mersey Canal for easier walking.

Sunday, 13 July 2025
Start time:
7:50 am
Estimated finish time:
6:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
12.9km / 8.0mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

We hope to have three walks available, with one of them heading for the Shugborough Estate. Details of the walks will be circulated on the coach and will range from easy (the Shugborough Estate) to strenuous depending on the walk selected.

A Walk Leader - Dave White - 11 miles and 1200ft of ascent. Map is posted on our Facebook page. 

B Walk Leader - Dave Trembath - Circular walk of 9 miles with 550ft of ascent. We begin by heading south on the Heart of England Way taking us through the woods and into Abrahams Valley. From here we turn north to join the River Trent and the Staffs & Worcs Canal for the return to Milford.

C Walk Leader - Derek Cook - An easy five & half miles walk, with very little in the way of ascent or descent.. We make our way north to join the towing path of the nearby canal, and stop at the Great Haywood Marina Cafe & Farm Shop for lunch (not included). We then continue south along the canal and join the Staffordshire Way, crossing Essex Bridge (grade 1 listed), a packhorse bridge built in 1550 by the then Earl of Essex for Queen Elizabeth 1, and enter the grounds of Shugborough Hall, NT. We leave by walking the one mile long drive back to Milford. National Trust members can visit the hall and gardens, making their own way back along the drive, should they wish. 

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Coach trip
  • Family-Friendly

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking