Rugeley - Wolseley Bridge

Join me for one of my favourite walks. It begins with a circuit of the nature reserve with its boardwalks, ponds, lakes and riverside walk along the Trent. We will then cross the very busy A51 (please take great care) to a gently inclining footpath through wheat fields taking us towards Etching Hill where we will rest for coffee. We continue to the south through an up-market housing estate and field paths to reach Slitting Mill. Here we join the Rugeley Heritage Trail that follows the path of a stream called Rising Brook where we will see two waterfalls. This takes us to the edge of Cannock Chase where we will pause for our picnic lunch at Birches Valley. The return route is mostly through the Chase, field paths and a pleasant wooded area before crossing the A51 again to the Wolseley Centre where the café should still be open. There are 4 stiles, one short hill and a few gentle inclines.