Shugborough Hall and Sherbrook Valley
Please note: We are currently reviewing our walks publications, please refer to the text on this webpage for the most current route details we have. If you note any differences when following the route, please let us know by emailing: rightsofway@staffordshire.gov.uk
This lovely walk begins along the Trent and Mersey Canal where it is possible to see a wide variety of wildlife, in particular Kingfishers if you are lucky. The walk then enters the magnificent Shugborough estate, before reaching The Satnall Hills and Milford Common, popular walking destinations, and returning to Seven Springs via the Stepping Stones.
Distance:
Approx. 12.8km (8 miles)
Duration:
4 hours
Terrain:
Easy paths with slight hills at Milford Common and in the Sherbrook Valley
Parking:
Seven Springs car park near Weetmans Bridge on the A513.
Refreshments:
Toilets and Refreshments are available in Milford, which is just a short detour from the main walk
Map:
OS Explorer 244 “Cannock Chase”
Bus Route:
Route between Stafford, Milford and Lichfield. Route of Service 825
- Walk back down the drive of Seven Springs car park until you reach the A513. Cross this road to the small lane directly opposite, before crossing the iron bridge over the River Trent.
- Continue along this road heading up towards Little Haywood, passing beneath the railway. As you get to the canal bridge, turn right down onto the canal. On reaching the towpath double back under the bridge. You are now on the Staffordshire Way.
- As you walk along the canal there are views of the Shugborough Estate to the left. Turn left off the towpath just before reaching bridge no. 73 and cross through a metal gate. Turn left and cross the Essex Bridge, the longest packhorse bridge in England.
- After crossing the bridge walk along the drive through Shugborough's parkland, passing the magnificent hall on your right. Cross the railway bridge, looking right to see the impressive hillside monument. Where the road bends right, you must continue straight on through a gate which takes you to the main road.
- Turn right along the road for about 300 metres before entering the 'Cold Man's Slade' parking area on your right. This is where you leave the Staffordshire Way. Go diagonally right through the trees passing a pole barrier on your ascent. Stay on this track until you reach the top of the hill by a covered reservoir. This is an excellent area for people lucky enough to see deer amongst the trees.
- Keeping the reservoir on your right follow the wide grassy path that goes half left away from the reservoir. Continue along the path going through an open clearing before descending down the hill. There are some nice views here and Stafford can be seen in the distance.
- Take care on the descent as the path is fairly steep and there are some loose rocks under foot. Follow the path down to the road on your left passing the Shugborough walls on your right.
- Turn right along the road and immediately after passing the entrance to the Shugborough Estate cross the road to join a path leading up through the trees. This path takes you to a wide grassy area where you must follow a green and red way marker (no.2). This path will take you past a pool on your left before joining with a rough vehicle track which you continue along.
- Veer slightly left as the path nears a cottage on the right, walking towards a pole barrier. Pass the pole barrier and continue along the path. At the path junction you will see another green and red way mark (no.4). Follow the arrow straight on, you are now on the Heart of England Way.
- Continue along the Heart of England Way following red marker (no.5), passing a pool on your right. Continue along this path until you reach a parking area at the top of the bank.
- Cross the road to a war cemetery fingerpost, and pass the pole barrier until you reach a fork in the path. At this fork go right, heading toward the Post Office tower on the horizon. Continue along the path as it drops into a dip before going straight over at the path junction.
- When you reach a point where the Heart of England Way and Staffordshire Way merge, turn left and follow the Staffordshire Way down the hill and into the Sherbrook Valley. Take a moment here to admire the fantastic views across the Chase. Veer slightly left at the bottom aiming towards a fingerpost. At this junction take the second track indicated by a green cycle sign, staying on the Staffordshire Way.
- Continue along this trail through the Sherbrook Valley until you reach the Stepping Stones on your right at the crossroads. This is where you leave the Staffordshire Way.
- Cross the stepping stones following the path up the hill. After about ten minutes walk there is a fork where you bear left. Follow this track, ignoring other paths leading off it, until you reach the Seven Springs car park after approximately fifteen minutes.
Downloadable version:
A downloadable version of the original printed leaflet including a map of the route, is available below. Please note that the text above is the most up to date route details we have.