Walking BritainCannock Chase Walk
Shugborough from Milford
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer 244 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer 244 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 127 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 127 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
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This walk begins with an exploratory look at a small part of Cannock Chase - now designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It then includes a walk through the parkland surrounding Lord Lichfield's Shugborough Hall before concluding with a look at some of Britain's canal heritage.
The starting point is Milford Common (grid ref. SJ973211) on the main A513 Stafford to Rugeley Road. A popular place for visitors throughout the year there is ample parking either on the common or on adjacent areas of the Chase. From the main car park head east across the common to the main entrance to Shugborough Hall. Cross the main road and, ignoring the main entrance, follow the main road uphill for a short way to take the first clear footpath on your left.
This leads gently uphill through typical Chase woodland past a covered water store and then heads downhill again. Like much of the Chase there are numerous paths and the best guidance that can be given is to keep the boundary fence of the Shugborough Estate to your left. After a few minutes you reach the main road which is followed as far as the entrance to Shugborough Estate.
Go through this gateway and follow the road, which passes a converted farm on your right before turning left to cross the railway. Stay with the road past Shugborough Park Farm (open to visitors during the season and also home to some rare breeds of farm animals) to reach open parkland. Ahead is the public bridleway way that passes Shugborough Hall with its fine facade on your left. The bridleway leads to the southern side of Essex bridge. Please note provided you stay on the Staffordshire Way, which is a public right of way, through the Shugborough Estate then you do not need to pay the NT admission fee.
Cross the River Trent to reach the Trent & Mersey Canal using the steps by the bridge to reach the towpath. Head north to Great Haywood Junction where you turn left under the bridge to follow the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal back as far as Tixall Bridge (grid ref. 975217). Here you need to join the lane for the short walk back to Milford Common and your transport.
Other walks nearby
| Walk 1189 | Cannock Chase from Milford | easy | 6.5 miles |
| Walk 2911 | Seven Springs, Little Haywood, Shugborough & Milford | easy | 6.5 miles |
| Walk 2111 | Milford, Seven Springs, Little Haywood & Shugborough | easy | 6.0 miles |
| Walk 1370 | Sherbrook Valley from the Punch Bowl, Milford | easy | 4.0 miles |
| Walk 2023 | The Cannock Chase War Trail | moderate | 7.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking in the Peak District - White Peak East
Guidebook describing 42 half-day and day walks in the limestone landscapes of Derbyshire's White Peak, part of the Peak District National Park. One of two volumes, this book covers the east of the region, with potential bases including Bakewell, Eyam, Castleton, Birchover, Matlock and Wirksworth.
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The End to End Trail
Further Information
Walk Location Map
Cannock Chase Walking
Cannock Chase is one of the smallest AONBs and because of the proximity of large conurbations and rich mineral reserves is also one of the most threatened. 'The Chase' was once a medieval royal hunting forest and despite its proximity to areas of high density population it remains surprisingly remote. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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