Walking Britain Cannock Chase Walk
Shugborough from Milford
Walk Route Description
Click thumbnails for larger images.
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.
Please maintain social distancing - keep at least 2 metres away from other walkers.
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 |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
GPS files - right click or option-click the button and choose "Save As..." to download this file.
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