TOP 3 EASTER WEEKEND WALKS IN STAFFORDSHIRE

With lockdown rules relaxing next week, meaning up to 6 people or two households can meet up outdoors, leisurely walks with friends and family are back on the cards! 

We’re so fortunate to be surrounded by so much stunning countryside in Staffordshire and with a lot more time on our hands than we’re used to (thanks to lockdown), we’ve been discovering some of the best local walks in the area.

So make the most of your new found freedom, reunite with family and friends over a long walk whilst enjoying the country air and why not stop off with one of our picnics along the way!

 
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CANNOCK BOULDER AND MEMORIALS CIRCULAR WALK

Starting at the mounted Glacial Boulder, a large piece of granite that made its way down from Scotland on a glacial during the last Ice Age, this circular walk showcases the magnificent open heathland of Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Along the route you will pass both the Commonwealth and German memorial cemeteries. During World War I, Cannock Chase was home to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and a prisoner-of-war hospital, which used the burial ground which is today known as the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Both cemeteries are open to the public and are well worth a visit to learn more about the history of the area and how Cannock Chase came to have two large war memorial cemeteries. 

Follow the route down to the Sher Brook valley to the stepping stones before taking the path to gently climb back up to the starting point at the Glacial Boulder.

Rating: Easy
Distance: 6.6km

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THE MOAT HOUSE, TEDDESLEY PARK AND CANAL WALK

You don’t have to stray far from The Moat House to find a beautiful walk, in fact we’ve got our very own walk that starts and finishes at the hotel.

Set off from The Moat House and explore the beautiful rolling countryside and farmland that sits adjacent to the hotel. The route takes you through local villages and hamlets including Gypsy Green. This unassuming little hamlet holds an unlikely claim to fame, in that Lord of the Rings author, J.R.R. Tolkien lived here for a brief period in 1918 after being stationed as an officer in nearby Cannock Chase in 1915/16. It’s widely thought that Staffordshire was the source of much inspiration for Tolkien when he was developing the idea of Middle Earth. 

Leaving Gypsy Green behind you will follow the Staffordshire Way to explore the beauty of Teddesley Park with its rolling open parkland before returning to The Moat House along a stretch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.⁠⠀

Rating: Medium
Distance: 7.2km

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MILFORD CIRCULAR WALK

The route begins in the village of Milford, only a 5 minute drive from The Moat House and takes you through the neighbouring village of Brocton before entering Cannock Chase and down into the beautiful Sherbrook Valley. 

After exploring the glorious AONB of Cannock Chase, the route meanders along the Trent and Mersey canal past colourful narrow boats and into the villages of Little and Great Haywood (another local village where JRR Tolkein once lived!). From here the path enters the lush and extensive grounds of Shugborough Park before returning to Milford.

Rating: Medium
Distance: 13.2km

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EASTER PICNICS

If you’re planning a long overdue catch up with friends and family over the Easter weekend, why not enjoy one of our picnics!

Choose between our meat and vegetarian options, call 01785 712217 (between 10am and 4pm) to place your order and collect on either 2nd or 3rd April between 12pm and 3pm.