STAFFORDSHIRE

These walks are from when we stayed at the Cannock Camping and Caravan Club campsite in 2020. This is also when Dave had his bad knee so was awaiting a knee operation - thus we weren't able to go far. You can read the campsite review here. 


However we did do a couple of short walks which I've listed below: 

*DISCLAIMER: NOT ALL CAR PARKS, TOILET BLOCKS AND CAFES WILL BE OPEN CURRENTLY DUE TO COVID REGULATIONS*


1. CIRCULAR ROUTE TO 'CASTLE RING' -CANNOCK CHASE

The first a 3mile circular to 'Castle Ring' starting form the campsite. The walk was a lovely, lots of sniffs and a lake for wander - however the final destination was a little anti climaxable 😂 - we expected some form a ruin, or bricks on the ground but it was just a raised circle path around some plants and a noticeboard in a car park. 


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2. 'HERITAGE TRAIL' - RUGLEY, CANNOCK CHASE

We parked at the Rugley leisure centre, cut through a break in the hedge, and then headed down the left hand side of the rugby field until you meet a gravelled path the 'heritage trail' which you follow to the left. It was an apx 10-15 min walk to the first 'Slitting Mill'. 


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About another 10 mins for the other 'Rising Brook' - this was a lot harder to find as you have to take a left off the path through a metal kissing gate, and then continue the same direction (right), and you'll hear it before you see it.

Re 'Rising Brook' the pictures uploaded too google look very similar to the first - don't be fooled / give up! There are two different mini falls to see. Also Google maps may say you've gone past it, when you haven't just keep walking and listen out for it. 

On a dry day you can access both waterfall's 'pool' by going down a cut in the trees and down a muddy bank – be sure to take care on much wetter days! They both also have a bridge so that you can walk over the top of them and see them from above. 

This little walk is great /suitable for all - especially families with small Welly boot wearers, bike riders or dogs that like a paddle. 

After 'Rising Brook' we continued on this side of the river to the fishing lake 'Duttons Pool' to re join the path and cross the river further down and to head back the way we came. 

3. MARQUIS VISITOR CENTRE - CANNOCK

Dave was in quite a lot of pain by now with his knee so we just had a short stroll around the main field. 


I did however log a few bits of useful information for other passer by's such as it was very busy and popular. The road was full on the lead up to he car park, and carpark was only £1 for 3 hours or £2 for over 3hours. However the carpark did shut at 4 - which might be why most folk had parked on the road. 


There was a small cafe, play area, and toilet block and benches dotted about also. The park was full of families/friends taking chairs and tables to have picnics or dog walking but mainly mountain biking. There appeared to be a lot of biking trails running off from this central location. Going from what we saw, these trails looked suitable for people of multiple ages and experience. One track looked exceptionally fun - this was called 'follow the dog' and was marked 'difficult'. There was maps and marker signs dotted throughout, giving details on the trails and the Difficulty.


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  4. CHASE WATER - CANNOCK

We attempted to visit chase water which was apx 15min drive from the site. The carpark was busy, so we drove all the way to the end and got to see the steam train - then we left. This is because the whole place was just swarming with little flies that looked like midges. And I mean swarming - there was no way we'd of been able to sit and have a coffee and a little enjoyable stroll whilst those things were around so we decided to call it a day and head home - however if timed right this place would be a lovely little stroll location for families. There's water based activities, the steam train, paved areas for bike riding, picnic benches - it really did look lovely.


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5. STAFFORD CASTLE

Back in 2016 I did a '30 before I'm 30' of sight seeing Castles, and English Heritage/National trust places. Blog coming soon! And Stafford Castle was one of them! more info can be found here if you'd like to plan a trip. However - note it is currently closed due to COVID regulations. 


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