Join Us For A Walk
The cost of joining a walk is £1.50 for members of the Centre and £2.00 for visitors. It is not necessary to pay in advance for a walk – simply follow the joining instructions, meet at the designated car park, at least 10 minutes before the walk is due to start, and pay on the day.
However, to ensure that the organiser knows that you are coming and can let you know if there are any last minute changes of plan, you should always book in advance, giving your name and contact details. If you want to join us for lunch, it is often necessary to advise the organiser anyway, so that the pub can be forewarned. See walk description for details.
If you don’t feel up to the walk itself, but would like to join the walkers for lunch at the pub, just mark your booking as Lunch Only and check with the organiser about arrangements for letting them know your menu choices.
Select image to display walk details and book a place
2024 Walks programme
Christmas At The Rag 3m - 4th December
Our traditional Christmas stroll around Castle Ring, followed by Christmas lunch at the Rag is an excellent way to meet up with fellow members. The optional walk has some steady climbs, but no stiles. It begins with an uphill stretch along a quiet lane, before turning off into a wooded area. We then connect with the “Heart of England Way”, and follow this to Castle Ring to see the far-reaching views over the Staffordshire countryside.
Please wear suitable footwear as it will almost certainly be muddy. Timing is important. We have been asked by the restaurant, to be back by 12.00 to be seated, and ready to eat by 12.30.
Start:10.30. Car Park of The Rag.
Sat Nav: WS12 0QD.
Organiser: Dave Brass
Booking deadline: Tuesday 26th November
Please note: To book this walk and lunch at The Rag, only use the Book The Rag button.
Fulford & Moddershall - 5.1m - Thursday 12th September
This event is now closed
Our starting and endpoint for this walk is the Black Lake Inn, where there is plenty of parking. They don’t open until midday, but a toilet will be available.
We begin by crossing the Hilderstone Road, then turn right and follow the road, which descends gently into Fulford Dale. Just after the crossroads we take a footpath to the picturesque village of Fulford, where we can pause a while at the village green, before heading towards Crossgate. We then take another footpath through Stallington Heath, cross the Hilderstone Road and descend through Idlerocks to Moddershall. Here you can get a reviving coffee at the Rook House Café, before returning for lunch via Moddershall Oaks.
This is a moderate walk, with a few stiles and the descent through Idlerocks is via a narrow path, which follows a stream bed, so boots/strong shoes are essential (and a stick or poles, may be helpful, if you use them).
Meet: in the Black Lake Inn car park at 9:30, ready to depart by 9:45
Sat Nav: ST3 7NT – W3W: ///bathtubs.giggled.bliss
Lunch: 13:00-13.30 (approx.) Black Lake Inn – Please let me have your menu choices by Tuesday 10th
Rook House Café : ST15 8TG – W3W: ///verse.marshes.wildfires
Organiser: Nigel Holmes
Note: If you feel like a short walk (1.5 miles, on quiet roads), prior to the meal, then please meet us at the Rook House around 12:15 (I can give a lift back there, after the meal, to 2 or 3 people).
Hopwas Hill and Woods - 4.5m - Thursday 8th August
CANCELLED
WALK CANCELLED due to changes to MOD opening times and farmers padlocking gates. Alternative arrangements to be posted when available. We will go over Hopwas Hill and through HopwasWoods, taking in views of Tamworth and the surrounding countryside. We will also cover sections of the Coventry Canal and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.
No stiles and only gentle ascents.
Start: 10:30 am The Red Lion at Lichfield Road, Hopwas. To allow time to order food etc please can you arrive before 10:15am. If you intend going to the pub for lunch please let Gill know by Tuesday 6th.
Sat Nav: B78 3AF
Lunch: The Red Lion. If you are only going to the lunch, please get to the pub by 1 o’clock.
Organiser: Gill Stoppard
Around Rudyard Lake - 4.5m - Wednesday 3rd July
We begin at Hotel Rudyard where there is plenty of parking. We can take a gentle pace to manage the few gentle inclines that we will encounter as we take roads and paths to circumnavigate the lake. There is only one “step-over” stile, but plenty of points of interest along the way, including Cliffe Park Hall, views across the Roaches and the Carlos Trower sculpture.
In the woodland there are some exposed tree roots and maybe patches of mud in places to avoid. Walking boots are recommended.
Start: 10.30. Hotel Rudyard, Lake Road, Rudyard, Leek. Sat Nav: ST13 8RN. The toilets will be open for the start.
Lunch: Hotel Rudyard – Please arrive early enough to order your lunch before the walk. If you intend joining the walkers for lunch, please arrange to be at the Hotel by 1 o’clock.
Organisers: Hilary Maggs and John Hibbs
Barlaston & Downs Bank - 4.5m - Thursday 13th June
This event is now closed
This walk starts and finishes, at the Plume of Feathers, Barlaston, (which is owned by Neil Morrissey)
We begin by crossing the Trent & Mersey Canal and railway, walking for ½ a mile by road, passing some of the former Wedgwood colleges, to the Upper House Hotel entrance. We then take a footpath on the right, passing the hotel on our left. The footpath climbs gently to the top end of Down’s Banks (there are a couple of stiles on this section). The path then follows the perimeter of Downs Banks (with views across the heath), before descending to the brook and ford. On reaching the road, we turn right, walk back to the canal, then follow the towpath back to Neil’s pub for lunch.
Meet: in the Plume of Feathers car park at 10:00 (toilets open), ready to depart by 10:15
Sat Nav: ST12 9DH – W3W: ///exile.punk.locate
Lunch: 13:00 (approx.) – Please let me have your menu choices by Monday 10th June.
Organiser: Nigel Holmes
Bluebells at Hem Heath- 4m – Thursday 2nd of May
This event is now closed
We begin from the Toby Inn, walking along the Longton road initially, up to an entrance to Hem Heath Nature Reserve. There are no stiles on the walk, and only one slight incline as we walk along the towpath near Trentham Lock. This is when we are through the reserve (hopefully having seen lots of bluebells!) and past the back of the Wedgwood Centre, onto the Trent & Mersey Canal.
We walk along the canal back to the Toby Carvery for lunch. Please join us for lunch if you are able. If you are going to the lunch, please let us know by Tuesday April 30th.
Start: Toby Inn, 206 Longton Rd, Trentham, Sat Nav: ST4 8BU. Time: 10.30am
Lunch: Toby Inn. If you are only going to the lunch, please arrange to be at the Toby Inn by 12.30.
Organisers: Janet Leek and Pam Page
Barton-under-Needwood - 5m – Thursday 11th of April
This event is now CANCELLED
CANCELLED due to paths being unpassable. We set off from the first car park you come to at Barton Marina DE13 8DZ, past lakes heading for Barton village. A short distance up the Main Street we turn right towards Smith Hills wooded area. From there we walk past Dunstall Old Hall and Dunstall Hall to turn right through fields and woods and back to the Marina. Good paths, no stiles and no significant ascents. Lunch will be at the Red Carpet café.
Start: 10.00am Barton Marina Sat Nav DE13 8DZ
Lunch: Red Carpet Cinema Café Sat Nav: DE13 8AS If you intend going for lunch, please let Gill know your menu choices by April 9th, so that numbers can be confirmed and orders placed.
If you are only intending to go for the lunch, please arrive at the Red Carpet by 12.30.
Organiser: Gill Stoppard
Cannock Chase - Sherbrook Valley Walk -5m – Thursday 21st of March
This event is now closed
This is a circular walk on Cannock Chase and involves parts of the Staffordshire Way, the Heart of England Way, and the Sherbrook valley. We will be walking on good paths in mainly open moor land with some forest paths. There are no stiles on this route. The track is generally good, but a little muddy in places after rain.
The gate to Springslade Lodge Café on Camp Road will be opened for us at 10:00 am where toilet facilities will be available, and people can order their lunch. The walk will start at 10:30 am prompt. There is plenty of parking space here but please leave the first few spaces for those café users who are less mobile than us!
On crossing Camp Road, we will walk past Ansons Bank to the Glacial Boulder and on the Staffordshire Way to Coppice Hill. On dropping down to the Sherbrook Valley we then turn south and walk up the valley to the Heart of England Way and following this to the Katyn Memorial and back to the Springslade Lodge Cafe for lunch.
The total climb/fall is around 200ft. The direction of the route is such that the steepest section (and it’s not that steep!) is downhill. The uphill section is along the Sherbrook Valley bottom and is spread over about 2 1/2 km.
Start: The Springslade Lodge Café location: Sat Nav: WS12 4PT, What3Words – century.upstarts.shelter, and map reference – SJ 978 165.
Lunch: Springslade Lodge Café Organiser : Bob Whitehouse
Walks From 2023
Christmas At The Rag 3m 6th December
This event is now closed
This walk around Castle Ring, starting at The Rag, has some steady climbs, but no stiles. It begins with an uphill stretch along a quiet lane, before turning off into a wooded area. We then connect with the “Heart of England Way”, and follow this to Castle Ring to see the far-reaching views over the Staffordshire countryside.
Please wear suitable footwear as it will almost certainly be muddy. Timing is important. We have been asked by the restaurant, to be back by 12.00 to be seated, and ready to eat by 12.30.
Start:10.30.Car Park of The Rag.
Sat Nav: WS12 0QD.
Organiser: Dave Brass
Please note: To book this walk and lunch at The Rag, only use the Book The Rag button on this page.
Great Haywood (4.75 miles) - Wednesday 18th October
This replaces The Original Walk along the River Sow on the 19th
This event is now closed
The walk starts at the Clifford Arms in Great Haywood. The first section goes across Essex Bridge and then through Shugborough Estate parkland and wooded areas to Milford. Tea/coffee at the Wimpy (Milford): note only electronic payment is accepted.
After a short road section, it joins the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. From here it takes advantage of the upgraded section of towing path to Great Haywood. The final section is along the Trent & Mersey canal towing path back to the Clifford Arms via Essex Bridges. The walk is flat (about 125 ft total ascent) and stile free.
The plan is to start at 10:00 am from the Clifford Arms. To allow time to order food etc please can you arrive before 9:45am. Parking is at the Clifford Arms and the toilets should be open before we start the walk.
Please note that you will need to bring your National Trust membership card as we will be passing through Shugborough
Start : 10.00 am Clifford Arms, Main Road, Great Haywood Sat Nav : ST18 0SR
Map reference – SJ 997 227 What3Words – ///weeds.survey.nags
Lunch: Clifford Arms.If you like, please just join us for lunch. Plan is to arrive back at the Clifford Arms about 1 pm. To download the menu click here.
Organiser Graham Ferry
A Stroll Along the River Sow – 4·5m – Thursday 19th October
Now Cancelled Due to Route Being Impassable
This event is now closed
Setting out from the Spittal Brook pub, we walk along quiet streets to reach the start of the footpath along the River Sow.
We follow the river, taking time to look at the new workings which are the start of the reopening (hopefully) of the canal link between the Staffs & Worcester Canal, and Stafford town centre. The walk follows the tow-path for a while, leaving it for a short uphill stretch to join the footpath along the outer edge of housing. Then we rejoin the canal for a short distance before winding our way back to the pub.
The walk has only one stile which is sound and not high. The route is mainly flat and finds areas of quiet countryside on the outskirts of Stafford. Boots recommended, as could be muddy in places, but possible detours available.
Start: 10.00 for a 10.15 start. Sat Nav: ST17 4LP
Lunch: The Spittal Brook, off Lichfield Rd, Stafford, ST17 4LP. This is on the opposite side of the road to Queensville Shopping Centre, and next to the railway. Toilets will be available.
If you wish to join us for lunch around 12.30 – 1.00, then please let us know before Monday October 17th.
Organisers: Dave and Judy Brass:
This walk will be rescheduled when weather conditions allow.
Stone Town – 4.8m – Thursday September 21st
This event is now closed
The walk will start and finish at the Star Inn. We begin by passing under the road to Westbridge Park, then take the old road to the original Walton Bridge and Stone Canoe Club. After following the River Trent for a short distance, we cross Crown Meadow, before joining the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath, which we follow past the town, and up to Meaford Locks. Here, we pick up a footpath towards Outlanes and the Common Plot. The route then takes us around Alleynes High School, before crossing the A520 to Nanny Goat Lane and returning to The Star, via St Michaels churchyard.
There’s plenty of history associated with Stone, so we’ll pause to look at things of interest along the way… for example, we’ll take a look at the historic Joules brewery buildings, the new Crown Wharf, and the old buildings at the end of Mill Street (associated with milling flint for the potteries and flour for Hovis bread).
The route consists of towpaths and public footpaths, with just two well-maintained stiles (one with a gate alternative) and, of course, we’ll stop for a coffee break. Boots or strong shoes/trainers recommended.
Start: 10.15am at the Star Inn Car Park, to depart at 10.30am. As the pub won’t be open at this time, public toilets are located just around the corner, in Crown Street Car Park. We should be back for lunch by 1.00pm.
Sat Nav: ST15 8QW (nearest). Approach via the A34 (follow the signs to Stone). The entrance to the Star Inn car park is on Stafford Street (opposite M&S).
Lunch: The Star Inn, 21 Stafford Street, Stone, ST15 8QW. I’ll send out menus nearer the time, as the standard Marston’s menu is no longer available online. If you wish to join us for lunch, then please let me have your menu choices by Tuesday 19th September.
Organiser: Nigel Holmes
Norbury Junction -4.7m - Thursday 24th August
This event is now closed
This is a figure of eight walk centred on Norbury Junction with a wide variety of scenery and notable landmarks.
The first loop follows the Shropshire Union Canal towing path north through a deep cutting and then up an incline to A519 before returning to Norbury Junction along a bridleway taking in variety of countryside scenes. The route passes the remains of Norbury Manor (circa 1300). This loop is 2 1/3 miles with a refreshment break when we return to Norbury Junction. If anyone wants, they can finish the walk at the Norbury Wharf Tea Room while the main party completes the figure of eight.
The second loop starts along a country lane and passes the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment facility which is currently the biggest experiment of its type in the world. From here the walk enters the lovely Shelmore Wood. The penultimate leg is along a delightful country lane that joins the canal, which at this point is on a high embankment. To reach the embankment there is a stile, steps, and an incline.
Start: 10:00 am The Junction Inn. To allow time to order food etc please can you arrive before 9:45am. If you intend going to the pub for lunch please let Graham know by Monday 21st.
The toilets at the Norbury Wharf Tea Room will be open. The sign states these are for customers only. Parking is at The Junction Inn against the hedge.
Sat Nav: ST20 0PN, What3Words – revisits.ferried.young and map reference – SJ 792 228
Organiser: Graham Ferry
Rudyard Lake -4.5m - Thursday 13th July
This event is now closed
The walk begins at Hotel Rudyard, where we take The Staffordshire Way through the edge of Rea Cliffe Wood. Out of the woodland we walk on good paths with open views of the Lake and across to the Staffordshire Moorlands. We turn at the end of the reservoir to walk back on the Staffordshires Moorland path alongside the miniature railway track to the Dam, which we cross to reach the hotel for lunch.
The path is undulating, but has no steep ascents or descents and there is one “step-over” stile. In the woodland there are some exposed tree roots and maybe patches of mud in places to avoid.
Start: 10.15 on Hotel Rudyard car park to depart at 10.30. We will stop for a short coffee break, but plan to be back for a 1.00pm lunch. The toilets will be open for the start.
Sat Nav: ST13 8RN
Lunch: Hotel Rudyard, Lake Road, RUDYARD, ST13 8RN
The updated lunch menu will be available on their website. If you wish to join us for lunch please let me know your menu choices by Thursday 6th July. Please ring Margaret with these.
Organiser: Margaret Sandiford