Ranton walks

This short walk explores the Staffordshire countryside between the eastern outskirts of Stafford and the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route offers views to Cannock Chase and the chance to explore the villages of Walton-on-the-Hill and Brocton.

A short Staffordshire walk that begins by following a section of the Trent & Mersey Canal through the Trent Valley. The walk continues to include some pleasant Staffordshire countryside and the glorious parkland of Sandon Hall.

This Staffordshire 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 heathland of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire offers plenty of walks. This route starts from Milford, near Stafford, and visits some of the highlights of the area including the Stepping Stones and Seven Springs.

This Staffordshire walk explores some of the highlights of Cannock Chase AONB in the vicinity of Milford. The route includes heathland, a section of canal and a walk through Shugborough Park.

A Staffordshire walk that explores some of the highlights of the northern part of Cannock Chase AONB. The route includes heathland, a section of canal and a walk through Shugborough Park.

This walk explores an attractive area of Staffordshire woodland and heath between Stone and Barlaston. The route includes some excellent views over the surrounding countryside and also further afield into neighbouring Shropshire.

The war memorials on Cannock Chase provide a poignant reminder of our past history. This Staffordshire walk starts from the village of Brocton and offers an intresting insight into the landscape of Cannock Chase whilst visiting the war memorials.

Starting at Marquis Drive, the free parking is perfect for this round trip walk. Crossing beautiful forestry land, this walk is perfect for those who want to capture a glimpse of wildlife but also staying shaded under the tall trees. By having the Visitor centre as the half way point, the café provides the perfect pit stop for a cake and a coffee. After a short walk around the fields of Birches Valley, it’s time to head back. On the walk back you can either veer off to the left of the ponds for a more secluded and quiet walkway (as per this route) or stick to the path you ventured down before. As you get closer to your starting point, there is a steep hill that can take some time if you’re not used to a slightly more strenuous walk. But, once you are at the top, it is time to take in some history and walk the old grounds of the RAF base of Marquis Drive. Signs around the walk tell you all about the base and what used to be in the fields surrounding you.

An ascent of the Wrekin, near Telford, makes an excellent half day walk. This route offers good views over the Shropshire countryside. It must be noted that there are two short but steep sections of ascent onto the main ridge but the views are outstanding on a clear day and worth the effort.

This Shropshire walk takes the direct approach to the summit of the Wrekin near Telford. The views are good especially on clear days and it makes a perfect half day walk.

A stroll through woodland to a historic blast furnace and then a monument with a fine view.

A fine walk with the chance to descend a coal mine or ride a steam train.

Stroll round a National Nature Reserve, featuring a rare bog habitat known as a schwingmoor.

A farmland stroll to a historic house through Wybunbury.

A field walk to a popular local craft centre, returning via the valley of the River Weaver. Warning : The bridge at waypoint 4 is closed. It isn't scheduled to be reopened until 2023. For now we suggest this walk as a return and not as a loop until an alternative is found.

Field and quarry paths up to the famous folly, with superb views in all directions, and a pleasant canalside return.

A wooded stroll with a visit to a rewarding church, passing a stately home (private) and some interesting remnants of its estate.

Locks, bridges and aqueducts on the Trent & Mersey and Macclesfield Canals (with an optional 1-mile extension to their junction).

Never far from the town centre, but with parkland and rural interludes.

Town and country walking with a long stretch alongside a canal feeder in the quiet Churnet valley.

Lakeside walking and superb views.