18/05/24 - The Clifford Arms, Great Haywood

Varying it up on Cannock Chase and finding a Bass House

Cannock Chase - fine walking country but it can get a bit monotonous.

Cannock Chase, located in Staffordshire, is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that spans about 26 square miles. It features a mix of woodlands, heathlands, and valleys, providing habitats for diverse wildlife, including deer. The area is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding, with well-maintained trails and bridleways. Historical sites include the German War Cemetery and Castle Ring, an Iron Age hill fort. Attractions like Go Ape and the Museum of Cannock Chase offer additional recreational and educational experiences. Conservation efforts are in place to maintain its natural environment and biodiversity.

This route solves any problems with boredom by including beautiful walking along the Sherbrook Valley, a short section of the Trent and Mersey Canal and returning through Shugborough Estate.

Cannock Chase - would be a dull day if it was just this

Walking alongside the Sherbrook - stepping stone crossing later on

Bargelife in the Trent and Mersey Canal

An Adventure Lab Cache provides a break in Great Haywood - a blue plaque cottage where Tolkien lived, a couple of churches and of course, the village local.

A lot to admire in the Clifford Arms - keen pricing, where a drink and a hot beef baguette gave more change from a tenner than a city centre pint. Bass proudly proclaimed as a permanent fixture, along with Timothy Taylor landlord and three other handpulls. A decision would have been needed to be made, should I have not been on pop.

Surprised its not a GBG Pub - even if I didnt test the quality

 A lovely return across a C17th pack horse bridge to follow the Staffordshire Way through the grounds of Shugborough Hall.

Essex Bridge....

.... with the daytrippers

Shugborough Hall, from the Staffordshire Way

Could the walk be improved?  Well, there was an ice-cream van at Milford Common Car Park. I would say "No!"

Walk Details

Distance - 8.5 Miles

Geocaches - 4 and an Adventure Lab Cache

Walk Inspiration - Jarrold 14, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the Heart of England.  Walk 17