Best walks in Staffordshire

In between discovering the best things to see and do in Staffordshire, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the county is to explore on foot. 

With a huge variety of landscapes and seemingly endless choice of trails to discover, it’s the perfect way to slow down, re-connect with nature, and return from your getaway feeling more rejuvenated than ever. 

Whether you’re an avid hiker looking for a challenging full day outdoors, or prefer a short stroll to get your daily dose of fresh air, walking in Staffordshire promises everything from tranquil, nature-filled woodland walks and up-hill hikes with panoramic views to unique heritage sites.

Stepping Stones, Cannock Chase 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.8 miles 

Best for: Family friendly

England’s smallest National Landscape, Cannock Chase is a former royal hunting forest with well-maintained pathways through 26 square miles of leafy woodland and heathland. 

The Stepping Stones trail is a family favourite, popular with both walkers and cyclists. Meander through the trees, keeping an eye out for birds and squirrels along the way. You’ll also pass the Fairoaks Pools, a tranquil spot home to ducks and swans. 

Towards the end of the trail, navigate the stepping stones to cross the stream, or follow the pathway to head back the way you came. 

Doxey Marshes, Stafford  

Difficulty: Easy 

Distance: 4 miles (but easy to make shorter)

Best for: Birdwatching

If you’re staying near Stafford, Doxey Marshes is a watery oasis on the edge of the town and one of the best places in Staffordshire for birdwatching. Over 200 bird species have been spotted there, including nationally important populations of lapwing, snipe, and redshank. Nature lovers will be delighted to discover the marshes are also home to a population of otters. 

There are around 4 miles of trails to explore; however, you can always opt for a shorter route. It’s worth calling ahead for access to the bird hides, which give the best opportunity for avian observation. And remember, if there’s been recent rain, you’ll want to bring your wellies!  

National Trust Downs Banks

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.5 miles

Best for: Family-friendly dog walk 

If you fancy a quick stroll, Downs Banks reveals a little cocoon of woodland running alongside a babbling stream. We love this one as a pleasant, shorter route as it’s both pushchair and dog-friendly. There’s plenty of space for dogs to go off-lead or splash in the water in the middle of the journey too. 

Children will love hopping over the stepping stones and seeing cattle grazing in the fields. Plus, there’s easy access from the National Trust car park. 

Dimmingsdale 

Difficulty: Easy 

Distance: 3.8 miles 

Best for: Woodland haven

If you’re seeking peacefulness, the broad, wooded walkways of Dimmingsdale place the world on pause. 

Start at the car park, before crossing over the Lord’s Bridge and making your way through dense woodland, where the only sound is that of birds singing in the trees or the trickle of the River Churnet. Along the way, you’ll see the valley’s chained oak tree, shrouded in myth and legend, courtesy of the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury. 

After heading down a quiet lane, the return route sees you follow another stream, through a pine-clad valley peppered with wildflowers in the spring. 

Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale 

Difficulty: Hard 

Distance: 1.25 miles 

Best for: Panoramic views

The scenic valley of Dovedale is one of the Peak District’s most popular beauty spots, where steep, grassy limestone ravines line the waterways of the River Dove. 

Start at the car park and make your way past the stepping stones before beginning the climb up the 287 metre limestone hill (Thorpe Cloud), formed hundreds of millions of years ago at the bottom of the seabed. 

The route is steep, with uneven ground and a bit of a scramble at the top, so decent footwear is a must. After around 30 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas over the stunning Dovedale landscape. 

The Roaches, Peak District  

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7 miles 

Best for: A taste of wilderness

With its towering rock faces and wild heather-clad cliffs, The Roaches offer a dramatic way to discover the Peak District National Park. Our favourite route takes you past Lud’s Church, a natural chasm carved into the gritstone bedrock. 

Park outside the entrance to The Roaches then follow the track uphill past Doxey Pool, known by local legend as the home of a water spirit. After taking in the views over undulating farmland and mountains, you’ll loop back into Forest Wood. Here, a deep cave-like chasm with lush green walls will fill you with wonder. Next, head along the river, before making your way back to The Roaches and your car. 

Three Shires Head, Peak District  

Difficulty: 3.8 miles

Distance: Moderate 

Best for: Magical waterfalls

A beautiful route immersed in nature, Three Shires Head suits outdoor enthusiasts of all generations for immersive walks in the wilds. Highlights include a river rope swing, magical waterfalls, and a series of fairy pools for swimming on clement days. 

Park in The Roaches car park and wander over a footbridge across a narrow stream to follow the route through luscious fields and beyond. A well-marked path will lead you through an idyllic valley, before leading you to Three Shires Head and a series of pretty waterfalls. 

Take a picnic and swimwear with you to make the most of the setting, before crossing the bridge and following the river back to the public footpaths. 

Biddulph Grange Country Park 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.5 miles 

Best for: Ornate gardens 

A masterpiece of Victorian garden design, a stroll through Biddulph Grange Country Park includes a quirky fusion of global inspiration and plant species. 

Built into the side of a valley, narrow gravel paths take you past Egyptian pyramids and the China Garden with oriental architecture and plants. The Italian Garden features pretty terraces, ornamental statues, and a grand pavilion, while the Himalayan Glen overflows with colour with blooming rhododendron and dahlia collections. 

Perfect for a day out with the children thanks to the plentiful amenities and playfulness of the design, Biddulph Grange Country Park also appeals to those looking for an easy walk with plenty to stop and look at. 

Kinver Edge 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4 miles 

Best for: Unique history 

Famous for its unusual rock houses carved into sandstone cliffs, Kinver Edge was inhabited by cave-dwelling families until the mid-1900s. Today, these preserved homes are a fascinating attraction in the south of Staffordshire, with the surrounding heathland and woodland landscapes also making for gorgeous places to walk. 

Start at the Kinver Edge car park and follow the waymarked path to the caves, then continue through woodland and a series of kissing gates. Next, the route takes you to Kinver Edge summit where there are beautiful far-reaching views, before reaching Nanny’s Rock, a 17th-century cave house with etchings on the walls.  

Staffordshire Way 

Difficulty: Difficult 

Distance: 92 miles 

Best for: Multi-day hiking 

For the ultimate exploration of Staffordshire on foot, the Staffordshire Way spans the length of the county from Mow Cop to Kinver Edge. Typically completed as a multi-day hike over 7 days, it promises a breathtaking challenge.

Those willing to take on the walk start amongst the rugged landscapes of the Peak District, before meandering south through Staffordshire and over the border into Worcestershire.

The Staffordshire Way encapsulates many of the other walks in this guide, passing through verdant woodland, countryside landscapes, manicured parkland, and mighty sandstone ridges.

National Trust Shugborough Estate 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.5 miles 

Best for: Heritage walk 

Combining sweeping parkland, serene woodland, manicured gardens, and a number of extravagant monuments, National Trust Shugborough Estate combines both beauty and heritage. 

For a manageable circular walk, start at the car park and follow the path south, passing by Hadrian's Arch, Cat's Monument, Shepherd's Monument, Shugborough Hall, and Tower of the Winds. Keep an eye out for free-roaming deer along the way, while enjoying the far-reaching views. 

As well as the estate’s grand Georgian mansion, this National Trust site also offers plenty of amenities, including parking, toilets, and a café for refuelling with delicious treats. 

Where to stay in Staffordshire 

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape, where you can truly step back from the rhythm of the everyday, our unique Staffordshire hideaways nestled in nature promise the most soul-stirring moments. 

Browse our hideaways, including a quirky octagonal gatehouse oozing with rustic charm, a cosy cabin with a wood-fired hot tub, and romantic woodland bolthole complete with an outdoor bath, and recharge body and mind.