Burlic two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

The exit from Burntwood or Chase Terrace really has no choice but follow the wide pavement of the main road. Evidence of early ribbon development makes for a varied scene while the map shows later development behind which offers little if any parallel route, good to avoid rat runs but no thought for walking routes.

We spot Prince's Park opposite the church at Burntwood Green, this must have a claim for the smallest park. The path across a paddock strewn with electric fencing is perhaps best avoided, making an end on approach to the green Woodhouse Lane instead. This offers the first stretch of off road walking and is popular with locals.

A short section of fairly quiet road with no pavement, but a busy cycle touring route. Back in the fields we are now on a footpath, fenced in at times and offering some uncertainty as we approached the redeveloped Edial Farm. 'Please Close the Gate' offers the only assurance that we can open it and proceed.

Meeting the road into Lichfield at Sandyway confirms this has been easy ground to walk over with little or no mud on route, although it had been a dry January.

The final road side walk was improved by the company of Hugh and the cycle lane road marking which encouraged passing traffic to allow an additional space between them and the pavement.

Walked from Burntwood to Lichfield. A sound direct route - the middle part is very enjoyable and well used, but the amount of road walking at both ends loses a star.

The route is clear and mostly very easy to follow, Leaving the meeting point at Sankey's Corner, we head east along the rather noisy A5190 (Bridge Cross Road and Cannock Road) for some distance. At a little roundabout we turn left up Rugeley Road, then turn right along Church Road, which ends between the tiny Prince's Park and the red brick church. Here we turn right and take the path across the next field (it is probably easier to miss out this short poorly signed path which has stiles at both ends and a maze of possibly electric fences to negotiate, since the bridleway it joins starts just a few yards further down Farewell Lane. So farewell Burntwood, and along the lane which is popular with local dog walkers. We turn right along Woodhouses Road and then straight on past Edail Farm onto a clearly marked and well used field path with more stiles.Just before the far side of a large field we take another well used path right which leads easily to Walsall Road (the only route finding issue is that most people seem to follow the near edge of the last field rather than the right of way line which is obstructed by a fallen telegraph pole and has no footpath sign. The rest of the route into Lichfield is easy, straight on into the centre then right along Bird Street to the meeting point at Lichfield City station.

I walked this route from Lichfield. The first section is past some very historic buildings including the 15th century St Johns Hospital (1). Following the pavement of the often busy Upper St John Street to where it becomes the quieter semi pedestrianised Bird Street you then turn left into Sandford Street (2) to start your journey west. The route out of Lichfield follows the pavement of Walsall Road past Festival Park and then along the main road. I considered this compared to the lanes of Burlic one. There is undoubtedly more traffic this way, but it is travelling more slowly and not trying to share the same space as you! Just before getting to the Three Tuns Pub there is a turn right into the fields. You then cross these fields (3) and join the track, the view back to Lichfield is lovely (5). Having passed Pipe Grange you continue along the path but then take the fork to the right (leaving the Brolic route!) The path ahead is straight, and very well marked (7). You have views of the village of Hammerwich to your left. The path becomes a track (8) and this joins the only bit of a lane walking required as you join Woodhouse Road (9) for about 150m. You turn left into a bridleway, Woodhouse Lane (10, 11 and 12) which takes you to the edge of Burntwood. The only slight issue I had with this route was the fact that a footpath across a field cuts a corner before you get to the end of the lane so I missed it first time. The field has a variety of animals and it appeared to be fenced off but in reality it was the modern form of temporary fence (wire/tape) which can be removed and then replaced with a clip. Emerging at the other side you are now on Farewell Lane, where at the top you pass the UK's smallest public park Princes Park (13) and Christchurch (14). It's all pavement from here, along Church Road, left into Rugeley Road and then right into Cannock Road which takes you up a gentle slope to your destination (15). Safe, direct, offroad, easy to follow and beautiful. 5/5.

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