Hixrug one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Hixrug here.

I walked from Hixon to Rugeley. The first two miles was a repeat of the first walk of the day Stahix so that’s when I left the village by road and discovered the shops. The road has a pavement passing the church then turning towards the railway there is no pavement, this road could be busy on a work day, I walked it on a quiet Saturday. Steps over the high footbridge over the railway which in compensation offers a pleasant view northwards.

The main road can be busy but is safe to cross with care then we are on the canal towpath which the information boards states “The towing path has been restored to a high standard”. That was in 1996, how quickly it reverts to mud. Lots of moored boats on the off side and Hoo Mill lock add interest along this stretch.

A farm shop and cafe at Great Haywood and a view of the junction with it’s huge finger post and gently arched bridge, perhaps the best view from the road bridge on this route. There is mostly a pavement into the village except under the rail bridge and a short stretch so care is needed by us and consideration by motorists.

We pass the village shop and post office but miss the Clifford Arms because we head up School Lane, signed as such. The route twists and turns through housing before entering fields, the plot here is incorrect, take the green area then along the back of houses. I’d be happy to take Back Lane into Little Haywood but we don’t.

The Lamb and Flag had scaffold and a sign advertising ‘For sale’ but the latter was former retail unit and the inn was traditional and pleasant. The link back to the canal was via a narrow bridge under the railway and one that showed signs of recent flooding. The original pedestrian level crossing of the railway is long closed passing the safety of walkers from railway to motorists.

While I enjoyed the section of countryside offered by this route I do feel that with the issues raised and the unnecessary climb, if services are not required it would be best to stay on the canal towpath which retains the option to dive into Great or Little Haywood if you wish.

Back on the canal the towpath is unimproved so can be muddy and narrow. We pass Colwich lock and head on for Wolseley Bridge where we join the road. There is a pavement of sorts and the road crossing needs extra care. The footpath climbs gently up Chapel Hill and offers good views over the Trent Valley. Although a little longer it is possible to stay on the canal as a level route into Rugeley.

Locals, I guess, had marked out a path across a huge arable field to meet a road on the edge of the town then it’s roads and ginnels (if that’s what they are called in these parts). A huge bridge takes us over a road that was the by pass but has now been by passed so a direct crossing of the road may no longer be an issue but is not an option.

Closer to the town my old map marks a school, now a site awaiting redevelopment. While it all looked a bit twisty turning it was surprisingly straightforward leading me to the pleasant town centre meeting point close to the bus station.

A model Slow Way. Direct, varied and well served with potential stops. Mostly very safe, but some care is needed crossing the roads around the Wolseley Centre and passing under the railway bridge in Little Haywood. There are steps and stiles so not totally accessible. Quite rich with nature. A walk I really enjoyed.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.