Penrug four

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

From The centre of Rugeley this was a good varied route with field, woodland, towpaths and moor paths to take you to Penkridge.

The only small issue (as others have mentioned) is the section running parallel to the Camp Road. it was very brambly and I’m not sure how clear the path will be in summer.

But apart from this, along with the multiple refreshment and toilet stops, this is a solid four star route.

The initial route out of Rugeley to Cannock chase was slightly confusing in places as it had been moved from the original OS marked route, but it was pretty obvious on the ground. One bit of the path at Hagley Park had a bit of a river overflowing it, but we managed to get across with dry feet.
Cannock Chase was lovely, with wide easy forest paths. It was quite busy, this being a Saturday, but we had no problems at the visitor centre nor with getting some lunch at Springslade Lodge.
Bednall Belt Plantation had wonderful views west to The Wrekin, Long Mynd, and even some of the Welsh hills. However, the paths were a bit multiple in places through the bracken and some brambles. It was fine at the start of April, but I’m not sure how it would be in summer and autumn. Then there was a nice path and quiet roads into the very pretty, sleepy village of Bednall.
The Staffordshire Way took us through some woodlands along a path made of planks – potentially a bit slippery, but welcome because of the boggy, but pretty flower-filled ground. It then crossed arable fields on good paths where we saw a herd of deer. The last section along the canal was straightforward and pleasant, although a bit muddy.
Overall a varied and enjoyable route.

A safe, enjoyable if not terrifically direct route. Mainly footpath and some towpath using The Heart of England Way and Staffordshire Way in sections. In order to incorporate a tea shop (where we stopped for an excellent lunch) the route deviates from the Heart of England Way, which it had been following. The paths between there where it meets up with the Staffordshire Way took some concentration to follow and might possibly be gated off at times. The section of the walk that took us from The Chase into Penkridge threw up some lovely sections of walking. Overall a good walk, but could be tweaked to be better.

Walked from Rugeley to Penkridge as a group.This is a good reasonably direct route,using bridleways footpaths and a section of canal towpath(staffs and worcs canal) Some sections were muddy,but generally the route was good underfoot,However one small section of path running parallel to Camp road was difficult to follow and in the summer could present a problem (when the bracken brambles etc start to grow)Plenty of interesting places to look at on route and two refreshment stops if needed(Cannock chase)No obstructions or issues and fairly well served by public transport at either end of the route.

Walked from Rugeley to Penkridge as a group (with Lynn, Mary, David, Ken and John). A very enjoyable walk. The only part that stopped me giving it the full five stars was the section along the edge of Cannock Chase north of Springslade Lodge where the paths are indistinct and rather overgrown. Most of the route is surfaced, but there are some slightly muddy sections.

From the meeting point at Rugeley we head west, using the pelican crossing to cross Elmore Lane and go past the pool in Elmore Park, crossing Western Springs Way on another pelican crossing to pick up the Heritage Way path/cycle track which follows Rising Brook. Note that where the right of way crosses the upper field diagonally the path on the ground stays near the brook, and splits just below Dutton's Pool.

We take the right fork which leads us past the pool up to the pub at Slitting Mill. We take the pavement left, then use the verge for a short distance to find a well used track right into the wood (the edge of the Cannock Chase access land). At the next junction we turn left along a good track that follows a twisting course (crossed by a number of BMX cycle tracks) to reach the first of the Stony Brook Pools.

Shortly beyond we come to a T junction where we turn right, following the wide track past more small lakes before tending left and uphill to reach the road (Marquis's Drive). Here we turn right (anyone needing the toilets or the cafe at the car park (or wanting to visit the military hut) should use the second path left).

We follow the road out to where it crosses Brindley Road, then go straight on along another well used track. This is forced right a couple of times by fire breaks but takes a fairly straight path onto the open higher part of the Chase, passing the Katyn memorial to reach Camp Road, which we cross and pass or stop at the Springslade Cafe. We follow the road down past the cafe then take a smaller track right uphill to a junction where we go sharp left to reach another forest road, where we go right a short distance to find a path left that goes through an open gate into an area of grassland, brambles and sparse trees. This area is crisscrossed by indistinct paths so it is easy to go slightly off course, but equally easy to find a way forward as long as the vegetation is not too high - the field edges will tell you if you are too far left.

Eventually we reach a clear path where we turn left along the Staffordshire Way. At the main road we cross and go right and left down Joyce's Lane, which leads to Bednall. In front of the church we turn left down School Lane, which we follow towards the farms before taking the signposted right turn, crossing a field, then going through a wood on double planked duck boards to reach Teddesley Park, a large open field.

The clear wide path goes further north than the right of way line, and skirts round the far right (north west) corner of the field, then crosses another field on a well marked line to reach the bridge over the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal. The towpath is accessed through a gate just right/north of the bridge, and it leads easily under the M6 and into Penkridge. At Cannock Road we leave the canal on an obvious ramped path and turn right, then right again at Market Street to reach the meeting point on Clay Street.

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