Stahix one

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I haven't walked the whole route, but started today from the Weeping Cross area of Stafford. However, I regularly walk or cycle along the path by the River Sow from the town centre, although recently the path has been partially closed due to tree felling. The only bit I haven't yet walked is the footpath off Fairway by the river (I normally use the shared use path adjacent to where the St Modwen houses are being built, which joins the canal further on - this would also be suitable for Stahix 1). I will update this review when I have checked that bit out - there are sometimes cows by the footpath which puts me off going there with my dog.

From the Walton-on-the-Hill area there is a very popular footpath that goes over fields via Jacob's Ladder to Lazar Lane (photo 1), then a bridleway to the main road (photo 2). Then it's a walk along Milford Common, before crossing the A513 to the bridleway just after the vehicular entrance to Shugborough. A bit of steep uphill here. At the top by the Severn Trent reservoirs in the Satnall Hills it can be a little confusing, as in addition to the official bridleways and footpaths there are quite a few smaller 'desire' paths. However, head east/northeast and you should be fine. It's lovely woodland walking in a quiet bit of Cannock Chase.

At the bottom of the hill by the main road (A513), there is a gate (see photo 4) - grid ref 985211. Go through this into the Shugborough estate rather than walking along the main road. This then leads to the bridleway through Shugborough, which crosses the Essex bridge. Then it's easy walking along the canal before crossing bridge 77. Then cross the main road, over the railway line, a bit of not very exciting footpath through an industrial estate, and along the pavement by the road into Hixon.

There are public toilets at Milford Common and Shugborough. There is a nice cafe and farm shop at Canalside Farm, Great Haywood.

If I walked from town, I would vary the route slightly. I would either stay on the canal towpath as far as Walton Bridge, then take the footpath up Green Gore Lane to cross the A513 and go up School Lane, which leads to the footpath over the fields to Milford via Jacob's Ladder. Alternatively, I would leave the canal at the footpath that leads up to Falmouth Avenue and then take the short footpath from Stockton Lane over the field to Bluebell Hollow and then onto the A513 up to Kitlings Lane or School Lane. Either of these would be preferable to walking along Baswich Lane and through lots of residential streets. There are quite a few possible variations as there are a lot of footpaths in this area.

At some point the route will be affected by HS2 (see final two photos).

All in all, an easy, pleasant and mostly flat walk. I would just change the beginning of the route. It could be combined with Stahix 2 for a long circular walk.

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