Stosta two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 75.00% of reviewers

This was a potentially great route, which I walked most of, starting from Stafford. Sadly though, I couldn’t cross the River Trent at Burston (marked FB on the map) because the river had completely dislodged the metal footbridge. My pictures show how it was on 1st February 2024. Mike and Ken have both included pictures of this bridge as it was previously, and hopefully will be again. In addition, the wooden footbridge at grid ref SJ 93053 30003 (a tiny distance to the south) had lost a bit of its foundation, although it still felt stable enough for me to use.
I diverted along the Two Saints Way, and have uploaded my route as StoSta Three.
PLEASE, if you find out that the metal footbridge has been repaired and reinstated, post a comment to that effect against this review. I will then receive an email notification, and will edit my review from fail to pass. Thanks!.

A good walk in three parts. From Stone a pleasant waterside walk along the popular canal towpath. Approaching Stafford it's a cycle path along a old rail route offering easy walking. Linking the two is a series of field paths, mostly pasture so some cattle possible. No facilities along the way so go prepared. An accurate plot so no navigation issues.

I walked from Stone, the path link to the canal is narrow, fenced and has a stepped bridge over the railway so a road route might be better and would offer shops to stock up for the service free route. Once on the towpath the surface starts good with a bit of heritage cobbles but the surface does eventually become a well walked field path. There were lots of boats, moored and moving to add interest and lots of folk, most offering a friendly greeting as we passed.

The field section was my favourite part. The paths were not well used but it was easy to follow with bridges and stiles present but needing care. One stile north of Woodhill Farm is not on the path as shown on OS, it's further south east. It was mostly silage grass awaiting harvest so it was fortunate it was dry, after cutting there could be cattle. The short sections of lane or road was quiet or had a pavement.

The cycle track has a bonded wide surface and again was busy with bikes and walkers, the surroundings were not special but there was adequate greenery to screen it. The route approaches the city centre raised above the Doxey Marshes and crosses the River Sow which we then follow on the edge of a park. The best entry into a town I used recently so all in all a great Slow Way.

I walked this route from Stafford to Stone.

After a very short stretch of road walking, there's a long bit along a former railway line. It was surprisingly varied, with plenty to see and enjoy along the way.

Crossing Beaconside is a bit dicey, but I didn't have to wait long for a break in traffic. Then comes a long stretch through fields. It was pretty typical field walking - some slight differences in where gates and paths were in real life from where they were mapped, etc. But it was all safe and reasonably navigable.

The final stretch, along the Trent and Mersey Canal, is totally lovely and pleasant.

Overall, a great route.

Starting by following the River Sow through Victoria Park, it's really great start. You leave and have to cross a couple of roads to get to the Isabel Trail (an old railway). This is one of only two major road crossings throughout the entire walk. The Isabel Way itself is a really pleasant offroad way to cross Stafford. At the end, a set of wooden steps take you up to street level, where a pedestrian lane and bike lane, run parallel to the A513. You have to cross the A513 (the last major crossing of the walk) which can be done fairly easily but does need care. There's a short bit of pavement along the B5066 but then you join a series of tracks, footpaths and lanes to take you across country. You are aware of a gentle climb, as look around you become aware of some fantastic views, even as far as the Wrekin! The descent into the Trent Valley is across a number of quiet fields and is easy to follow. As you get nearer the River Trent, the fields become wetter and as I got closer to Burston I encountered a herd of cows who seemed incredibly keen to get close to me. To my relief, I got to the other side of the stile with no incident, but this was a slight blemish on the walk. I've walked various routes between Stafford and Stone and avoiding cows is down to luck rather than planning. Having crossed the Trent via a footbridge at Burston, you join the Trent and Mersey Canal which you follow all the way to Stone. If you need refreshment you can make a detour to the Greyhound Pub in Burston, which is not far. Stone seems to be making an effort to prettify its stretch of the canal with artwork. There is a M&S supermarket by the canal and a pub as you get into Stone although if you wanted you could divert to the town centre easily for other options. The route leaving the canal takes you across the railway by footbridge, to the meeting place outside the station. Overall this was a really enjoyable Slow Way and even despite the cows I'll give it 5 stars!.

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