I took a look at the horse pasture David mentions but retreated and chose to use the farm drive instead....

Hugh Hudson

The only section I might have changed would be in Brewood, where it stops following the Staffordshire Way....

David Sanderson

There had been a bridge strike just as we reached the section alongside the motorway (Bridge 81 Otherton Lane) but this will no doubt be repaired shortly. The road at OS Grid Ref: SJ 90391 09312 was completely flooded, but we managed to edge along the embankment and stay dry....

Mary Oz

I’ve corrected this on CodPen Two, by staying on the canal longer anyway and also not having to walk alongside the busy A449....

Mary Oz

The route follows the cycle path on the towpath, rather than the Staffordshire Way, which runs parallel on the other side of a fence. The route requires you rejoin the Staffordshire Way where there is no join....

David Sanderson

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....

Lynn Jackson

Paths on the ground do not always align with OS and some paths used are through access land so again no path on the map, follow the plotted route and all will be well. The path has a good surface all the way to meet the road south of Slitting Mill where our route makes a safe direct crossing into the access land of Cannock Chase onto another well surfaced signed track. From here our route has a short challenging section through the access land of Bednall Belt Plantation to the west of the road. You may choose Penrug-4 to avoid the stiles and field paths to enter Bednall by road....

Ken

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. Then there was a nice path and quiet roads into the very pretty, sleepy village of Bednall....

Mary Oz

Originally failed for photo below. But since fixed. Flag removed...

David Sanderson

Mainly footpath and some towpath using The Heart of England Way and Staffordshire Way in sections....

David Sanderson

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....

J w ollid

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). 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. 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....

Hugh Hudson

We were planning to walk this route yesterday from Rugeley to Penkridge, and followed most of it, but we found an issue that currently blocks it, and as a result we explored other alternatives and found a different route into the Cannock Chase access land (see PENRUG 4)....

Hugh Hudson

Walk along the canal in Penkridge is a nice start if a bit of road noise from the M6....

Eddie Jones

Route seemed to mainly follow the road from here towards Penkridge so followed a different route via Fairoak Pools and Brindley Heath for a more scenic option....

Eddie Jones

Safe, easy to follow and deceptively direct. Pavement, towpath, country lane, and a brief section of field. Stiles and steps....

David Sanderson

Crossing the A5 can be tricky and there's also a road crossing at Hatherton which requires caution....

David Sanderson

This would probably be a four star route were it not for the road walking on the B5012 Cannock Road near Pillaton, which I would not fail as a dangerous, but would certainly describe as requiring caution. The first section of the walk along Stafford Road is safe, but not very interesting....

David Sanderson

Having walked sections of it I can confirm that the Church Lane is a horrendous section of road to have to try and walk. It's a main road with no pavement and a blind corner. Too dangerous...

David Sanderson

It's a gorgeous route; it's safe, direct, and off-road; it's extremely pleasant; and it was surprisingly joyful (for someone who doesn't love canal walking). Full marks....

mtormey

There are pavements passing shops and pubs throughout Penkridge and the route joins the canal at the earliest possible occasion. The towpath of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal takes you most of the route....

David Sanderson

The last section of the walk, alongside the river, past some shops and pub, and through Victoria Park was pleasant and interesting and mostly car-free....

Mary Oz

I personally prefer quiet walks, so didn’t enjoy sections walking along main roads, and there is also a short section that follows a very busy but narrow country road that I did not feel safe to walk on....

Sarah Roberts

FP through Bickford Grange Farm is obstructed at both ends with dumped rubble and soil, passable with some care....

Margaret

The road from Pottal Pool to the junction with Cannock Rd is heavily trafficked with frequent large lorries. There is no verge to walk on and a Slow Wayer has indicated that this road is dangerous for pedestrians....

Slow Ways Cristie

The road from Pottal Pool to the junction with Cannock Rd is heavily trafficked with frequent large lorries. There is no verge to walk on and I think this road is dangerous for pedestrians...

Margaret