Gratwich

Wryley & Essington Canal Local Nature Reserve

Wallington Heath · 17 miles

The waterway that runs through the countryside near Wallington Heath carries the dual identity of a historic canal and a protected green space. Known locally as “the Curly Wyrley”, the stretch of the Wyrley and Essington Canal was formally designated a Local Nature Reserve on 7 May 2008 and is managed by South Staffordshire Council. Its status as a reserve adds a wildlife-focused dimension to a route originally cut to move coal, limestone and other mineral products across the English Midlands. Construction of the canal began after the Birmingham Canal Navigation Act received royal assent on 30 April 1792, authorising a link from the Birmingham Canal near Wolverhampton to Wyrley Bank. The appointed engineer was William Pitt, and the level section to Sneyd Junction opened in November 1794. Subsequent legislation in 1794 extended the line past Lichfield to Huddlesford Junction and added branches to the Hay Head Limeworks and various coal pits. While the original main line reached Ogley Junction near Brownhills, parts of the network are now derelict and the navigable section terminates at that point. The canal’s historic role in supplying cheap coal to Lichfield and supporting local collieries and ironworks remains evident in the landscape that now supports the nature reserve. Visitors can locate the reserve using Wallington Heath as a reference point; the council’s stewardship began with the 2008 designation. No admission charge or visitor facilities are recorded in the supplied material, so access is governed by the general rights of way that apply to the canal corridor.

Rising Brook Community Green Space

Rowley Park · 9.3 miles

This open space alongside the A449 Rising Brook stretching between West Way and Hesketh Road is now being managed by the local community action group with the support of Streetscene from Stafford Borough Council

The Hopestone

Foxt · 11 miles

Natural gritstone outcrop thought to be the source of the name of Ipstones (upper stone, yppe stone or hope stone). Strange circular depressions of an unknown origin are present in the top surface.

Eccleshall Castle

Eccleshall · 12 miles

Site of former castle

Butter Cross

Basford Green · 13 miles

Early medieval stone cross, traditionally used as a place for buying and selling, standing at the intersection of two footpaths in Cheddleton.

Deep Hayes Country Park

Wall Grange · 14 miles

Large, attractive country park with a mixture of woodland, pasture and pools. Many paths of varying difficulty. Ample free parking and toilets on site.