5.25 miles x 2 - 60 minutes x 2
This route can be joined from any point east of Stafford using our Café as a refreshment break or turn round point! It avoids the busy and windy Tixall Road and includes the recently opened Two Waters Way Bridge
Start of Cycle Route 3: The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal can be joined at a number of points leaving Stafford – Baswich, Walton and Brocton. We’ve started our route at the beginning of the Tixall Road [1] in the centre of Stafford. Head out along the Tixall Road and after 0.8 miles you will see on your right the Two Waters Way Bridge [2], a newly opened elevated cycle and walkway.
Cycle to the end of the bridge, cross the road (Baswich Lane) and descend the steps on to the towpath of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal [3]. Head left for a 3-4 mile picturesque ride to Great Haywood.
This canal was designed by James Brindley as part of the Grand Cross linking the Thames, Trent, Severn and Mersey. It was opened in 1772 and became a major trade link for the Potteries and Birmingham to the docks in Bristol. Your journey will take you along the peaceful and meandering canal towpath into a flat and wide stretch known as Tixall Wide. If you look up the hill you can see Tixall Gatehouse (c.1580), the entrance to the now demolished medieval Tixall Manor where Mary Queen of Scots was briefly imprisoned in 1586!
Continue through Tixall Wide to Junction Bridge in Great Haywood, where the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal [4]. Pass under the historic Junction Bridge and then go over it. 50m on, turn left to leave the towpath and go up to the road (Mill Lane). Turn right here, and our Farm is just across the road [5], where you can stop for refreshments and a well deserved rest before returning home!
