The best walks and hikes around Stafford

Yes, many trails in the Stafford area are great for walking with dogs. Places like The Stepping Stones and Hanchurch Woods are popular with dog walkers, offering plenty of space and woodland paths to explore. Just be mindful of local signage, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock.

For a family outing, The Stepping Stones is an excellent choice with its combination of woodland paths and the fun feature of the stones themselves. Another great option is National Trust - Downs Banks, which offers picturesque, manageable trails and a stream that's often a hit with children.

Stafford is surrounded by beautiful woodlands. Hanchurch Woods is a local favourite, known for its extensive network of tracks suitable for both walking and birding. For a quieter experience, you could explore Duddas Wood, a lovely spot with plenty to see, though parking is limited.

The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal offers miles of flat, easy-to-follow towpath walks. A great starting point is Loynton Moss, a nature reserve with a path that connects directly to the Norbury canal junction, allowing you to enjoy both wetland scenery and the peaceful canal environment.

The region is ideal for beginners, with over 50 easy trails. Most canal towpaths, like the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal path, are flat and simple to navigate. The main trails at National Trust - Downs Banks are also well-maintained and offer a gentle introduction to woodland and heathland walking without being too strenuous.

Several local walking spots offer free parking. For example, Loynton Moss has a small, free car park right off the main road, providing excellent access to the nature reserve and nearby canal. Be aware that other popular locations like Downs Banks and Duddas Wood have very limited parking, so arriving early is recommended.

Many trails in the Staffordshire countryside can be planned to pass through villages with traditional pubs. While we don't have a specific route with a pub, you can easily plan a circular walk starting from a village or one that loops back to a starting point near a town. For example, a walk around the area of The Stepping Stones could be routed to finish near a local pub in the surrounding villages.

Stafford is conveniently located for exploring larger walking areas. Cannock Chase AONB is just a short drive south and offers a vast area of forest and heathland with numerous trails. The southern edge of the Peak District National Park is also accessible, typically within an hour's drive, opening up more challenging and dramatic landscapes.

Locals and visitors have several favourite spots for hiking. Some of the most highly-regarded include:

• National Trust - Downs Banks: A picturesque area of protected heath and woodland with great views and walking trails.
• Hanchurch Woods: Very popular for its varied tracks through the forest, attracting walkers, birdwatchers, and bikers.
• The Stepping Stones: A lovely spot for a shorter walk through woodlands, especially popular with families and dog walkers.
• Loynton Moss: A quieter nature reserve that offers peaceful walks and connects to the local canal system.

There are over 70 designated hiking routes to explore around Stafford on komoot. The vast majority of these are rated as easy, making the area very accessible, but there are also about 15 moderate trails for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful canal towpaths and dense woodlands of Hanchurch Woods to the open heathland found at places like Downs Banks. The accessibility and well-maintained paths are also frequently mentioned.