Acton Trussell And Bednall
Acton Trussell And Bednall
Best attractions and places to see around Acton Trussell And Bednall include a mix of natural landscapes and recreational facilities. The region is characterized by its proximity to Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering extensive forests and river valleys. Visitors can explore a network of trails suitable for various outdoor activities, from walking to mountain biking. Historic features, such as ancient bridges, also contribute to the area's appeal.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Essex Bridge is a historic, Grade I listed packhorse bridge located at the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, England, which crosses the River Trent. Originally built in the 16th century, it is notable as the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain and was constructed for Queen Elizabeth I's use, linking the estate to nearby woodlands. It is one of the oldest bridges in England that has not been altered. The bridge is situated over the River Trent near Great Haywood and is an integral part of the Shugborough Estate, a National Trust property. It was built around 1550 by the Earl of Essex for a visit from Queen Elizabeth I so she could access hunting grounds on the other side of the river. It is the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain, with 14 of its original 40 arches still intact today. The bridge is a Grade I listed monument and is one of the oldest un-altered bridges in England. source: internet
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Great place to ride. It's on my doorstep but definitely worth visiting no matter how far you are away.
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Originally called 'Hangmans stones' installed in 1954. The stones were originally from Stafford Prison where they formed the steps to the prison gatehouse where the condemned prisoners were hanged on the flat roof.
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Essex Bridge is historically significant, dating back to the early 17th century. It was built between 1550 and 1554, making it one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in England. The bridge is situated in a tranquil and scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the natural beauty of the River Trent. It provides a charming view of the river and its surroundings.
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having just been in the area for 3 days and ridden all of these: Perry's blue, a new route post Commonwealth games, from the Birches visitor centre, is suitable for even the newest of MTB'ers - there is nothing technically hard. But there are some really fun berms even for experienced to enjoy and it has some good Red optional diversions as well. Follow the Dog is the next one up - a "light and fruity middling" Red - whilst some sections are steep, some are technical, some are loose/narrow/twisty - none are all 3 are at the same time. Suitable as a first time Red. And finally, Monkey is a proper hard red - some brutal sequential switchback climbs (Lung Buster), adverse camber rocky drops verging to "very dark oaky" red (Tom/Dick/Harry on Original Monkey). And the parts that are actually marked black are verging on Danny MacAskill.... Definitely not one for a first red.
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The starting point for your Cannock Chase trail centre rides! Here you'll find maps of each route as well as crucial trail closures information, as they constantly need upkeep to keep them flowing sweet. Choose between the green-rated gravel road loop around the lakes, the new Perry's Trail blue-rated singletrack, or the red-rated trails Follow The Dog and Monkey Trail, with some very spicy black optional segments.
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Yes, the area offers several family-friendly spots. Sherbrook Stepping Stones is a popular beauty spot in Cannock Chase AONB, loved by families for crossing the Sherbrook. Essex Bridge, a historic packhorse bridge, also provides a scenic and accessible spot for families to enjoy the river surroundings.
The region is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly mountain biking, hiking, and cycling. You can explore a network of trails in Cannock Chase. For hiking, check out the Hiking around Acton Trussell And Bednall guide. For cycling, refer to the Cycling around Acton Trussell And Bednall guide.
Acton Trussell And Bednall is renowned for its mountain biking. The Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead is the main starting point, offering maps and information for various routes. You'll find trails like the Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase, which features varied trails from green to black, and the fast-paced Lower Cliff Trail with jumps and descents.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails, especially within Cannock Chase. For example, the 'Brocton Village loop – Cannock Chase' and 'Hangman's Stepping Stones – Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop from Brocton' are popular easy hikes. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Acton Trussell And Bednall guide.
The area boasts historical significance. Essex Bridge is a historically significant 17th-century packhorse bridge, considered one of the longest in England. The Sherbrook Stepping Stones also have a unique history, originally called 'Hangmans stones' and installed in 1954 using stones from Stafford Prison.
The entire region is part of Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering extensive forests and river valleys. Areas around Sherbrook Stepping Stones are particularly scenic, with the Sherbrook lined with alders. Exploring the various trails through the forests and heathlands provides opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty. Autumn provides stunning foliage in the forests. While some trails are accessible year-round, check local conditions, especially for mountain biking trails, as they may be affected by wet weather.
Many of the outdoor trails and natural areas within Cannock Chase are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and livestock. Always check specific signage at trailheads or attractions for any restrictions. The extensive network of walking paths makes it a great place to explore with your canine companion.
While many attractions are outdoors, some activities can still be enjoyed on a rainy day. Exploring the historical aspects of places like Essex Bridge can be done with appropriate rain gear. Alternatively, the area surrounding Acton Trussell And Bednall has charming villages with pubs and cafes where you can take shelter and enjoy local hospitality.
For attractions within Cannock Chase, such as the mountain biking trails and Sherbrook Stepping Stones, designated car parks are available, often with a small fee. The Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead, for instance, has facilities including parking. For other walks, look for public car parks in nearby villages or designated lay-bys, always ensuring you park responsibly and legally.
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse outdoor experiences, from challenging mountain bike trails to family-friendly walks. The natural beauty of Cannock Chase AONB, with its forests and river valleys, is a major draw. Highlights like the Sherbrook Stepping Stones are especially popular for adding a unique element to walks, and the well-maintained mountain biking trails like the Monkey Trail are highly rated for their fun and technical features.


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