The best walks and hikes around Ellenhall
4.6
(153)
1,293
hikers
102
hikes
Hiking around Ellenhall offers access to a network of public footpaths through classic English countryside. The region features a gentle terrain composed of pastoral fields, quiet woodlands, and paths alongside bodies of water such as Cop Mere and the River Sow. This landscape provides a tranquil setting for various levels of fitness, with many accessible paths.
Best hiking trails around Ellenhall
- The most popular hiking route is The Boat Inn – Norbury Junction loop from Gnosall, a 5.8 mile…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.3
(3)
28
hikers
9.41km
02:26
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
10.2km
02:40
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
7
hikers
10.4km
02:42
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
22.5km
05:45
70m
70m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
hikers
14.6km
03:51
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely old Joules pub, steeped in history. The Royal Oak is a quintessential coaching inn of the 1900s which provided substantial stabling and accommodation for travellers. Its story dates back even further than the coaching inn era, the origins of the building can be seen in the attics; the central chimney may even pre-date the ancient timbers. The attics, long abandoned reveal a set of small eerie servants rooms with no natural light. With lath and lime plaster and small oak framed door openings, these rooms evidence an ancient building and suggest the Royal Oak was a substantial inn well before the old toll roads. The Inn’s name also suggests royalist loyalty at the time of the English civil war which explains the rumour of a tunnel leading from the cellars to Gaol Butts nearby. The cellars are certainly ancient; old stone and arched and do reveal an intriguing closed passage. The coaching era heralded a major change of the Oak, in the early 1800’s the arches would have been added and the attics abandoned in favour of extensions to the pub including the coaching stables and the fine assembly rooms. In Victorian times, the inn was radically changed again, staircases and internal toilets added and rooms amalgamated and the introduction of a bar servery. Before this it is likely the inn would not have had a servery – just ale in jugs poured straight from the cask in the cellar.
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A ‘proper’ country pub, it’s a lovely old country pub, served by a friendly landlady. Open evenings Mon - Thu & day time - Fri-Sun Bar snacks such as scotch eggs, pork pies and sausage rolls.
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A fabulous bakery & cafe selling homemade bread & cakes, and a lovely breakfast menu.
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Gateway to Gnosall. Plardiwick Bridge. Bridge No 36 on the Shropshire Union Canal.
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One of the Norbury Boulders, originally transported by glacier from Scotland some 20,000 years ago, then the final 2 miles from nearby Gorse Farm rather more recently by low-loader. It's part of a linked walk past fiver boulders, the Norbury Millennium Boulder Trail. This one is the biggest, and shows dark 'xenoliths', fragments of the magna chamber wall incorporated into the granite as it solidified 400 million years ago.
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A lovely and friendly Joules (wet) pub Ye Olde Rose and Crown was built around 1830, but the extensive cellar with an arched ceiling are substantially older, forming part of the original ale house. We restored this cosy, characterful quintessential ‘hole in the wall pub’ in 2011. Revealing original panelling which lay hidden for years, wide oak board flooring and a commission for the biggest Joule’s etched mirror, depicting an original design for Joule’s Slumbering Monk. https://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/our-taphouses/ye-olde-rose-crown/
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The Ancient High House is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country which once dominated the skyline of Stafford. Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber framed building is reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Tudor period. https://www.historicstafford.co.uk/whatson-venue/ancient-high-house/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Ellenhall?
Ellenhall offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 100 routes available. These range from easy strolls through gentle terrain to more moderate and challenging paths, ensuring options for various fitness levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Ellenhall?
The landscape around Ellenhall is characterized by picturesque rural scenery. You'll find paths winding through pastoral fields, quiet woodlands, and alongside bodies of water such as Cop Mere and the River Sow. The terrain is generally gentle, making it accessible for many hikers.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly hiking routes in Ellenhall?
Yes, Ellenhall is well-suited for beginners and those looking for easy walks. Many paths are easily accessible and feature minimal elevation gain. Routes originating from Norbury Junction, such as the The Boat Inn – Norbury Junction loop from Gnosall, are typically easy and can be completed in under two and a half hours.
Are there any circular walks around Ellenhall?
Yes, many of the routes around Ellenhall are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Norbury Wharf Ltd – Norbury Junction loop from Gnosall is a popular circular path that explores the Staffordshire countryside and canal-side scenery.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see while hiking in Ellenhall?
While hiking, you can explore historical elements and natural beauty. St. Mary's Church, a Grade II listed building with Norman architecture, is located on a natural mound in the hamlet. Nearby attractions include Eccleshall Castle, and you might pass highlights like Workhouse Bridge or St Michael and All Angels Church on some routes.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails in the Ellenhall area?
Most public footpaths and trails around Ellenhall are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the rural landscape with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code.
Can I find a pub for refreshments after a hike in Ellenhall?
Yes, Ellenhall and the surrounding area offer options for post-hike refreshments. The Royal Oak in Ellenhall is a traditional English pub. Additionally, routes like the Cop Mere – Star Inn, Copmere End loop from Eccleshall, mentioned in region research, suggest pubs are often conveniently located near popular trails.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Ellenhall?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil setting, the variety of accessible paths through pastoral fields and quiet woodlands, and the scenic beauty of places like Cop Mere and the River Sow.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes around Ellenhall?
For those seeking a longer challenge, routes like the Cop Mere – River Sow loop from Eccleshall cover about 9 miles (14.6 km) and lead through varied terrain, taking around 3 hours 50 minutes. The Broad Eye Windmill – Ye Olde Rose & Crown loop from Gnosall is also a more difficult option, extending over 22 km.
Is public transport available to reach hiking trails near Ellenhall?
Ellenhall is a small hamlet, and public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services for routes connecting to nearby larger villages like Eccleshall or Norbury, which may offer closer access points to the hiking network.
What is the best time of year to hike in Ellenhall?
Ellenhall's gentle terrain and diverse landscapes make it suitable for hiking year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the paths are generally accessible, though appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended.
Are there any family-friendly walking options in Ellenhall?
Yes, the gentle nature of the terrain and the many easily accessible paths make Ellenhall an excellent choice for family walks. Shorter loops around areas like Norbury Junction or Cop Mere are ideal for families with children, offering a chance to enjoy the countryside without strenuous climbs.
Most popular attractions around Ellenhall
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