Walks from Shenstone

Great views to the northwest across Staffordshire. An enjoyable route on quiet lanes and pleasant footpaths, with some road walking at the start, gently rolling countryside with great views, an off-road stretch beside the Black Brook, a short canal towpath section and a final riverside path along the River Tame into Tamworth. Some stiles, occasional cattle and sandy ground near a quarry. Briefly joins the towpath of the Coventry Canal; the riverside Tame path passes a number of wartime pillboxes. Few facilities en route - 'The Pretty Route'.

Time: 4h–7h30

Lunch: An unnamed inn at Hopwas (roughly midway) and a bistro at Weeford beside the Black Brook.

Warnings: A few lanes have no verge; reaching Hopwas requires a short stretch of noisy roadside walking (with pavement). HS2 works cross the route but paths remain open and well managed.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Some really beautiful sections. A long, varied route taking in Sutton Park, streets, quiet lanes and countryside. Field paths around Footherley can get muddy and a stretch near the water works is boggy scrubland; several stiles. A green lane has a locked gate diverting onto an overgrown, nettly path and the first half of the Sutton Park crossing is on an access road used by cars. Start and finish are both on the same railway line, so you can walk one way and train back.

Time: 3h30–7h

Warnings: Hollyhill Lane is narrow with no pavement; the section of pavement-walking next to busy roads through Little Aston is unavoidable. A narrow railway bridge near Shenstone needs caution. Stiles and boggy ground make it unsuitable in wet weather without boots. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.