Catherine

From the pleasant village of Bunbury the route heads across fields towards the castles of Beeston and Peckforton, occupying similar locations on adjacent wooded hills but around six centuries apart in age. After passing the entrance to Beeston Castle, the return is along lanes and across fields with extensive views all around. The village of Bunbury extends over a large area and has a number of attractive old brick-built and half-timbered cottages. The mainly 14th-century church, situated in the upper part of the village near where the walk begins, is unusually large and impressive for a village church. This is because in the late 14th century it became a collegiate church, housing a college or community of canons. Its dominant feature is the 70ft tower. Inside there are tombs and monuments to several of the prominent local families. Debriefed at the Dysart Arms 🍻 - 10/10 👌🏻

An extremely easy and gentle walk along footpaths, tracks and one field.

The first section of the walk takes you across lush green fields along a path which leads to the tiny hamlet of Whiteley Green. A 2 mile stroll along the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal then provides a fine platform for magnificent views across to the hills of the Peak District. The return leg is along a section of the Middlewood Way, a former railway line, before returning to Adlington over field paths and tracks.

This walk starts at Redesmere's small quayside - a magnet for children feeding birdlife. It's a man-made lake that was constructed to supply water to Capesthorne Hall's ornamental ponds. Today a sailing club, anglers and a large waterfowl population jostle for space across this pleasing body of water. Skirting the mere's half-mile long eastern shoreline, the route then traces Capesthorne's serene necklace of ponds, with an outlook across the water to the towers and turrets of the estate's mansion and gardens. Quiet country lanes and field paths complete this circuit. Capesthorne has been held by the Davenport family, who later became the Bromley-Davenport's, since the 12th century. Replacing an earlier house, the current red-brick hall was begun in 1719, and was then remodelled several times during the 19th century in the Jacobean style. Renowned for its fine collection of art, marble sculptures, furniture and tapestries, the house and gardens are open seasonally.

This fascinating walk offers a host of delights. Apart from the wild, unspoilt scenery of Cannock Forest, there is the chance to visit the Birches Valley Forest Centre and learn all about the history and wildlife of this lovely area. The centre, which is open at weekends, includes a shop, refreshments and an adventure playground. Slitting Mill is a pretty hamlet between Rugeley and Cannock Chase, overlooking the valley of the Rising Brook. Many years ago this area echoed to the sound of industry, with a chain of large water-powered mills slitting down sheets of iron to produce rods of metal - hence the name Slitting Mill. The Horns Inn contains several old black and white photographs which depict the pub and the nearby town of Rugeley in days gone by. The inn has changed greatly over the years and now it is a spacious hostelry.

This short and easy to navigate canal walk, would make a perfect evening stroll. The outward journey follows the canal towpath through the heart of cheese producing country to Grindley Brook. It passes the attractive array of canal-side cottages and takes you up to Grindley Brook Locks. After retracing your steps a little way along the canal the route returns to the pub following short sections of 'The Sandstone Trail'.

Market Drayton can justifiably claim to be "the home of gingerbread." The baking of this spicy treat was first recorded here in 1793. Today, Billington's still make it to a secret recipe devised in 1817. It was a local tradition to dip your gingerbread in port before eating it. This walk explores the town itself and makes a lovely rural loop to the south using the Shropshire Union Canal, tracks, field paths and quiet lanes. It's an easy, straightforward outing suitable for walkers of all ages.

Apart from the short middle section of road in Wheelock, this walk is through fields and along mainly quiet lanes. Although it is not a difficult walk, it can be slow going across the fields as in summer the grass can grow quite high, parts of the ground can be uneven and the path does not seem to be well used. You may wish to wear long trousers and stout footwear. However, the footpath signs are there if you look for them and the stiles and kissing gates are well maintained. Both Elton Flashes and Watch Lane Flash near the end of the walk attract much interesting wildfowl.