East Staffordshire

'Formed in 1971, the Abbots Bromley Footpath Society exists to promote the use of Rights of Way in Abbots Bromley and the surrounding parishes. Since then the Society has been responsible for the re-opening of many paths in the area by clearing undergrowth and erecting stiles and bridges.'

'A Warm Welcome awaits you in East Staffordshire, the home of St. George's Park, The National Brewery Centre and Capital of The National Forest ... Hand in hand with the industrial heritage of Burton upon Trent, you will discover some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midlands with lush fields and pretty villages, award-winning restaurants and cosy pubs alongside the River Trent and our meandering canal network.'

'We have organised over 300 walks in the past year for all levels of ability. The Group started in 1994 with just a few members and has now expanded into a large group of friendly ramblers who enjoy a very varied programme of walks and social activities.'

'A walk through history would be the best way to describe this lengthy ramble through rural Staffordshire. The walk takes you to the historic village of Abbots Bromley, where many traditional activities still thrive, before circling the famous woodlands of Bagot Forest, now owned by the Forestry Commission.'

'The Blithfield Estate is owned by South Staffs Water, which provides some 330 million litres of water each day to around 550,000 homes and businesses in parts of the Black Country, East and South Staffordshire and South Derbyshire ... Until 2009, the Estate had remained largely closed to the public. However, assistance and help from Natural England, along with advice from the West Midland Bird Club and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, led to the company deciding to create footpaths and install bird hides and feeding stations in order to open up much of the Estate, so that everyone can enjoy this tranquil corner of England ...'

'Passes through the Trent Valley and Needwood landscape zones, and includes old and new woodland, historic sites and new leisure developments. The importance of the Trent Valley as a transport and industrial corridor, with canal, railway, road and river can be seen, and is in sharp contrast to the pastoral landscape of Needwood with ancient woodlands and parklands, game coverts and rural villages.' ALERT At Review, I could no longer locate details of this Walk on the National Forest Website. You could try the Walking Englishman Site instead.

'Derbyshire's longest distance trail covering the whole length of the county from Rocester in the south just over the border in Staffordshire, to Castleton in the north west of Derbyshire, a total of about 50 miles ... A complete route guide with description, maps and photos is available from Derbyshire Dales District Council.'

'Rocester village is just off the B5030, approximately 5 miles north-east of Uttoxeter and 7 miles south-west of Ashbourne and the Peak district. Rocester and its surrounding area is an ideal location for walking, being on the route of the Staffordshire Way and also the end of the Limestone Way. Both these walks connect with many other recognised and popular routes. ALERT The Council has a different Website to that originally cited here; but unfortunately, there no longer seems to be a "Walks" Section.

'This circular walk between the villages of Alton and Denstone is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty. The walk follows the River Churnet and the routes of an old canal and railway to Denstone, before returning to Alton across the hilltops along the ancient Saltersford Lane.'