Stafford walking festival 15

Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 May 2015

StaffOrd BOrOugh

Walking Festival

www.staffordhealth.co.uk

WelcOme The Stafford Walking Festival, now in its sixth year, is a celebration of walking in Stafford Borough.

Last year we got over 6,000 people walking during festival week, so why not see if there is something in the programme for you.

This week-long event is jam-packed with opportunities to join led walks or to take to the hidden footpaths of the Borough independently - whichever you choose, you will be sure to discover and explore new and beautiful places - many of them right on your doorstep!

The Stafford Walking Festival starts on Saturday 2nd May with an introduction to Nordic Walking and ends at Seven Springs on Sunday 10th May. All year round Stafford Borough offers lots of opportunities to walk whether you want to join a group or walk alone. In this booklet you will find information about those taking place during the Stafford Borough Walking Festival and also how to keep up the walking habit after the festival closes.

The Walking Festival coincides with two national walking events: 80th Anniversary of the Ramblers and Living Streets’ ‘Walking Month’ - visit www.ramblers.org.uk or www.livingstreets.org.uk for more information about free led walks and local events near you.

Walks marked with this symbol are run regularly - please call the number given for further details of future walks.

W alkinG

GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR THE PLANET AND YOUR POCKET Walking is an easy and cheap form of exercise that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, and you can do it anytime and anywhere.

For people who currently do little or no exercise, walking is a fantastic way of increasing activity levels.

It’s a great way to improve or maintain your general health and will also strengthen your heart. In fact, regular walking reduces the risk of heart problems by half and the risk of a stroke by a third. It also provides mental health benefits by bringing you closer to nature taking you away from the stresses of every-day life. Walking briskly for one mile burns up to 100 calories. Walking is the most eco-friendly and economic way of getting from A to B, so whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or save fuel costs walking is right for you!

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Every year we invite local groups to take part in our walking festival and enjoy the wonderful places on our doorstep and hopefully learn something along the way.

THIS YEAR Local parishes will be taking part in Community Clean Up walks. Litter can affect the enjoyment of walking; it looks horrible, spoils the environment, can attract pests and affect our quality of life. Litter pickers and collection bags will be provided by Streetscene, anything collected will be taken away and equipment will be gifted to the parish and can be used in the future for such projects as Best Kept Village, Britain in Bloom and Streetscene's Pride in Your Patch.

Nurseries from across the Borough will be heading to Stafford Castle. Dressed in their armour and robes walking the castle grounds, they will be warding off enemies at the gate or guarding their home territory to defend their nursery from invaders during this history themed walk. If you would like your group to get involved in 2016 please email walking@staffordbc.gov.uk

Available throughout the festival

GeOcaching treasure hunt IN STAFFORD TOWN

NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A treasure hunt for the 21st Century using satellite technology and your smart phone to locate the hidden caches.

This event will be open from 2 to 10 May. Walkers can download the first clue from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/stafford-boroughwalking-festival which will lead you to the first cache.

There are 12 caches in total taking you to a final destination where you can find the hidden treasure. call cost

01785 619 000 FREE - Just turn up

DAILY 2 - 9 May | 10am, 12.30pm and 4pm ADDITIONAL EVENING SESSIONS | 6.30pm on Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Monday 4, Thursday 7 and Saturday 9 May

StaffOrdshire NOrdic Walking TASTER SESSIONS BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Nordic walking is a whole body exercise that can be enjoyed at many levels, using specially designed poles to enhance your natural walking experience. Get in shape naturally, meet people and have fun! Taster sessions, technique courses and stamina sessions run throughout the year. What are the health benefits?

Combat obesity | Improve back health | Reduce stress Improve heart health | Reduce impact on joints Rowley Park Sports Stadium Car Park, Averill Road, Stafford ST17 9XX call Gareth Davies (British Nordic Walking Instructor)

on 07864 976 095 email gareth@staffordshirenordicwalking.com cost FREE - Booking essential Why not sign up to the 10 week course at a discounted rate of ÂŁ20 (ÂŁ30 off). Courses run throughout the year. Discount is limited to the first 100 people signing up*. For more details or to book a place call Gareth Davies on 07864 976 095. Quote the code SBCCP when booking your place. meet

* eligibility criteria applies

9.30am - 4.00pm

MOnkey fOrest teddy Bear's Picnic NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP If you come down to the forest today, you’re in for a big surprise. Come with your teddies to the Monkey Forest to take part in the big teddy bear hunt. All young walkers will get a certificate for taking part. This walk is suitable for teddies and children under five - please bring a grown up. Feel free to bring a picnic.

Trentham Monkey Forest, Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Trentham, ST4 8AY call 01785 619 000 for details cost Entry charge to Monkey

Forest applies. Walk and

certificate included meet

9.30am

The Blythe-Walk NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Take a trip with the local Stafford Rambling Group and walk the Blythe. Walkers will meet, then car share or make their way to the starting point to walk a 6 mile route. Stafford Rambling Group meet regularly to walk shorter and longer routes. meet

call cost

Castle Hill car park, Broad Eye, Stafford ST16 2BH T revor Whincup 01785 823 591 FREE - Just turn up

10.00am - 12noon

Fairy and Pixie walk bring a picnic AT VICTORIA PARK BOOKING ESSENTIAL Come to the park in your favourite fairy and pixie costumes and join the hunt for the fairies who have recently been spotted in Stafford's Victoria Park.

When you have completed the fairy hunt come and take part in the free wand making workshop.

Prizes for the best dressed girl and boy and the best magic wand. Bring a fairy sized picnic to enjoy after the treasure hunt.

This walk is designed for families and carers of young children. Adults to accompany children at all times.

The Bandstand, Victoria Park, Stafford ST16 2QF book To book a place call

01785 619 000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival 2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

10.00am - 12noon

a walk tO rememBer BOOKING ESSENTIAL Take an informal tour around Stafford’s Award winning Crematorium, cemetery, grounds, buildings and wildflower meadow conservation area.

Refreshments available after the walk at the onsite tea room Hearts and Flowers.

Car park (Blackheath Lane entrance), Stafford Crematorium, Tixall Road, Stafford ST18 0XZ book To book a place call 01785 619 000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

END OF LIFE OPEN DAY Stafford Crematorium 10.00am - 4.00pm, 16 May 2015 Come along for information and advice about end of life planning and dispelling the myths about death related services.

Entry is free. You can take a tour of the Crematorium and grounds and visit trade stands, refreshments are available. For more details please call 01785 242 594.

10.45am - 12noon

HixOn BlueBells NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A quintessentially British sign of spring, bluebell woods are one of the best places to visit during April and May. In late spring, bluebells often grow so close together they transform the woodland floor into a dazzling carpet of shimmering fragrant blue flowers. Come along and explore Stafford’s local woodland on foot.

Castlewood Café, Stowe Lane, Uttoxeter Staffordshire ST18 0LP call John Blount 01785 662 160 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

1.30pm - 2.30pm and 3.00pm - 4.00pm

Izaak WaltOn’s COttage SUMMER OPENING

NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Welcome to the Summer season at Izaak Walton’s Cottage. The 16th century timber framed building with thatched roof was once owned by the celebrated author of 'The Compleat Angler'. The museum interprets the life of Walton, Stafford’s most famous son, and is home to a small angling exhibition. On our opening Sunday, join us for a guided walk from the cottage to nearby Shallowford House and finish your day with tea and biscuits or an ice cream back in the Cottage’s fragrant herb garden. The Cottage is open from 1pm to 5pm. Guided tours to Shallowford House commence at 1.30pm and 3pm (each tour is approximately one hour).

Izaak Walton’s Cottage, Worston Lane, Shallowford, Stone ST15 0PA call 01785 619 000 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

10.00am start for shorter and longer routes

LITTLE HAYWOOD HEALTH WALK NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Explore the beautiful village of Little Haywood, its canal towpaths, quiet country lanes and fields. Take part in a short 30 minute walk or one hour route.

Lamb and Flag Pub, Main Road, Little Haywood ST18 0TU call Pat Crouzieres 07790 113 798 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

10.00am

RISING BROOK NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Explore quiet country lanes and green space not far from this popular shopping centre on this 45-60 minute walk.

Brook CafĂŠ, Rising Brook Baptist Church, Stafford ST17 9LT call Ian on 01785 211 400 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

Open between 11.00am - 4.30pm.

Historical tour 11.00am

Spring in the Walled garden and blueBell wOOds NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Self-guided walk around walled garden where the pear trees are in blossom, walkers can then follow the walk through the bluebell woods. For those seeking a longer walk, footpaths link to the local network of footpaths for which a map can be provided.

A guided tour will take place at 11am on Monday 4 May lasting for about 45 minutes for those wishing to learn more about the historical Sugnall Estate.

The tearoom offers refreshments, cakes and light lunches. Preserves made from produce grown in the garden are on sale in the shop. Toilets and free car parking at the Business Centre opposite. Dogs welcome on permissive footpaths and in the outside seating area of the tearoom but not in the walled garden itself.

Sugnall Walled Garden, Sugnall, Eccleshall

ST21 6NF (2.5 miles from Eccleshall on the B5026, Eccleshall to Loggerheads Road) call Joy Wason 01785 850 820 email info@sugnall.co.uk cost Garden entry is ÂŁ2 - honesty box (children free) or pay at the tearoom. meet

2.00pm - 3.00pm

Family Wildlife Walk BOOKING ESSENTIAL Come and join us for a fun 'Wildlife' walk that will include 'Bug Hunting' giving families a chance to take a closer look at the creepy crawlies that can be found in your local 'wild space'. You will be shown all of the best places to find bugs, plus bug pots and sweep nets will be available. The walk will also include a sensory nature experience that is designed to immerse children in the natural world. They consist of a fluid series of games and activities like making 'smelly cocktails' and 'tree guardians' that encourage the children to experience the natural world directly using all their senses. meet Wolsley Centre, Wolseley Bridge,

Stafford ST17 0WT book For further information and book a place call 01889 880 100 cost FREE - Booking essential

10.00am

ShugbOrOugh circular walk NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A scenic circular route from the Barley Mow public house at Milford. On this walk we will go along the canal to Great Haywood, across Shugborough Park, over the Chase, past the reservoir and back to the Barley Mow. The route is approximately 4.5 miles over uneven terrain, stout shoes recommended.

Barley Mow, 28 Main Road, Milford ST17 0UW Pat Crouzieres 07790 113 798 cost FREE - Just turn up meet call

10.45am

STONE WALK NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Explore the pretty market town of Stone, its canal towpaths, locks and green spaces. A shorter and longer route will be offered on this walk.

Car park past Westbridge Park Sports Centre at the Scout Hut (by the towpath) locally known as the dog walkers’ car park, Stafford Road, Stone ST15 8QW call Pamela Bradley 01785 811 227 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

2 x half hour sessions 8.00am - 8.30am & 8.30am - 9.00am

Water Walking BOOKING ESSENTIAL

A completely new way of group walking. With a certified swim coach on poolside, you will be given coaching on how to use the resistance of the water to your advantage. Suitable for any age, any fitness level and for anyone who is recovering from an injury or is pregnant. You can even join in if you are a non-swimmer or not too confident in the water.

Stafford Leisure Centre, Lammascote Road, Stafford ST16 3TA book To book a place call 01785 619 500 cost ÂŁ2.60 meet

9.30am

SandOn & WestOn Walk CELEBRATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAMBLERS NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A 5.5 mile walk around the beautiful area of Sandon and Weston. The Ramblers recommend calling to confirm details.

Walk starting point off-road area opposite Dog and Doublet, Sandon Road, Sandon ST18 0DJ call Jo 01785 251 770 cost FREE - call for details meet

10.30am - 12noon

StaffOrd TOwn TOur BOOKING ESSENTIAL Enjoy a guided tour of the historic town of Stafford, first founded in 913 by Aethleflaed Lady of the Mercians. The circular walk takes in some of the most iconic buildings in the town including the Shire Hall and County Buildings.

Outside the Ancient High House,

48 Greengate Street, Stafford ST16 2JA book To book a place call 01785 619000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

12.15pm

WEDNESDAY WALKOUT TO KINGSMEAD MARSH NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Kingsmead Marsh Local Nature Reserve has been a secret part of Stafford but now a new boardwalk enables public access for the first time. A viewing platform allows visitors to see across the marsh and enjoy its wildlife. meet

call cost

Outside the Shire Hall, Market Square, Stafford ST16 2JH 01785 619 000 FREE - Just turn up

2.00pm

DERRINGTON WALK NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Walks follow the traffic free Millennium Green and through local woodland. This walk will take about one hour. meet call cost

St Matthew’s Church, Derrington ST18 9LU 01785 619 000 FREE - Just turn up

7.00pm - 8.30pm

GhOst Walk BOOKING ESSENTIAL Find out about Stafford Ghosts on this chilling walk around the town centre. Hear scary tales of what may lurk behind the doors of some of Stafford’s best known buildings. Join us if you dare!

Unfortunately, this walk is not suitable for young children. Young people aged 14 - 18 must be accompanied by an adult. arket Square, outside the Shire Hall, M Stafford, ST16 2JH book To book a place call 01785 619 000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

9.30am

Hem Heath Nature Reserve CELEBRATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAMBLERS WITH STONE RAMBLERS NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Take a trip out of the Borough exploring Hem Heath Nature Reserve with the Stone Ramblers. From the starting point car share or make your way to the reserve to complete this 6 mile walk. The Ramblers recommend calling to confirm details.

Westbridge Park long stay car park

Off Stafford Road, Stone ST15 8QW call Pam Bradley 01785 811 227 cost FREE - Call to confirm details meet

Drop in 12noon -1.00pm, Walk 1.00pm - 1.50pm

PERSONAL TRAVEL ADVICE DROP IN SESSION AND HEALTH WALK

10,000 steps

NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Drop in session for personal travel advice for walking, cycling and using public transport as part of your daily journey planning. Huge benefits to fitness and activity levels as well as the obvious environmental gains reducing congestion and pollution. You don’t have to walk your recommended 10,000 steps a day all in one go. With this 2,000 step walk you’ll see how easy it is to walk shorter routes throughout your day to reach the 10,000 target. You’ll also receive your free pedometer so you can keep track of your steps and go that extra mile. meet call cost

Reception, Staffordshire Place 1 ST16 2DH Sonia Atkins 01785 276 615 FREE - Just turn up

8.15pm - 10.00pm

WOlseley Centre Bat Walk BOOKING ESSENTIAL A short talk about British bats followed by a walk around the Wolseley grounds to see and hear the resident bats. The group will use bat detectors to hear the bats echolocation calls during the walk.

The Gatehouse at the Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford ST17 0WT book To book a place call 01785 619 000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost No charge but donations to Staffordshire Bat Group welcome. meet

10.00am

Buggy March NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A health walk in partnership with the Ministry of Defence Stafford. Come for a buggy friendly walk with local families exploring Beaconside and the surrounding areas. Feel free to come back to the HIVE after the walk for refreshments. meet

call email cost

ixon Community Centre, D Tedder Road, Stafford ST16 3RA Dawn Knight 01785 258 843 staffordhive@armymail.mod.uk FREE - Just turn up

11.00am - 12.30pm

Canalside Farm tOur frOm grOund tO plate BOOKING ESSENTIAL Explore the local family run farm that has been growing its own plants and produce for over 30 years.

Learn about strawberries, raspberries and asparagus along with the bedding plants and hanging baskets in the glasshouse. Located on the side of the picturesque Trent and Mersey Canal near Stafford, the walk will take in local towpaths and end in the cafĂŠ that serves home grown produce and an extensive range of high quality food and drink from local suppliers within a 30 mile radius.

Refreshments available after the walk. arm shop and cafĂŠ, Canalside Farm, F Mill Lane, Great Haywood, Stafford ST18 0RQ book To book a place call 01889 881 747

email info@canalsidefarm.co.uk or visit www.staffordwalkingfestival2015. eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

2.30pm - 3.30pm

FerndOwn

Sculpture Walk NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A nature ramble at our Ferndown Local Nature Reserve looking at the wildlife on site and also viewing the many tree sculptures dotted around the reserve. Â Ferndown Local Nature Reserve, Ferndown

Drive South, Clayton ST5 4EH call 01785 619 000 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

5.30am - 7.30am

Dawn ChOrus BOOKING ESSENTIAL Working in partnership with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, join us to experience one of nature’s greatest events and pick up hints and tips on how to identify what you hear.

The leader Scott Petrek has an extensive knowledge of this great wetland and will highlight numerous bird species which frequent one of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's biggest Nature Reserves. oxey Marshes Nature Reserve, Creswell Car D Park off Eccleshall Road. Follow the brown tourist signs for Doxey Marshes call To book a place call the Staffordshire

Wildlife Trust on 01889 880 100 cost FREE - Booking essential meet

10.00am - 4.00pm

Trentham Gardens Teddy Bear's Picnic NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP If you come down to the park today, you’re in for a big surprise. Come with your teddies to Trentham Gardens to take part in the big teddy bear hunt.

All young walkers will get a certificate for taking part.

This walk is suitable for teddies and children under five - please bring a grown up. Feel free to bring your picnic too. meet

cost

The Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX Cost of entry to Trentham Estate.

Walk and certificate free of charge

10.00am

Eccleshall COp Mere Walk CELEBRATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAMBLERS WITH STONE RAMBLERS NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP A 5.5 mile circular walk crossing fields tracks and quiet lanes around Cop Mere. The Ramblers recommend calling to confirm details.

Starting from road next to the mere opposite the Star Inn pub, at Cop Mere End (postcode ST21 6EW) on road out of Eccleshall to Bishops Offley. call Greg and Angie 01785 851 731 cost FREE - Just turn up meet

10.00am - 12noon

Hunting fOr SOund Family Walk BOOKING ESSENTIAL Discover natures sounds, leaves swishing, pebbles being tapped together and wood being dragged.

During this interactive walk we will make recordings of our findings playing the sounds back though speakers when we return to base. Walkers will then close their eyes to imagine what the sounds could be.

At the end we'll put it all together in a group poem. oxey Marshes car park - off Creswell Farm D Drive ST16 1PG book To book a place call

01785 619 000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival 2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

11.30am - 12.30pm | History Walk 3.00pm - 4.00pm | Wildlife Walk

StaffOrd Castle HistOry Walk

NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Join us for a History Walk and a Wildlife Walk at Stafford Castle during the Wildlife and Country Fair.

Learn about the history of Stafford Castle from our expert guides. Stafford Castle is one of the largest surviving Norman Motte and Bailey earthworks in the country and has dominated the Stafford skyline for over 900 years. Visit the Keep and Bailey areas and hear tales about the Stafford family such as Lords of the Manor and Dukes of Buckingham.

Castle guides will take you on a scenic tour along the Woodland Trail. The site is home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna - you might see some of our colourful creatures during your trip.

V isitor Centre, Stafford Castle, Newport Road, Stafford ST16 1DJ call 01785 619 000 cost ÂŁ3 for car parking, admission to

the wildlife fair and walks is free. meet

2.00pm - 4.00pm

Seven Springs DOg Walk BOOKING ESSENTIAL Join other dog walkers to explore the footpaths of Cannock Chase, one of the boroughs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit the stepping stones on route for some water play on this 4.6 mile walk.

Sociable non aggressive dogs are allowed off the lead but remain the responsibility of the owner at all times*. All dogs will receive a free goodie bag on the day. Limited spaces available, please book early to secure your place. even Springs Car Park, Little Haywood, S ST17 0WT (opposite Meadow Lane off A513) book To book a place call 01785 619 000 or visit

www.staffordwalkingfestival2015.eventbrite.co.uk cost FREE - Booking essential meet

* Walkers will sign a disclaimer

FREE Microchipping Stafford Borough Council is now offering free microchipping for dogs in readiness for new legislation coming into force in April 2016.

To receive a voucher call 01785 619 000 or email dogs@staffordbc.gov.uk

ExplOre StaffOrd A series of Stafford Borough Doorstep Walks are available to print from www.staffordhealth.co.uk If you enjoy walking and would like to explore other areas on foot why not try the walking apps ifootpath and walkit.com. Printable maps are also available through walkit.com - for A to B routes and circular walks from your location visit ifootpath.com.

WalkWise,

WALKING FOR HEALTH Stafford Borough is packed with hidden gems right on your doorstep waiting to be explored on foot. We run regular short organised walks in an area near you. All walks are free of charge, all you have to do is turn up.

Research shows walking 10,000 steps a day will significantly improve your health, build stamina, burn excess calories and give you a healthier heart.

For more information pick up a leaflet.

visit

www.staffordhealth.co.uk

email walking@staffordbc.gov.uk call

01785 619 000

BecOme a VOlunteer walk Leader Do you love walking? We are looking for people who love to walk to join our existing network of Volunteer Walk Leaders to support the Walk Wise programme. Anyone over 16 can volunteer; it costs nothing except your time.

You decide how much you give‌ you can do as much or as little as you like.

Free Volunteer Walk Leader Training Saturday 16th May 10.00am - 4.00pm call

To book a place call 01785 619 000

email walking@staffordbc.gov.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH Stafford Borough Council Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16 3AQ web www.staffordhealth.co.uk email walking@staffordbc.gov.uk tel 01785 619 000 Working in partnership with

If you need this information in large print, Braille, other language or in audio format please contact: email info@staffordbc.gov.uk 03 tel 01785 619 000

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