Littleworth to Baswich Bridge Waterside Doorstep Walk

This walk is about 5 miles long and will take 2 to 4 hours to complete. There is plenty to see on this interesting walk. Part of the route was used to bring coal into Stafford by boat in the 19th century, when the River Sow was linked to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal near St. Tomas' Priory. The Brine Baths once occupied the site of today's council offices. With a bustling coal wharf on the opposite side of the river. You can start your walk from a number of places. Remember some sections may be muddy and are subject to flooding.

From Town:

1 Go down steps at the side of Green Bridge (Bridge Street), once the site of Stafford's ford. Walk along the towpath to the second footbridge.

2 Cross this bridge, turn right and walk beside the River Sow past ASDA.

3 Go under Riverway Bridge and on towards Fairway. This is a good section for wildlife, with one of the last four populations of water vole living nearby.

From Littleworth or St. Leonard's:

4 Cross Fairway, descend the steps to a kissing gate and walk along the river bank until you reach a footbridge. Cattle and horses use these fields, so dogs should be kept on a lead at all times. Look out for herons around here.

5 Use the bridge to go over a fence. Then turn left across a field to another bridge, this one over the River Penk. Beyond this, follow a line of hawthorn trees on your right to two stiles on either side of a track, to reach the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

6 Turn right along the canal towpath, go under the railway bridge and Baswick Bridge.

7 After about 200m turn sharp right onto a footpath/ cycleway.

8 Cross the footbridge and go over the River Penk again. Continue straight on round a water pumping station and under the railway. This track has now been upgraded to form part of Stafford's cycle network. You will soon reach the road near the St. Leonard's Works.

Now either

9 Turn left, to return to St Leonard's estate or

10 Cross the road and walk beside the cycle track to Fairway Bridge where you rejoin the riverside path to walk back into town.

Well done for completing this walk. Why not keep your walking boots on and explore the other Doorstep Walks in and around Stafford!

Click on map to see larger view.