Doxey Marshes and Tillington Doorstep Walk

A Step by Step Walk in this area will take you between 1 to 2 hours.

The walk could start anywhere since it's circular, however a good place to start would be close to the Tillington Hall Hotel on the Eccleshall Road (A5013).

1 On the opposite side of the road from the hotel look out for a public footpath sign by the post box.

Follow the footpath through a small housing estate, you'll notice a post and wire fence running to the right of the path. Continue along Warren's Lane. The path takes you through a wooded area and on to Doxey Marshes nature reserve.

This is a nationally important wildlife site, managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area started off life as a brine extraction works.

2 Through the gate and to the left lies Boundary Flash, the largest body of open water on the Marshes.

3 Continue along the footpath which runs between Boundary Flash and a small pond. There is a wooded area to the left.

4 As you approach the River Sow ahead you will notice Lily Pool on your right. Follow the path alongside the river until, just before the gate and stile, you reach a narrow path running off to the left. This leads to the bird hide. The hide is open to the public and offers an excellent view of the rich bird life living in the area.

5 Through the gate the path continues to follow the line of the river closely. However, an alternative route takes you to the left and up towards the town cemetery. As you enter the cemetery you will see Cemetery Pool. This point marks the edge of the nature reserve. The rising slope of the cemetery here offers an excellent view point from which to survey a large part of Doxey Marshes and Stafford itself. The outline of Stafford Castle can just be made out amongst the trees. The remains of Broadeye Windmill can be seen closer to the town centre.

6 Returning to the route alongside the river, you will see a weir as you walk toward a bridge 50 metres or so ahead. Immediately beyond the weir the path joins a disused railway line, which has now been turned into a cycle track and footpath.

7 Turn left onto this path and follow the route northwards.

8 Continue for a while, passing under two main roads, the Eccleshall Road and Stone Road (A34). Immediately beyond the second road bridge come up from the cycleway, following a path to your left. The area of open space in front of you is Stafford Common.

9 Leave the Common turning right onto the pavement alongside the Stone Road. A few hundred metres beyond Stafford Common turn left at the traffic lights, down Holmcroft Road.

10 Walking down Holmcroft Road you will notice the local shops on your left and Tillington Hall Hotel on your right. A good opportunity for refreshment!

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