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High House to Stafford Castle Doorstep Walk

This walk will take you between 2 - 4 hours to complete.

 1   The walk could start anywhere since it is almost circular, but to take full advantage of the town section, start at the High House in Greengate Street. This is the tallest timber-framed Tudor town house in England.

 2   Turn left down St Mary's Lane to pass the 800 year old Collegiate Church of St Mary, the war memorial in Victoria Square and the modern court buildings.

 3   Cross the road carefully and walk towards the railway station. However, immediately after crossing the River Sow take the path, left, down under the bridge and follow the riverside path in the direction of Broadeye Windmill.

 4   When the river bends right, use the ramp on the left to reach the road. Turn right, then left at the junction and pass over the railway bridge by Castle Works. Stafford Castle golf course and Stafford Castle come into view here. Detour left if desired to the new lake.

 5   Otherwise walk straight on along the tarmac path to the gate, then turn right and walk along the perimeter road of Castlefields estate to reach a farm lane. Go forward along the lane for about 150m, then join the cycle track which follows the former Stafford - Wellington railway line.

 6   At the next barrier rejoin the farm lane, on your left, and pass an old farmhouse. Continue uphill for 50m or so, turn left along a green lane to reach a wooded area on your right.

 7   Turn right here, pass a pool on your left and walk directly uphill along the field boundary towards the Castle.

 8   On reaching the edge of Castle Woods, turn left over a stile and follow the path round to the Visitor Centre. From this point take the recommended route round the Castle trail. Take a well earned rest at the highest point and enjoy the far reaching views.

 9   Head back down the main drive of the Castle. At the gate turn left and follow the path along the edge of the wood to the stile near the sunken way. Then bear slightly right to a stile by trees at the top of the golf course. Return to town along the well defined path beside the Golf course. Retrace your steps through Castletown to the river and continue along the riverside path through Victoria Park to the remains of the Town Mill whose water-powered wheels turned until the mid 20th century.

 10   Cross Mill Bank at the pedestrian crossing, walk up Water Street and then Church Lane with its timberframed buildings and picturesque Soup Kitchen. Turn right past St. Mary's Church to return to the High House.