Planning work has begun to invest millions of pounds in Staffordshire’s country parks and its flagship walking route, which starts at Mow Cop.
Staffordshire County Council has earmarked £18 million in the coming years to upgrade the “under-appreciated” Staffordshire Way, which runs 92 miles between Mow Cop and Kinver, as well as country parks at Cannock Chase and Chasewater.
The investment is part of the council’s commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life for Staffordshire residents, it said.
County Coun Victoria Wilson, county council Cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “Cannock Chase, Chasewater and the Staffordshire Way are jewels in the crown of our county’s natural beauty.
“Given their increased popularity since the pandemic, both country parks will benefit from being better able to handle visitors – and it will be done in such a way as to protect plants and wildlife and conserve the very things that make these places so attractive.”
She added: “As for the Staffordshire Way, having walked it myself I know that it is an under-appreciated asset that physically links our diverse county.
“Not only can we promote its beauty, but it has the potential to support local businesses and communities to promote tourism across a wide area.”
The Staffordshire Way begins at Mow Cop and heads to Nick i’ the Hill before descending the wooded slopes on the east of Congleton Edge to join the Biddulph Valley Way at Gillow Heath. Here the route turns left and follows the old railway and crosses fields to ascend Bosley Cloud and its views over the Cheshire Plain.
From The Cloud the path descends steeply for 600 feet to the River Dane, which marks the Staffordshire / Cheshire border two miles below and enters Ravensclough Wood. The way crosses the washland of the Dane to eventually join the railway line that leads to Rudyard Lake, circles the lake and heads on towards Longsdon.
Consultants will be asked to look at the Staffordshire Way and its 12 associated circular walks to assess repairs and ways to make it more accessible, while developing new walking guides and a website.
A complete relaunch of the walk is planned, improving and promoting the Staffordshire Way by promoting physical activity and enjoyment of the countryside. It is hoped local businesses will benefit.
Other long-term plans include redeveloping visitor facilities at Marquis Drive to reflect the Cannock Chase’s status as a national landscape and internationally important habitat for plants and wildlife, and upgrading the innovation centre and south shore area of Chasewater Country Park.
County Coun Wilson said: “Each of these projects will be carefully developed over several years, with consideration given to making them more inclusive and accessible for visitors, while conserving the natural environment.”
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.