J'AIME January 2021

LO CA L A R E A
Walk this way
WHETHER IT’S AROUND THE BLOCK OR UP A HILL, WALKING HAS KEPT SO MANY OF
US GOING THROUGHOUT LOCKDOWNS AND RESTRICTIONS. HERE ARE SOME OF
OUR FAVOURITE WALKING DESTINATIONS TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE INSPIRATION
Birches Valley, Cannock Chase
Birches Valley is the perfect place for a magical
walk in the woods. There are so many different
trails to try, but we particularly love the childfriendly
walk that includes a fairy garden and
Gruffalo statue. There’s no admission fee, but
you will need to pay for parking. There’s a
brilliant free playground, and don’t forget to take
along some money for a takeaway coffee or even
an ice cream.
Downs Banks, Oulton Heath, near Stone
Take a leisurely stroll along Downs Banks brook
and you may be lucky enough to see a kingfisher
catching his lunch. On a clear day there are
brilliant views from the highest point of the
downs and you should be able to make out Mow
Cop and the Wrekin. There’s plenty of parking
at the site, but it can get busy when the weather
is good.
Kinver Edge, Kinver
You’ll find miles of waymarked footpaths at
Kinver Edge, including plenty that are suitable
for all the family. We particularly like the
woodland trail, which has natural play areas
to explore along the way. It’s quite steep in
places but the magnificent views make the effort
worthwhile. Dogs on leads are very welcome too.
Canalside stroll, a towpath near you
A walk along a canal towpath is a walk that
just keeps on giving. You’ll generally find the
paths easily accessible and you’ll see plenty of
interesting things along the way. If you’re lucky
you’ll spot some interesting barges and perhaps
be able to watch a canal lock in action. We
particularly like the stretch of the Trent and
Mersey that runs through Stone, and not just
because a walk can be combined with a trip to
the lovely town itself.
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