Being pretty much slap bang in the centre of England, Lichfield is in a great location for some beautiful hikes. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to find glorious countryside, rivers, lakes and canals. I always like a loop style walk so I don’t have to retrace my steps to get back to the car. It means I’ll always have something new to see! Here are my favourite circular walks near Lichfield to try out this weekend. They’re all within half an hours drive so there’s definitely time to plan in a trip to the pub for lunch too!
Circular Walks under 5 miles near Lichfield
Alrewas to Wychnor
This four mile loop starts Alrewas, a rather delightful Staffordshire town. The route takes you along the canal across locks and bridges until you hit the field at historic Wynchnor.
Then it’s back cross country to the village where you’ll find plenty of pubs and independent cafes to refuel after your walk. Click the link to follow the full Alrewas to Wychnor Loop.
Distance from Lichfield: Just under 6 miles along the A38. It should take you less than 15 minutes!
Battlestead Hill
Mountains and hills are hard to come by near Lichfield but if you like to get up high then head North to Battlestead Hill. This one has some of the best views in the area and although it’s only 3 miles, the gradient makes it a nice challenge. The walk begins and ends in the lovely village of Tatenhill which has a lovely pub and takes in the gorgeous Rangemore Forest. Follow the Battlestead Hill route here.
Distance from Lichfield: Tatenhill is just over 10 miles from Lichfield, again head North on the A38. The drive is around 20 minutes.
Jacksons Bank
Jacksons Bank is my go to spot for Staffordshire walks in the woods. It’s relatively unknown so quiet enough to let the dogs and kids run free. It’s part of the immense 75 mile National Forest Way but there are plenty of options for shorter two or three mile loops through the woods. You can follow the well marked paths, looping round the small lake or read my post on Jacksons Bank for a more detailed route.
Distance from Lichfield: Jacksons Bank is just on the other side of Yoxall along the A515. It’s a fairly easy 20 minute, 12 mile drive.
Heather Rose Woods
Another short one near Yoxall is at Heather Rose Woods. It’s just three miles and a relatively new area of open woodland. You’ll have to park on the road for this one or if it’s open head to the Foresters Arms for lunch. Discover more about Heather Rose Woods here.
Distance from Lichfield: Again, this one is just off the A515 past Yoxall, it’s on the other side of the road from the Foresters Arms. It will take you 15 minutes in the car.
Blithfield Reservoir
Blithfield reservoir is a great place for a hike, it’s one of my favourite places for circular walks near Lichfield. It has plenty of choice when it comes to distance, the shortest is around one mile with the longest nearing five. The circular routes include boardwalks and nature trails, wide expanses of farmland, impressive woods and even a chance to dip your toes when the weathers good. There is a large carpark at the start of the routes but no facilities. Read more about Blithfield Reservoir.
Distance From Lichfield: The easiest way to get to the Blithfield Reservoir is past Rugeley, across the reservoir then follow the signs to Blithfield Education Centre. It’s only 16 miles but will take you half an hour as the lanes are a bit slow.
Walks over 5 miles near Lichfield
Shugborough Hall
Shugborough Hall makes for a brilliant day out regardless of whether you want to add a walk or not but I really hope you do. This brilliant 5 mile loop starts just outside of the Hall meaning you’ll walk through the stunning Cannock Chase forest before entering the National Trust owned Estate. You’ll hike past the Hall and its many follies before crossing Essex bridge and heading along the canal, eventually looping back to your car. The cafe at Shugborough is a great place to stop for lunch or pack a picnic and enjoy it on Millford Common. Follow this link for details of the Shugborough Hall loop.
Distance from Lichfield: Shugborough is around 13 miles from Lichfield, you’ll need to drive through Rugeley then into Cannock Chase at Wolseley bridge.
Middleton Lakes
RSPB Reserve Middleton Lakes is a stunning place for a hike plus it’s one a the best spots in the area for bird spotting due to its marshy conditions. This six and a half mile route around the reserve is well signposted and offers some gorgeous views of the wetlands and lakes heading across to Kingsbury waterpark and back. You’ll start and end your walk at Middleton Hall, an independently owned stately home with some lovely independent shops on site. Follow the full loop around Middleton Lakes here.
Distance from Lichfield: Middleton Lakes is just 13 miles from Lichfield along the London Road, past the Belfry. Follow the signs to Middleton or the Aston Villa Training Ground at Bodymoor Heath. Its around a twenty minute drive.
Rosliston Forestry Center to Caldwell
Rosliston Forestry Centre is a brilliant place to visit, it has many, many trails, playgrounds, visitor centres and a gorgeous cafe. It’s also a very popular place for bike riding with its many kid friendly routes. There are plenty of circular walks around the centre itself which come in under 5 miles but if you’re after more of a challenge try the Rosliston to Caldwell loop which is around six and a half miles.
Distance from Lichfield: Rosliston Forestry centre is only 11 miles from Lichfield, north on the A38. It’s around a 25 minute drive just past Alrewas.
Whittington
Whittington is a lovely village nestled on the Coventry Canal just ten minutes from Lichfield. My favourite circular route takes you through the village, along the canal and then loops back via miles of farmland skirting a gorgeous golf course. It’s around 5 miles but is fairly easy going. find full route details on my post about Whittington.
Distance from Lichfield: Whittington is under four miles from Lichfield, it’s just a ten minute drive along the A51.
Make sure you join the Marvellous Midlands Walks Facebook Group where you can share your favourite routes, photos and recommendations for walks in the Midlands. It’s also a great place to ask for recommendations and find inspiration for your next hike.
What are your favourite circular walks near Lichfield, I’m always on the look out for new ones. Please do let me know in the comments which ones I should try next.
