The village of Whittington is located just ten minutes drive from Lichfield out in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. It nestles alongside the Coventry canal making it a lovely place to start a hike. This is one of my favourite walks around Whittington Lichfield. It takes in the village, canal and much of the surrounding farmland.
Whittington Walk route
Begin your walk in Whittington Village. We parked by the St Giles Hospice, but you’re sure to find parking on one of the surrounding roads. Head out of the village on the main road towards the hump of the canal bridge.
Once you reach it walk down the steps towards the water and follow the canal, keeping it to your left. you’re heading towards Huddlesford and will pass some lovely gardens on the otherwise of the canal. Passing under several bridges as you go.
The canal path will soon change to grass, surrounded by fields. This can be a bit slippy so watch your footing. You’ll be leaving the canal at Huddlesford. Turn left, almost back on yourself and follow the track for a short distance. Once you get to the farm take the footpath to the right under the cute Huddlesford Holsteins sign.
You’ll pass some solar panels to your right then it’s through a gate into open fields. Again this can be quite muddy when it’s been wet. Cross over the stile at the end of the field. Cross over the road and into the next field.
Keep going along this field. You’ll be able to see some great views from up here and its where we decided to stop for our picnic. This was a standing lunch, there aren’t many benches on this walk!
Exit the field onto the road, this is Darnford Lane. If you go left you’ll head back into Whittington Village but we were after a longer route so turned right. This is a quiet lane but still keep dogs on leads and kids close, there’s not really a pavement to avoid cars.
Once you’ve passed a few farm buildings, follow the footpath sign to your left. And continue down this lane. Once you get to the road at the end (Whittington Common Road) cross over and enter the wooded edges of Whittington Heath Golf Course. Follow the footpath through the trees heading left. It will soon open up to more of a lane with a couple of sweet houses and farms.
Keep going down here and as the lane curves to the left, look to your right for some gorgeous views of the new golf course and clubhouse building. HS2 money seems to have come in very handy and they’ve down a great job.
Follow the track all the way down back to the main road. Turn left back into Whittington Village. You’ll pass this sweet nature area on the side of the road. And you’re back in you the village!
Whittington Circular Walk details
Walk Duration: This walk around Whittington and the surrounding countryside took around 3 hours at a fairly slow pace with a stop for a picnic lunch.
Walk Length: This is a reasonably long 5 miles. It could be extended further by continuing along the path (not turning left back into the village) to Hademore Farm Then following the road back to Whittington Bridge. Or shortened as described earlier.
Walk Difficulty: I wouldn’t describe this one as difficult. There aren’t many sharp gradients to navigate. Just make sure to wear the right footwear and you’ll be fine. There are a couple of stiles you have to climb over and some steps to and from the canal.
Facilities on the walk: There aren’t any facilities as you go round this route. Once pubs are open again I highly recommend popping into the Dog Inn in the village at the end of your walk for a pint or meal. We had to make do with an ice cream from the Co op in the village which was a nice treat to end the day. Walks around Whittington, Lichfield should always include some kind of treat!
The walk at Whittington with dogs: Holly, our Hungarian Vizsla loves this walk, there are plenty of new smells along the route and lots of mud to play in. I think there was just one stile we had to lift her over. Make sure you bring plenty of waste bags to pick up after your dog. You’ll find bins in Whittington village.
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.
If you’re local to the area then you’ll also love this circular walk at Middleton Lakes nature reserve. This one is 6.5 miles long but could easily be extended or shortened. Or for another one that takes in the canal, try this Alrewas to Wychnor loop coming in at 4 miles.
For other great walks in the area check out this post on the best circular walks near Lichfield.
Make sure you pin for later for one of your next walks around Whittington, Lichfield.
