I love a wander around beautiful Trentham Gardens. There’s so much to see and do and the manicured grounds and fairy sculptures are a definite must see. But sometimes I don’t have long enough to spend a full day making the entry fee a little steep. The totally free Monument Walk, Trentham makes the perfect compromise.
This one is around two and a half miles and took us less than an hour. There are a few steep hills to navigate but the views from the top are so worth it.
Where to start the Monument Walk
You’ll not actually start this one at Trentham Gardens. For this route head to Trentham Monkey Forest and find parking near the entrance just off the roundabout. There are normally plenty of spaces on the left as you drive in but the car park is plenty big enough further down.
Monument Walk Trentham Route
Leave your car heading away from the road up the hill. It’s a bit steep, you’ll be following a track through a grassy field. At the top you’ll see a sign for the walk and a kissing gate. Go through this to your left.
Keep following this path which will wind you around to the right and into the trees. The Monument walk Trentham is well sign posted. So keep going up the narrow paths.
It gets a bit steep here as you’re heading up into the woods. The trees bordering your way are super pretty. Once you near the top you’ll spot the impressive monument to George Granville. He was the 1st Duke of Sutherland whose family lived at Trentham Hall.
If you’ve packed a picnic or flask of tea, this is a great place to stop for a while. Catch your breathe and take in the amazing views. Follow Granvilles gaze across to the beautiful grounds of Trentham Gardens.
When you’re ready keep going in the direction you came. Heading away from the monument towards the gardens. Slightly off to your left you’ll see a wooden gate and a stile. Climb over this, you’ll be joining the Two Saints Way. A 92 mile path from Chester to Lichfield. But don’t worry, you won’t be following it that far!
This is where the path gradually guides you back downhill. Weaving through ancient woodland on each side. Make sure you keep you eyes peeled for seasonal flowers. The colours you’ll see here are gorgeous.
Once you reach the bottom of the path and exit the woods you want to take the turning to your left. The Two Saints Way continues straight and I think following this a while longer will get you to Trentham Gardens.
Keep going down the grassy field. Keeping the fence to the monkey forest on your left. Look up into the trees here and you’ll spot the Trentham Treetops Adventure. If you’re completing this walk with kids I’m sure they’d love to give it a go. It costs just under £20 for a ticket.
Keep this on your right, all the way back to the Trentham Monkey Forest main entrance. Then it’s a left turn back through the carpark to your car.
What else is there to do at Trentham
The Trentham Estate is a wonderful place for a day out. The gardens and Monkey forest are great paid for attractions. But you don’t have to part with any cash to park or visit the shopping village. Here you’ll find brilliant independent retailers and some well known brands in sweet shops. There are also lots of places to get a bite to eat or drink. If you’re visiting with kids then treat them to a mooch around the sweet emporium, they won’t want to leave!
Right at the back of the car park is another small wooded area. There are no actual paths but its good if you’re visiting with dogs and need to stretch their legs.
The Monument Walk Trentham with Dogs
Holly loves this walk. The trees provide plenty of shade to ensure she doesn’t get too hot.
There are a couple of Stiles on the route but they are well maintained and have lift up gates for dogs. Dogs must be kept on leads at the Trentham Estate.
Route Details
Walk Duration: The Monument walk at Trentham took us less than an hour. We didn’t make any stops so covered the ground pretty quickly.
Walk Length: This one is under two and a half miles.
Walk Difficulty: Whilst not particularly long or treacherous, this walk does include a few steep climbs. I wouldn’t recommend it on wheels.
Facilities: There are no facilities on this actual walk. If you need toilets or somewhere to grab a drink then head to the shopping village at the Trentham Estate. It’s just a mile down the road.
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.
Another walk to try in the area is this brilliant hike at Downs Banks. This one also comes with some epic views of the Staffordshire countryside. And is just over 2 miles.
The monument walk, Trentham is a fabulous place to spot bluebells in spring. They’re scattered all through the woods. Have a look at these other stunning bluebell woods in Staffordshire.
Make sure to pin for later for the Trentham Monument Walk route.
