Staffordshire Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Staffordshire.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Baggeridge Country Park - We understand this park is accessible with hard surfaced paths but could find no official access information - "Baggeridge Country Park is a beautiful area of countryside on the doorstep of the Black Country, with a great range of facilities on offer. The park has been a Green Flag winner every year since 1998 which is an international mark of quality for parks and green spaces. The park is ideal for walkers and dog walkers, families with young children, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts" - from the South Staffordshire Council website
Biddulph Valley Way - It is ideal for pushchairs and wheelchair users too. Download the Valleys and Pastures leaflet above to see which access points are suitable for wheelchairs - from the Cheshire East Council website
also see the leaflet in our archive
Blithfield Reservoir - "There are three walks open to the public, taking in a wildflower meadow, ancient semi-natural woodland and the reservoir shoreline. The walks vary in length, including one which is partly suitable for wheelchairs, and were provided with advice and assistance from Natural England and the West Midland Bird Club" - from the South Staffs Water website
- Download the leaflet from the South Staffs Water website
Bramshall Road Park - Uttoxeter - "Ample parking, play area, bowls green, tennis courts, skate park, multi use games area, football, benches, dogs allowed on the main field, picnic areas, disabled access and toilets including a radar key operated disabled toilet." - from the East Staffordshire Borough Council website
Branston Water Park - "Free Parking, Toilets with separate radar key controlled disabled toilet, cafe, small visitor centre, play area, picnic areas, level paths around site, disabled access throughout, benches, fishing through Burton Mutual Angling Association." - from the East Staffordshire Borough Council website
Cannock Chase Heritage Trail - "The trail itself can be accessed at any point, as it meanders across a wide range of ground surfaces, from main roads, ancient paved streets, to the open countryside of Cannock Chase." "This leaflet will help you understand the surface structure that you may come across in the countryside sections of the trail, such as inclines and gradients and surface materials. Some areas of the trail can be difficult for manual wheelchairs and buggies" - from the Cannock Chase Council website
- Download the leaflet from the Cannock Chase Council website
Hales Hall Pool - "Hales Hall Pool Local Nature Reserve with a man made lake dating back to 1846. A double line of yew trees link the 1.76 hectare lake with Hales Hall built in 1712. The pool edges are a designated Site of Biological Importance with Marsh Marigold, Flag Iris, Greater Tussock Sedge and Bulbous Rush growing. Look out for birds such as kingfisher, heron, tufted duck, coot, moorhen and great crested grebes. Fishing permits are also available." "Hard surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair users cover half the site. There is disabled parking for wheelchair users and wheel chair access to fishing platforms." - from the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council website
Kingfisher Trail - "The Kingfisher Trail runs alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, through the Shobnall, Horninglow and Eton districts of Burton upon Trent." "In keeping with the design, location and history, our vision Kingfisher Project is to maintain the trail as a habitat for wildlife with attractive views along the trail and across to the hills, a safe and welcoming place with several access points and suitable for wheelchair users, kept to a high standard which local people can be proud to be associated with." "Benches, Disabled access suitable for wheelchair use" - from the East Staffordshire Borough Council website
Leek to Rushton Spencer Greenway - we understand that the track is surfaced between Leek and north of Rudyard Lake. There is a car park and miniature Railway at Rudyard, together with a picnic area. There is access for wheelchairs via RADAR keyed gate. Toilet and visitor facilities available at Dam Head, approximately 600 metres from the car park - "The greenway is an old railway line between Leek and north of Rudyard Lake. . . is 5.3 miles, lake is 2.5 miles long" from the Staffordshire County Council website
Manifold Way Miles Without Stiles - "Wind your way down the Manifold Way following the disappearing stream and Thor’s Cave in this tranquil limestone dale. The first part is on a minor road" "2.8 km to Weag's Bridge" - from the Peak District National Park Authority website
- Download the leaflet from the Peak District National Park Authority website
The National Memorial Arboretum - "A network of pathways run around our grounds making it accessible for visitors who may have some special requirements." "Our Accessibility Guide will help you plan your next visit to the Arboretum. It contains information about arriving, our facilities and getting around our grounds." - from the National Memorial Arboretum website
- Download their Access Guide from the National Memorial Arboretum website
Rudyard Lake & Steam Railway - "Disabled access is available to all our stations. Our platforms are all at ground level and are wheelchair accessible. We can also carry foldable wheelchairs on all our trains in a wagon provided for this. We have a modified carriage available for booking that will take a wheelchair - please ring the station to book this in advance. We also have some coaches with easier access for those with mobility issues. Please speak to the guard or driver and they will be happy to assist you. Level access to Platform 2 Cafe at Rudyard Station is by level access along the path and over the level crossing, then up the ramp onto the old platform. There are also reserved car parking spaces right in front of the station." - from the Leek and Rudyard Railway website
There is more about Rudyard Lake on the Canal and River Trust website - We understand that there is disabled access and accessible sailing at the sailing club
Stafford to Newport Greenway - The Greenway follows the route of the former Stafford to Newport Railway Line, we believe that this is a surfaced track suitable for wheelchair users. - "This greenway now forms part of the route of the county council's Way for the Millennium, a long distance route running east-west across the county. There are many points of access between Stafford and Newport" - from the Staffordshire County Council website
Tittesworth Water - "Situated near to Leek, on the edge of the spectacular Peak District National Park, Tittesworth offers plenty of activities for those who enjoy the great outdoors." "Some of the stretches around Tittesworth Water are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs." "Tramper scooters can also be hired for a cost of £5. Please email
The Wolseley Centre - "Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ, The Wolseley Centre, is one of the county’s hidden gems" "A network of accessible footpaths weave around the grounds - ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs and little feet! Feed the ducks or take a picnic beside our three lakes or search for colourful dragonflies and the bright blue flash of kingfishers as you stroll alongside the river" "There is a mobility scooter onsite that is free for guests to use. For further information, ring the centre on 01889 880100. Accessible tracks present and kissing gates which open with radar gates" - from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust website