Cannock Chase, Shugborough Estate (12.5 Miles, Moderately Easy)

As it's Halloween, here's something a bit "out there" for the Macclesfield Murderers; Cannock Chase, formerly a royal hunting forest, now a protected national landscape, is a picturesque walking and biking haven in the heart or rural Staffordshire. It's also home to a number of spooky legends, such as The Black-eyed Child, The Pigman and various ancient Pagan shenanigans. Adjoining it is the stunning Shugborough Estate, with its 900 acres of land, (definitely haunted) Georgian mansion, the gorgeous Essex footbridge and various follies, including the Shepherd's Monument, which apparently houses the unsolved "Shugborough Inscription" cipher. It's also home to Europe's widest yew tree. (How's that for a superlative!) The Chase itself is packed with points of interest, from ancient oaks to WWI firing ranges and war memorials. And look out for the 800 or so fallow deer roaming the forests. Hardly a hill on this one, but lots to see and explore! Starting point --- Penkridge Bank Car Park, which is free of charge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1E7sxwwYh3BtpuM8?gst=ac Be aware there no toilets or café at the start point but there are facilities a short way into the walk and at the lunch spot. Public Transport --- No direct options for getting to the start point via public transport sorry. Nearest train stations are Rugeley and Hednesford, from where you'd need to catch a lift. Dogs --- Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk and in the pub afterwards. What to bring --- Please bring a packed lunch, water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather and terrain. DISCLAIMER Please acknowledge the following: The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses. Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part). Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours. We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! Here's a guide to the difficult rating: Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll. Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience. Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience. Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day. Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves. Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers. IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.