4.6
(11)
95
riders
10
rides
Mountain bike trails around Milwich provide access to a diverse landscape within Staffordshire, featuring open countryside, ancient woodlands, and canal networks. While Milwich itself is a quiet village, its location offers proximity to renowned mountain biking areas like Cannock Chase AONB. The region presents a mix of terrain, from gentle paths along waterways to more challenging routes through rolling hills.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(3)
14
riders
27.4km
01:54
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
10
riders
37.7km
02:01
110m
110m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5
riders
44.4km
02:50
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
17.5km
01:24
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
riders
52.5km
03:12
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Essex Bridge is a historic, Grade I listed packhorse bridge located at the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, England, which crosses the River Trent. Originally built in the 16th century, it is notable as the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain and was constructed for Queen Elizabeth I's use, linking the estate to nearby woodlands. It is one of the oldest bridges in England that has not been altered. The bridge is situated over the River Trent near Great Haywood and is an integral part of the Shugborough Estate, a National Trust property. It was built around 1550 by the Earl of Essex for a visit from Queen Elizabeth I so she could access hunting grounds on the other side of the river. It is the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain, with 14 of its original 40 arches still intact today. The bridge is a Grade I listed monument and is one of the oldest un-altered bridges in England. source: internet
0
0
The church was built between 1860 and 1862 to designs of the architect George Edmund Street, funded by Sir Thomas Percival Heywood, 2nd Baronet. At the same time, Street also designed the lychgate, churchyard cross, vicarage and village school.
0
0
Worth a stop and have a wonder around. plenty to see. 10-15 minutes is enough.
0
0
The current church was built in 1884-85, replacing an older 13th-century church that was formerly the guest chapel of Croxden Abbey.
0
0
Croxden Abbey, also known as "Abbey of the Vale of St. Mary at Croxden", was a Cistercian abbey. A daughter house of the abbey in Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy, the abbey was founded by Bertram III de Verdun of Alton Castle, Staffordshire, in the 12th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1538. In 1176, Bertram III de Verdun, the lord of the manor of Croxden, endowed a site for a new abbey near Alton, Staffordshire, to a group of 12 Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy. Bertram founded the abbey, like many noblemen of his time, for the souls of his family. The monks remained at the Alton site until 1179, before moving to land near Croxden, a few miles south. Croxden was relatively prosperous, drawing the majority of its wealth from sheep farming. By 1315, the monks were supplying more wool to the continent than any other religious house in the county, with transactions being recorded with Florentine merchants well into the 1420s.
0
0
Perrys Trails is brilliant fun, not too challenging, not too hilly. Just nice.
0
0
Originally called 'Hangmans stones' installed in 1954. The stones were originally from Stafford Prison where they formed the steps to the prison gatehouse where the condemned prisoners were hanged on the flat roof.
1
0
There are over 10 mountain bike trails around Milwich, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes traverse open countryside, ancient woodlands, and scenic canal networks, providing options for various skill levels.
The trails around Milwich primarily feature easy and moderate difficulty levels. There are 4 easy routes and 7 moderate routes, making the area accessible for both casual riders and those seeking a bit more challenge. While Milwich itself offers gentler paths, the wider Staffordshire region, particularly Cannock Chase AONB, provides more technical and challenging singletrack experiences.
Yes, several routes are suitable for families and beginners. For instance, the Essex Bridge – Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop from Great Haywood is an easy 17.7 km trail that offers a pleasant ride through scenic areas. The canal networks also provide accessible and relatively flat paths for a relaxed family outing.
Mountain biking around Milwich is characterized by a mix of open countryside, ancient woodlands, and canal networks. You'll find routes that follow tranquil canal towpaths and rural lanes, as well as those that venture through rolling hills with some elevation gain. The broader Staffordshire region also includes rugged gritstone escarpments and valleys, particularly in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Milwich are designed as loops. For example, the popular Ramblers Retreat – Toothill Wood loop from Upper Tean is a 27.3 km circular trail, and the Bridge 100 (Turnover Bridge) – Plume of Feathers Pub loop from Stone offers a moderate 37.7 km circular ride along canal towpaths and rural lanes.
The area around Milwich is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter landmarks such as the historic Essex Bridge, the tranquil Croxden Abbey Ruins, or the scenic Parkhall Lake and Waterfall. The extensive canal networks themselves are also a notable feature, offering unique views and a different kind of outdoor exploration.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet woodlands to open countryside, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various skill levels. The blend of natural beauty and historical points of interest also contributes to a rewarding riding experience.
While the immediate Milwich area features mostly easy to moderate trails, more advanced mountain biking opportunities are readily available nearby. Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a premier destination, offering acclaimed cross-country trails like 'Follow the Dog' and 'The Monkey Trail' with technical challenges, as well as gravity-fed thrills at the 'Stile Cop Downhill Trails'.
Yes, the region offers routes that incorporate historical sites. For example, the Croxden Abbey Ruins – View of Croxden Quarry loop from Blythe Bridge is a moderate 52.5 km trail that takes you past the ancient Croxden Abbey Ruins. The Hazlehurst Aqueduct – Consall Lime Kilns loop from Blythe Bridge also leads past historic industrial features.
Absolutely. Staffordshire boasts an extensive network of canal paths, many of which are suitable for mountain biking. The Bridge 100 (Turnover Bridge) – Plume of Feathers Pub loop from Stone is a prime example, following canal towpaths and rural lanes for a moderate 37.7 km ride. These routes offer a unique and often flat cycling experience.
The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking around Milwich, with warmer weather and drier trails. However, the diverse terrain, including canal networks and woodlands, can be enjoyed year-round, though some paths might be muddier during wetter seasons. Always check local conditions before heading out.
For more information on cycling opportunities across Staffordshire, including the Staffordshire Moorlands, you can visit the official tourism websites. These resources often provide details on various routes and cycling-related activities in the broader area. You can explore options at Visit Staffordshire Cycling or specifically for the Moorlands at Visit Staffordshire Moorlands Cycling.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.