The best walks and hikes around Hixon

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

Built around 1750, the Cats Monument is thought to commemorate a Persian cat kept by Thomas Anson called Kouli-Khun. Thomas Anson also kept a herd of Corsican goats on the estate which can also be seen on the monument. The monument has been surrounded by tall trees and shrubs and as a result has become covered in moss and algae. The growth of organic matter and the changes in the seasons have also led to water ingress and the opening of joints within the monument. Cliveden Conservation will be working on the monument during the summer of 2023 to clean and stabilise it. Stone conservators will work to remove the vegetation growing in the monument, clean the stone, re-point the open joints and make repairs to the lead flashing.

Completed in 1747, the Chinese House at Shugborough is thought to be one of the earliest buildings of Chinese influence in the country. The design is thought to have been taken from on-the-spot sketches by Piercy Brett, one of George Anson's officers aboard the Centurion during its circumnavigation. These sketches were then turned into reality by Thomas Anson, George's elder brother. In 2024, the Chinese House underwent conservation work to the roof and windows to ensure it remains watertight and safe for many years to come. As part of this project, extensive research was carried out into the building including its construction and design and position within the gardens. Unfortunately; despite hours of research being carried out; we still can't definitively say whether the story of its origin is true or not.

Not so good walking along the road trying to get to the tow path. No pavements and cars travel too fast

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Able to get a double buggy over

Lovely pushchair friendly paths

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.