4.6
(79)
5,619
riders
466
rides
Road cycling routes around Stowe-By-Chartley, Staffordshire, traverse a varied landscape of woodlands, heathlands, and rolling hills. The region features an extensive network of quiet country lanes, former railway lines, and canal towpaths. This diverse terrain provides options for various cycling preferences, from flatter, scenic passages to undulating routes with moderate elevation changes. Proximity to Cannock Chase also contributes to the area's appeal for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
16
riders
23.7km
01:04
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
18
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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14
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
29.2km
01:19
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
34.3km
01:40
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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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
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The old bakers cottage have great coffee, lovely cakes and a welcoming smile !
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Opens 07:30 and good for cakes, light snacks and drinks
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Essex Bridge is historically significant, dating back to the early 17th century. It was built between 1550 and 1554, making it one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in England. The bridge is situated in a tranquil and scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the natural beauty of the River Trent. It provides a charming view of the river and its surroundings.
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Blithfield reservoir was built in 1953 to supply drinking water to the surrounding area. The reservoir and surrounding woodland have been designated as a a SSSI due to the important bird life in the area. The causeway that crosses the reservoir gives good views across the water so do stop and have a look around.
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Great place, with great choice of cakes will definitely visit again
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There are over 460 road cycling routes available around Stowe-By-Chartley. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 107 easy, 315 moderate, and 41 difficult options to choose from.
The region offers a diverse landscape for road cycling, featuring woodlands, heathlands, and rolling hills. You'll find an extensive network of quiet country lanes, as well as flatter, scenic passages along former railway lines and canal towpaths. This mix provides options from gentle rides to more undulating routes with moderate elevation changes.
Yes, Stowe-By-Chartley offers over 100 easy road cycling routes. Many of these utilize the relatively flat and scenic passages along canal towpaths and former railway lines, providing a pleasant experience away from heavy traffic. An example of an easy route is the Blithfield Reservoir Causeway โ Booth Lane loop from Staffordshire.
Road cycling around Stowe-By-Chartley is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 5,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the quiet country lanes, varied terrain, and scenic views.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 41 difficult road cycling routes around Stowe-By-Chartley. These routes often feature more significant elevation gains and longer distances, traversing the region's rolling hills. The The Old Bakers Cottage โ Blythe Bridge Bank Hill loop from Staffordshire is a moderate route that requires good fitness, covering over 51 km with notable elevation.
Many routes incorporate historical and natural landmarks. For instance, the View of Shugborough Hall โ Essex Bridge loop from Staffordshire passes by the historic 17th-century Essex Bridge and through tranquil countryside near Shugborough Hall. Other notable features in the wider area include Sherbrook Stepping Stones and Fairoak Pools.
Absolutely. The region is characterized by woodlands, heathlands, and rolling hills, providing a picturesque backdrop for your rides. Nearby, the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offers extensive natural beauty, including features like the Glacial Boulder and scenic trails. The area also boasts more miles of canal than any other Shire county, offering tranquil waterside rides.
The best time for road cycling around Stowe-By-Chartley is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder and more stable, making for more enjoyable rides through the varied landscapes. The quiet country lanes and natural beauty are particularly appealing in these months.
Yes, the majority of road cycling routes around Stowe-By-Chartley are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride and parking more convenient. Examples include the View of Shugborough Hall โ Essex Bridge loop from Staffordshire and the Blythe Bridge Bank Hill โ The Old Bakers Cottage loop from Staffordshire.
Yes, several routes are designed to pass by or near establishments where you can take a break. For example, the Between the Fields โ Cobwebs Coffee Stop loop from Staffordshire explicitly mentions a coffee stop. The wider Staffordshire area is known for its charming villages and rural pubs, offering opportunities for refreshments during your ride.
For broader information about cycling opportunities and resources across the county, you can visit the official tourism website for the region. Check Visit Staffordshire's cycling section for additional details and inspiration.


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