4.5
(442)
4,267
hikers
13
hikes
Hiking around Eccleshall offers diverse landscapes across the Staffordshire countryside. The region is characterized by rolling fields, quiet woodlands, and serene lakeside paths. Key natural features include Cop Mere, the River Sow, and areas like Jackson's Coppice and Marsh. These elements combine to create varied terrain suitable for different hiking preferences.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
3.42km
00:53
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
8.76km
02:18
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(1)
4
hikers
14.6km
03:51
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
5.91km
01:34
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
3
hikers
7.39km
01:58
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A lovely old Joules pub, steeped in history. The Royal Oak is a quintessential coaching inn of the 1900s which provided substantial stabling and accommodation for travellers. Its story dates back even further than the coaching inn era, the origins of the building can be seen in the attics; the central chimney may even pre-date the ancient timbers. The attics, long abandoned reveal a set of small eerie servants rooms with no natural light. With lath and lime plaster and small oak framed door openings, these rooms evidence an ancient building and suggest the Royal Oak was a substantial inn well before the old toll roads. The Inn’s name also suggests royalist loyalty at the time of the English civil war which explains the rumour of a tunnel leading from the cellars to Gaol Butts nearby. The cellars are certainly ancient; old stone and arched and do reveal an intriguing closed passage. The coaching era heralded a major change of the Oak, in the early 1800’s the arches would have been added and the attics abandoned in favour of extensions to the pub including the coaching stables and the fine assembly rooms. In Victorian times, the inn was radically changed again, staircases and internal toilets added and rooms amalgamated and the introduction of a bar servery. Before this it is likely the inn would not have had a servery – just ale in jugs poured straight from the cask in the cellar.
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A ‘proper’ country pub, it’s a lovely old country pub, served by a friendly landlady. Open evenings Mon - Thu & day time - Fri-Sun Bar snacks such as scotch eggs, pork pies and sausage rolls.
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A fabulous bakery & cafe selling homemade bread & cakes, and a lovely breakfast menu.
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Cosy town with little streets, classic buildings and cafes 😋
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There are 13 hiking trails accessible directly from bus stations around Eccleshall. These routes offer a convenient way to explore the picturesque Staffordshire countryside without needing a car.
The bus station hikes around Eccleshall primarily feature easy and moderate routes. You'll find 5 easy trails perfect for a relaxed stroll and 8 moderate options for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. There are no difficult trails in this selection.
Yes, several easy routes are suitable for families. The Cop Mere – Cop Mere loop from Jackson's Coppice & Marsh is a gentle 3.4 km walk, offering lovely views of Cop Mere. Another great option is the River Sow – Cop Mere loop from Jackson's Coppice & Marsh, which is 5.9 km and also considered easy.
Absolutely. Most of the bus station trails around Eccleshall are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same public transport stop. For example, the Cop Mere – River Sow loop from Eccleshall is a moderate 14.5 km circular route that showcases both the lake and riverside paths.
The trails around Eccleshall bus stations immerse you in diverse Staffordshire landscapes. You'll encounter serene lakeside paths, quiet woodlands, and expansive pastoral scenery. Many routes feature the notable Cop Mere and the flowing River Sow, offering a quintessential English countryside experience.
For a longer, moderate challenge, consider the Cop Mere – River Sow loop from Eccleshall. This 14.5 km route provides a substantial walk through varied terrain, combining lakeside views with riverside sections.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful, picturesque countryside, the well-maintained footpaths, and the charming natural features like Cop Mere and the River Sow.
Many routes offer views of Cop Mere, a central feature in the area. You can also explore woodlands and marshland scenery, particularly around Jackson's Coppice and Marsh. For broader natural beauty, the nearby Aqualate Mere Nature Reserve is a significant natural lake in the Midlands, and Downs Banks Millennium Viewpoint offers scenic vistas.
Generally, the public footpaths and countryside trails around Eccleshall are dog-friendly. However, always keep dogs under control, especially when passing through fields with livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding leads. Many routes, like those around Cop Mere, are popular with dog walkers.
Eccleshall's trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days, and even winter walks can be beautiful, especially around Cop Mere, though paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
While not directly on the bus station routes listed, the wider Eccleshall area includes walks that visit Eccleshall Castle. The routes provided focus more on natural landscapes like Cop Mere and the River Sow, but the town itself has historical charm.


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