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United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Staffordshire
Stafford
Colwich

Essex Bridge – View of Shugborough Hall loop from Great Haywood

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Staffordshire
Stafford
Colwich

Essex Bridge – View of Shugborough Hall loop from Great Haywood

Easy

4.5

(6)

137

hikers

Essex Bridge – View of Shugborough Hall loop from Great Haywood

01:21

5.30km

20m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 1.57 km for 3.12 km

Customers only

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

528 m

Essex Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

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.

Tip by

2

584 m

View of Shugborough Hall

Highlight • Monument

Shugbrough is an awesome place to spend time. Although it always seems to be raining when I go

Tip by

3

1.00 km

Shugborough Estate

Highlight • Natural

4

1.94 km

Tower of the Winds, Shugborough Estate

Highlight • Historical Site

The Tower of the Winds in Athens, originally an octagonal tower adorned with intricate reliefs illustrating various winds, inspired Shugborough's rendition, completed by James 'Athenian' Stuart in 1765. Legend has it that the 1st Earl of Lichfield once used the tower as a gambling establishment.

Tip by

5

3.74 km

The Cat's Monument

Highlight • Monument

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.

Tip by

6

3.81 km

A luminous pink bridge is always a sight to see.

Tip by

7

3.84 km

Chinese House

Highlight • Monument

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.

Tip by

8

4.05 km

Shugborough Estate

Highlight • Monument

Yet another place to go running that is full of scenery rather than roads and cars. Whether its a short blast or a cross country you can do it all from here.

Tip by

B

5.30 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.07 km

1.11 km

649 m

436 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.19 km

1.75 km

672 m

649 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

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Friday 26 June

27°C

16°C

-- %

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