Step into spring in Staffordshire

The towns, villages and landscapes of the Staffordshire Moorlands will take centre stage as a popular, 11-day walking festival returns this month.

The Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival, from Friday 26 April to Monday 6 May, features more than 40 walks, many of which are free.

Ranging from easy, flat strolls, to more challenging, hilly treks, walks include a leisurely half mile route at the John Hall Wellness Garden, Leek (26 April), and the gentle, one mile Mayor’s Meander at the town’s Birchall Playing Fields (1 May).

And for a more challenging trek, there are strenuous routes at beauty spots such as The Roaches, Lud’s Church, Dimmingsdale and the Manifold Valley.

Other highlights include a Nordic Walking Taster Session at Ilam Park (28 April), history walks in Forsbrook (29 April) and Froghall (30 April), and a circular walk in Bagnall (1 May), which culminates in a free drink at The Stafford Arms pub.

It’s the third year of the festival, which began in 2022 after a group of local walkers decided to foster a shared love of the great outdoors, reignite community bonds, and promote wellness and the Moorlands countryside.

More than 600 walkers took part in the 2023 event and organisers hope it will continue to grow and help put the Moorlands on the map as a destination for walking breaks.

For full details about the festival, see www.staffsmoorlandswalkingfestival.co.uk

Tourist information about visiting, and staying in, Staffordshire is available at www.enjoystaffordshire.com