Highlight • Bridge
Essex Bridge
Hiking
4.9
(194)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Cannock Chase National Landscape
Tips
September 6, 2023
Hiking
February 6, 2019
Hiking
March 23, 2021
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Essex Bridge
4.3
(78)
319
hikers
10.5km
02:51
140m
140m
Embark on the Tolkien Trail: Great Haywood loop, a moderate hike spanning 6.6 miles (10.5 km) with an elevation gain of 474 feet (144 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 51 minutes. You will wander through ancient oak and birch woodlands, offering a pleasant experience in all seasons. A significant part of the route follows the tranquil Trent and Mersey Canal towpath, featuring pleasant greenery and stone bridges. You can also look forward to crossing the popular Sherbrook Stepping Stones, which traverse the pretty Sherbrook lined with alders. The varied landscape includes Brocton Coppice and the scenic Sherbrook Valley, providing diverse views throughout your journey.
This moderate hike is considered suitable for all skill levels, though a good level of fitness is recommended due to its length. The paths are generally easily accessible, making it a pleasant walk for many. However, be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after rain, so wearing appropriate footwear is advisable. The trail is a circular route, offering a convenient loop back to your starting point. You can enjoy the diverse scenery throughout the year, with each season bringing its own charm to the woodlands and canal paths.
What makes this route truly special is its deep connection to J.R.R. Tolkien, author of *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings*. Tolkien was stationed on Cannock Chase during the Great War and lived in Great Haywood, and it is believed that the local landscapes inspired elements of his Middle-earth mythology. For instance, the confluence of the Rivers Sow and Trent at Essex Bridge is thought to be the inspiration for "Tavrobel," while Shugborough Hall may have inspired the "House of a Hundred Chimneys." This trail offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a literary giant and experience the landscapes that shaped his fantastical world.
4.6
(5)
18
hikers
5.60km
01:27
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(18)
229
hikers
4.98km
01:17
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 80 m
Weather
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Monday 22 June
32°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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