Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve
Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve
The best hikes from bus stations in Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve
4.5
(470)
3,297
hikers
83
hikes
Hiking in Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve primarily involves trails in the surrounding Staffordshire landscape, as direct access to the core floating peat bog is restricted due to its fragile nature. The region features a mix of woodlands, open countryside, and paths alongside waterways and estates. These routes offer varied terrain, from gentle riverside walks to paths through more undulating woodland areas.
Best bus station hiking trails in Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve
- The most popular bus station hiking routeβ¦
Last updated: April 27, 2026
2
hikers
9.48km
02:25
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(27)
92
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(6)
135
hikers
5.30km
01:21
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.92km
01:21
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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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.
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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.
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Able to get a double buggy over
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Originally called 'Hangmans stones' installed in 1954. The stones were originally from Stafford Prison where they formed the steps to the prison gatehouse where the condemned prisoners were hanged on the flat roof.
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This tranquil summer scene on the Trent and Mersey Canal footpath is a favourite! The curving canal and path, the pleasant greenery and houses, and the approaching stone bridge all combine to give a scene that is peaceful, interesting and typically English! The view shows the easterly approach to Bridge #72 of the Trent and Mersey Canal at Little Haywood in Staffordshire. Please be aware that the bridge is low for pedestrians and that the tranquility is interrupted by noise from the nearby West Coast Main Railway Line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available in the Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve area?
There are over 80 hiking routes accessible from bus stations in the broader Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve region. These trails cater to various fitness levels, with 45 easy routes, 36 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options.
Are there any easy hiking routes accessible by bus in the Chartley Moss area?
Yes, there are many easy routes. For example, the Essex Bridge β View of Shugborough Hall loop from Great Haywood is an easy 5.3 km hike, and the Essex Bridge β Haywood Junction Roving Bridge loop from Great Haywood offers a pleasant 7 km walk. Another accessible easy option is the View of Shugborough Hall β Essex Bridge loop from Great Haywood, which is just under 5 km.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus-accessible hikes near Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve?
While direct access to the core floating peat bog of Chartley Moss is restricted, the surrounding Staffordshire landscape offers diverse scenery. You can expect to find dense woodlands of ash, birch, and oak, alongside typical woodland plants like bluebell and yellow archangel. Many routes also feature views of the broader countryside, including areas around the Shugborough Estate and local waterways.
Is Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve itself accessible for hiking?
Public access to the core of Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve, particularly the fragile floating peat bog, is significantly restricted due to its unique and unstable nature. Visiting typically requires an experienced guide and is limited to a few specially arranged events each year to protect this rare ecosystem. However, the broader region around Chartley Moss offers numerous hiking opportunities.
Are there any circular walks from bus stations in the Chartley Moss area?
Yes, many of the routes are circular, making them convenient for public transport users. Examples include the Hiking loop from Staffordshire, which is a moderate 9.5 km, and the Sherbrook Stepping Stones β View of Shugborough Hall loop from Great Haywood, a moderate 11 km option.
What makes Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve ecologically significant?
Chartley Moss is renowned for being the largest example of a floating peat bog, or 'schwingmoor,' in Britain. This rare habitat supports unique botanical communities, including plants like sundew and bog rosemary, and a diverse range of invertebrates, such as the rare white-faced darter dragonfly. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Ramsar Convention protected wetland, and a National Nature Reserve.
What do other hikers say about the trails in the Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve area?
The hiking trails in the Chartley Moss area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 450 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful natural surroundings, the variety of landscapes, and the accessibility of many routes from local transport hubs.
Are there any specific attractions or landmarks to look out for on these bus-accessible hikes?
While the core of Chartley Moss is restricted, hikes in the surrounding area often feature views of significant local landmarks. For instance, several routes from Great Haywood offer views of Shugborough Hall and pass by Essex Bridge, providing a blend of natural beauty and historical interest.
Where can I find more information about the conservation efforts at Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve?
For detailed information on the conservation status and ecological importance of Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve, you can refer to official government and conservation websites. The site is a National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England. You can find more information on the Staffordshire's National Nature Reserves page on gov.uk or on its Wikipedia page.
What is the best time of year to hike near Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve?
The surrounding Staffordshire area offers pleasant hiking opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers in the woodlands, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days, and even winter can be beautiful, though paths may be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any moderate difficulty hikes accessible by bus in this region?
Yes, there are several moderate hikes. The Hiking loop from Staffordshire is a moderate 9.5 km route, and the Sherbrook Stepping Stones β View of Shugborough Hall loop from Great Haywood is a longer, moderate 11 km option, both offering a good challenge without being overly strenuous.
Most popular routes in Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve
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