Stafford Riverway Link

The Stafford Riverway Link is a canal and river corridor that connects two of Staffordshire's waterways - a practical feat of engineering that's become rather more interesting than it sounds. What you're actually walking or cycling along is a stretch of towpath and waterside route that joins up different sections of navigation, giving you a proper sense of how the region's waterway network fits together.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to canal enthusiasts and anyone cycling between Stafford and the surrounding areas. The walk itself is flat and straightforward, so families with younger kids won't struggle, though honestly there isn't a destination as such - it's more about the journey along the water. You'll see narrowboats, wildlife if you're patient, and the occasional lock to watch. On a good day it's peaceful; on a grey one it can feel a bit ordinary.

The main pull is practical rather than scenic. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Canalside Camping is only 3.2 miles away - then a towpath walk costs nothing and takes as long as you fancy. Combine it with a proper canal walk elsewhere in the area and you've got a half-day sorted. Worth adding to your itinerary if you're already in Stafford, less essential if you've got to travel specially. Check conditions before you go, as towpaths can get muddy after rain.