Best Long-Distance Running Routes in Stafford

Stafford offers exceptional terrain for long-distance runners, ranging from flat, uninterrupted former railway lines to undulating forest trails and scenic canal networks. Whether preparing for a half-marathon, full marathon, or ultra-distance event, local runners can easily string together routes covering 10 to 20 miles or more. This guide outlines the most practical, uninterrupted, and scenic long-distance running routes in and around the town of Stafford.

The Isabel Trail and Doxey Greenway

The Isabel Trail is a paved, traffic-free path running along a disused railway line north of the town centre, beginning near Sainsbury's on the edge of town. For a simple out-and-back run, it provides a completely flat, measured surface ideal for marathon pace workouts.

To extend this route past 10 miles, runners combine the Isabel Trail with the western greenway heading toward Derrington and Gnosall. Starting from Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve, you can follow the former Newport railway line past Derrington, across the viaduct, and straight into Gnosall. An out-and-back run from central Stafford to Gnosall provides an uninterrupted 12- to 14-mile route on compacted gravel and asphalt, free from vehicular traffic.

Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Towpath

Canal towpaths provide the backbone for flat, continuous mileage. The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal intersects the edge of Stafford near Baswich, offering extensive distance in two directions:

• North toward Great Haywood: Running north leads toward the junction with the Trent and Mersey Canal. Continuing through Great Haywood past the historic bridge allows runners to extend their route toward Rugeley or north toward Stone, easily enabling runs of 15 to 20 miles.
• South toward Penkridge: Heading south along the canal provides a straight, peaceful run into Penkridge and beyond toward Gailey. A round trip from Stafford to Penkridge along the towpath delivers roughly 10 to 12 miles.

The canal paths feature a mix of compacted gravel, grass, and occasional mud in winter, making them a low-impact option for high-volume weeks.

Milford Common and Cannock Chase

Located just four miles southeast of Stafford town centre, Milford Common serves as the primary gateway to Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area is the premier destination for runners requiring elevation gain and variable trail surfaces.

• The Brocton Coppice Loop: Starting at Milford Common, runners can climb into Brocton Coppice, traversing fire roads, singletrack trails, and sandy bridleways. A standard loop around the edge of the Chase, incorporating the Katyn Memorial and the German Military Cemetery, yields between 8 and 14 miles depending on trail choice.
• Stepping Stones and Sherbrook Valley: Dropping down into the Sherbrook Valley offers rolling, technical terrain that is well-suited for ultra-marathon preparation. The network of marked trails allows for customizable long runs exceeding 20 miles with significant vertical gain.

Shugborough and Trent Valley Loop

For a scenic, mixed-surface long run, the loop encompassing the Shugborough Estate, Baswich, and the River Sow valley is highly effective. Starting in Stafford, runners follow the River Sow path out toward Baswich, pick up the canal towpath to the Shugborough Estate, and circle the estate grounds via public bridleways.

By linking the estate with the trails bordering the edge of Cannock Chase and returning via the Tixall Road bridleways, runners complete a scenic 10- to 13-mile circular route featuring a balance of tarmac, dirt tracks, and towpaths.