Great Haywood - In Tolkien's Footsteps

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Great Haywood, with Agents helping protect J. R. R. Tolkien's lost manuscript by following his footsteps through the village, canal side and Cannock Chase to track down its hiding place before unscrupulous publishers get there first.

The operation covers approximately 1.7 miles and should take around 1.75 hours to complete. You'll begin at the Canalside Cafe and Farm Shop, follow the canal side towards Great Haywood Junction, cross Essex Bridge, investigate village landmarks including the churchyard, Memorial Hall and War Memorial, then loop back to the Canalside Cafe and Farm Shop.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The canal towpath can be muddy and is rough in parts, there are brick ridges underfoot on one section, a track to follow away from the canal, and the route goes uphill in places. There is also a stretch with no footpath near the railway bridge.

Keep Mini Agents close and take particular care beside the open water on the canal side, where there are tripping hazards and mooring ropes. The route also crosses a busy road, goes under and near a railway, and includes a busy section with no footpath.

If you wish, you can take the track to Haywood Cliffs to explore among the trees and find the caves.

Getting There

By car: Start your mission at the Canalside Cafe and Farm Shop (ST18 0RQ). Park here to begin your mission - you are on foot from here, so make sure you've got all your supplies with you.

By public transport: Make your way to the Canalside Cafe and Farm Shop (ST18 0RQ) to begin the operation. The circular route loops back to the same spot once the manuscript hunt is complete.

Need the Loo?

Find toilets at the start, so make a tactical comfort stop before heading out along the canal side.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents can join this mission with possible restrictions 🐾

We are currently unaware of any specific restrictions for dogs on this Trail, and whilst most of our Trails can be enjoyed with dogs, those in towns and cities may be less suitable due to traffic and a lack of open spaces. You may also encounter restricted access to parks etc.

This route is described as great for dogs, but keep canine recruits supervised at all times and don't let them run ahead. Take extra care beside the canal, around mooring ropes, near the busy road crossing, under and near the railway, and along the busy section with no footpath. Muddy towpaths and rough ground may also mean muddy paws.

Food & Drink Stops

Secret operations are better fuelled. The Canalside Cafe and Farm Shop at the start is a great place for a cuppa before you begin and cake when you finish. The cafe is open 9:30am-5:00pm daily, with hot food until 3.30pm.

The farm shop is also on the route at the end, and there are some great spots along the canalside to stop for a picnic lunch.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Great Haywood Junction

This major canal junction is where the Staffs and Worcester Canal meets the Trent and Mersey. It would once have been very busy, and today holiday boat traffic in the summer can give you an idea of those bygone times - perfect for Agents who like their history with a side of narrowboat watching.

Essex Bridge

This ancient packhorse bridge is a proper Tolkien-flavoured stop. Tolkien would have crossed it daily on his walk from the camps on Cannock Chase to his home in the village, and the Rivers Sow and Trent meet nearby as you cross.

Shugborough Hall

The route passes the estate setting of Shugborough Hall, referred to here as the 'House of 100 Chimneys'. Tolkien knew it by that nickname, making it a fine piece of background intel for anyone tracing his footsteps through Great Haywood.

The Churchyard and Family Church

The mission takes you into the churchyard, where the Anson tombs are found and Father Augustin Emery's grave is mentioned. You can also see the Presbytery nearby, where Tolkien stayed - a quiet but important stop for Agents piecing together the local Tolkien trail.

Memorial Hall and War Memorial

The Memorial Hall is described as an unusual and impressive war memorial for such a small village, and it still serves the community as a local landmark. Once the clues are cracked, it is worth a closer look before your squad heads back to base.