A Circular Walk Around Eccleshall from Eagle House

Discover the Best of Our Historic Market Town on Foot
If you’re looking for the perfect Eccleshall walk during your stay in Staffordshire, you’ll be pleased to know that one of our favourite circular routes starts right from the doorstep of Eagle House Eccleshall.
As an award-winning luxury guest house in the heart of Eccleshall, we love helping our guests discover everything that makes our beautiful market town so special. Whether you’re staying in one of our elegant en-suite rooms, taking advantage of our convenient Room Only rates, or enjoying the flexibility of our Self-Catering Apartment, this gentle countryside walk is the perfect way to experience the very best of Eccleshall.
Book direct with Eagle House for our best available prices and exclusive offers, giving you more to spend enjoying everything our wonderful town has to offer.
A Beautiful 5.3km Circular Walk from Eagle House
This delightful circular route is approximately 5.3km (3¼ miles) and typically takes around 1½ hours at a leisurely pace. The route is mostly on quiet roads and paved village streets, making it suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. It’s generally considered easy, with only gentle inclines, and there are several benches along the route should you wish to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Please note that sections along Shaw’s Lane and Kerry Lane do not have pavements. While traffic is usually light, walkers should take care, wear suitable footwear and high-visibility clothing if walking during darker months. Unfortunately, these sections mean the walk may not befully suitable for wheelchairs or most pushchairs, although much of the village centre itself is accessible.
Map of the route
Step 1 – Leave Eagle House and Head Towards Shaw’s Lane
From the Eagle House car park, walk up Goal Butts before turning right onto Shaw’s Lane, passing the Community Centre and the local primary school.
Almost immediately you’ll feel yourself leaving everyday life behind as the road becomes wonderfully peaceful. Although there isn’t a pavement here, it’s a quiet country lane bordered by beautiful hedgerows, mature trees and open farmland. Depending on the season you’ll spot colourful wildflowers, butterflies, birdsong and perhaps even a glimpse of local wildlife in the surrounding fields.
Continue past the allotments, where enthusiastic gardeners produce everything from colourful flowers to fresh vegetables throughout the year.
Step 2 – Explore the Peaceful Beauty of Elford Heath
Soon you’ll arrive at one of Eccleshall’s hidden gems – Elford Heath.
This tranquil green space perfectly captures the charm of an English village on the edge of the countryside. Wander around the paths, pause beside the peaceful pond and enjoy the small woodland areas.
Every season offers something different.
In spring, the woodland bursts into life with fresh greenery and birdsong.
Summer brings dragonflies skimming across the pond, butterflies dancing among the wildflowers and families enjoying picnics.
Autumn transforms the small woodland into a tapestry of rich golds, oranges and reds.
Winter offers a peaceful stillness, with frosty mornings creating beautiful reflections across the water.
There is a picnic bench here if you’d like to stop for a drink or simply soak up the atmosphere before continuing your walk. Elford Heath is maintained as an important community green space and wildlife habitat, making it a wonderful place to reconnect with nature.
Step 3 – Return via Kerry Lane

Retrace your steps before turning up Kerry Lane towards Eccleshall.
Like Shaw’s Lane, there is no pavement, but traffic is generally light. Along the way you’ll pass attractive cottages that perfectly reflect the timeless character of rural Staffordshire.
Soon the road brings you back into the heart of the town opposite one of Eccleshall’s most treasured landmarks.
Step 4 – Discover Holy Trinity Church
Cross carefully and take time to walk around Holy Trinity Church, one of Eccleshall’s most impressive historic buildings.
Parts of this beautiful parish church date back to the 12th century, and it has stood at the heart of village life for hundreds of years. Opposite the church you’ll also notice the historic Washpit, once used for washing sheep before market.
For guests staying at Eagle House, there’s an extra connection to discover.
Within the churchyard lie two former residents of Eagle House. We’ve created a YouTube video showing exactly where to find their graves and sharing a little of their fascinating stories—adding another layer of history to your visit.

Step 5 – Wander Along Eccleshall High Street
From the church, continue down Eccleshall’s delightful High Street.
This is one of the reasons visitors fall in love with our town.
During summer, colourful hanging baskets spill over with flowers, while at Christmas the festive trees and lights create a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.
Take your time admiring the beautiful Georgian and historic architecture before browsing the many independent businesses that make Eccleshall such a special destination.
Why not enjoy a browse around the excellent Katharine House Charity Shop, where you never know what treasure you might discover?
Or perhaps reward yourself with a well-earned drink at The Ecclian, a favourite local spot.
Independent cafés, boutiques, gift shops and friendly local businesses all contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes Eccleshall consistently regarded as one of Staffordshire’s loveliest market towns.
Step 6 – Views Across the Countryside
Continue towards the crossroads before heading along Stone Road.
Just beyond Badgers Croft, take the public footpath which skirts the edge of the Sancerre Estate.
This section offers lovely open views across surrounding farmland and gives you another taste of Staffordshire’s beautiful countryside without venturing far from the town.
Follow the footpath around until you reach the roundabout on Stafford Road.
Turn down Green Lane, cross over onto Cross Butts, and you’ll soon find yourself back at Eagle House.
The Perfect Way to Get to Know Eccleshall
Whether you’re visiting for business, a relaxing short break or exploring Staffordshire, this circular walk offers a wonderful introduction to everything Eccleshall has to offer.
You’ll experience peaceful countryside, abundant wildlife, fascinating history, beautiful architecture and our thriving independent High Street, all within an easy stroll from your accommodation.
Afterwards, return to the comfort of Eagle House Eccleshall, where you can relax in luxury after a day spent discovering one of Staffordshire’s most charming market towns.
Whether you choose our elegant guest rooms (adding Breakfast or going Room Only) or our spacious self-catering apartment, you’ll enjoy an award-winning stay in the perfect location for exploring the area.
Book Direct for the Best Value
Planning your visit?
Book directly with Eagle House Eccleshall to receive our best available prices, access exclusive offers and enjoy the warm, personal service we’re proud to provide. It’s the smartest way to experience award-winning luxury accommodation in the heart of beautiful Eccleshall.
Walking Responsibly
Please help us protect the beautiful countryside around Eccleshall by following the Countryside Code:
- Stay on marked footpaths where possible.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Take your litter home.
- Keep dogs under effective control and clean up after them.
- Respect wildlife, livestock and local residents.
- Be considerate of other walkers, cyclists and road users.
- Take extra care on the sections of Shaw’s Lane and Kerry Lane where there are no pavements.
Enjoy your walk—and we look forward to welcoming you back to Eagle House afterwards.
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