The new Staffordshire walking and running route has tree-lined sections, open views, canal paths and an ‘impressive crossing over the M6 Toll’
06:43, 18 Oct 2025
An abandoned Midland railway line has been transformed into a ‘safe, scenic and accessible corridor’ to be used by walkers and runners.
Lichfield District Council has confirmed the new Greenway between Lichfield and Chasewater in Burntwood, will officially open to the public on Monday (October 20).
The former railway line which has remained unused since the early 1990s has been brought back to life as a walking and running route.
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The 6.5 kilometre route, around four miles in old money, was once the South Staffordshire Railway Line.
It runs from Chesterfield Road, Lichfield, adjacent to Sandfields Pumping Station, to Chasewater, offering residents and visitors a ‘unique way to explore the district’
It has tree-lined sections, open views, canal paths and an ‘impressive crossing over the M6 Toll’.
The Greenway can be accessed at various points along the route at Chesterfield Road, Fosseway Lane and Ogley Hay Road and three public rights of way – search for Hammerwich, 9, 10 and 11.
It has been developed by Lichfield District Council in partnership with volunteer group Back The Track, whose dedicated members have spent the past 18 months helping to clear vegetation, restore the route and prepare it for public use.
Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield DC’s cabinet member for Visitor Economy, Ecology and Climate Change, said: “It’s wonderful to see this historic railway brought back to life as a safe, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
“The Greenway connects people with nature, supports our 2050 Strategy to help residents be more active, and provides a sustainable way to explore our district.
“It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when volunteers, local organisations and the council work together for the benefit of the community.
“Come along from Monday and explore this amazing new leisure attraction.”
The South Staffordshire Railway Line, which first opened in 1849 for passenger and freight transport, had been unused since the early 1990s.
The council said its transformation into a Greenway not only preserves local heritage but also supports wellbeing, active travel and the visitor economy.
The development has been made possible with support from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the hard work of Back The Track volunteers and contractors.
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Denis Jones, Chair of Back The Track, added: “Turning this disused line into a beautiful community route has been a long-held ambition.
“Working alongside Lichfield District Council, we’re proud to see it become a reality and hope residents and visitors will enjoy the Greenway for years to come.”
An opening ceremony will take place on Monday, October 20 to celebrate the achievement and thank the volunteers and partners who made it possible.
Residents are encouraged to walk or run along the new Greenway from its opening day and experience this ‘inspiring new addition to the district’s outdoor spaces’ the council said.