Tuesday 6th September 2016

Started with a trespass through Bagot Forest. Many raised platforms – used for shooting? One local clearly fed up of no-access signs (graffitied over them).

I didn’t intend to trespass, but the Ordinance Survey map showed the forest as Forestry Commission open access land – apparently a mistake. I had plotted a route through Bagot Forest the day before. By the time I discovered it was not open access, the only other option was the busy and dangerous road next to it.

Skipped parts of guidebook route taking more direct route on roads and footpaths. Stopped at canal side cafe near Great Haywood. Next the highlight of the day – Cannock Chase. There I walked by a stream through heather, and picked blackberries. Stopped at Co-op in Penkridge, then walked out of town and camped on edge of a crop field.

Distance: 22.5 miles