Lichfield to Chasewater Greenway
The Lichfield to Chasewater Greenway is a stunning new 6.5-kilometre walking route transforming a once-disused railway line into a vibrant green corridor.
Created by Lichfield District Council in partnership with volunteer group Back the Track, the Greenway offers residents and visitors a safe, scenic route linking Lichfield, Burntwood, Hammerwich and Chasewater – perfect for walking in the heart of Staffordshire’s countryside.
This exciting project not only connects communities but also breathes new life into one of the area’s most historic transport routes.
Plan your visit
Length: 6.5 km (approx. 4 miles)
Route: From Sandfields Pumping Station (Chesterfield Road, Lichfield) to Chasewater Country Park
Activities: Walking, running and wildlife spotting
Accessibility: Gently graded and compacted surface suitable for most users
Parking: Available near Sandfields Pumping Station and at Chasewater Country Park
Access points along the route:
- Chesterfield Road (///hotels.powder.exile)
- Fosseway Lane (///audit.takes.bands)
- Ogley Hay Road (///diverged.blockage.watched)
- Public Right of Way – Hammerwich 9 (///boxer.numeral.bulge)
- Public Right of Way – Hammerwich 10 (///decoded.inched.clincher)
- Public Right of Way – Hammerwich 11 (///chemistry.pedicure.workflow)
Getting here:
By Car
Parking is available at Chasewater Country Park, providing easy access to the of the Greenway. Additionally, the Birmingham Road NCP car park (Birmingham Rd, Lichfield, WS13 6PG) in Lichfield offers convenient parking just a 10-minute walk from the Chesterfield Road access point. Please check local signage for charges and restrictions.
By Bus
The NX 8 bus service runs every 30 minutes between Lichfield and Walsall
via Burntwood, operated by NX Bus West Midlands. This route includes stops
close to the Greenway, such as Chasetown Clock for Chasewater and Newtown
Bridge near the A5. For those starting or ending in Lichfield, the NX8 serves
Lichfield Bus Station on Birmingham Road, opposite the train station, making it
easy to combine rail and bus travel. View the full timetable and route details
here: 8
| Walsall – Lichfield | NX Bus West Midlands
A journey through history
The Greenway follows the path of the South Staffordshire Railway line, which opened in 1849 and once carried passengers and freight between Lichfield, Walsall, Dudley and the wider Black Country.
During the height of the Industrial Revolution, the line was vital in transporting coal, iron and manufactured goods that powered the region’s growth — while also providing a daily lifeline for workers commuting between Staffordshire’s fast-growing industrial towns.
Passenger services ended in 1965 following the Beeching cuts, but the line continued to serve local industry for several more decades, with freight trains running to Charrington’s Oil Terminal until the late 1990s.
The railway finally closed in 2001, marking the end of an era – but the beginning of a new story for this important route.
Bringing the Greenway back to life
Since 2022, Lichfield District Council has been working closely with Network Rail and Back the Track to carefully transform the former railway into a safe, accessible and environmentally friendly trail for everyone to enjoy.
Extensive works have been carried out to prepare the route, including:
- Comprehensive route and structural surveys to ensure safety and accessibility.
- Tree management and clearance to improve visibility and protect wildlife habitats.
- Installation of fencing, signage and improved access points along the route.
- Removal of old rail infrastructure, and creation of a level, compacted walking surface suitable for all abilities.
These works were delivered by local contractors with the support of dedicated volunteers, ensuring the project brought social and economic value to the district.
Sign up to our e-newsletters to find out more about news and events.