What do you do with a disused railway line? You turn it into a new Greenway, of course! And that’s exactly what Lichfield District Council, in partnership with volunteer group Back The Track, have done with the former South Staffordshire Railway Line between Lichfield and Chasewater.
Volunteers spent the past 18 months clearing vegetation and restoring the route, which first opened as a railway line in 1849 for passenger and freight transport, but had been unused since the early 1990s. It finally opened to the public on Monday (October 20).
The 6.5-kilometre Greenway is now an idyllic walking/running route through the countryside—with tree-lined sections, open views, canal paths and a crossing over the M6 Toll. It runs from Chesterfield Road in Lichfield to the 90-hectare reservoir, and can be accessed at various points along the route.
“It’s wonderful to see this historic railway brought back to life as a safe, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy,” said Lichfield Councillor, Janice Silvester-Hall. “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.”
How do I get there?
Trains run regularly from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City, taking roughly 40 minutes. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk to Sandfields Pumping Station, which is located adjacent to the start of the Greenway. It will take between an hour and an hour and a half to walk to Chasewater. To get home, either return the same way or hop on the number 8 bus to Lichfield.
What is there to do at Chasewater?
Chasewater reservoir, which sits alongside plenty of green space, has everything from nature trails to picnic spots for a lovely autumn day out. For a more adventurous time, have a go at sailing, water skiing, and paddleboarding, or take a ride on a heritage steam railway. There’s not much in the way of facilities, but there is a cafe and an ice cream shop in the area!