Hopwas Hays Wood is privately owned, mainly by Lafarge (Tarmac) & the Ministry of Defence. There are Public Rights of Way throughout the woods which are mapped here: Staffordshire County Council Public WebMap.
The Ministry of Defence advise that the only right of way available for use by the public on the range complex is via the bridle path. Maps are located at the following locations:
- beginning of the bridle path near the entrance to Whittington Village
- the access point in the south of Hopwas Wood at the point of the bridge crossing the canal
Members of the public must follow the route of the bridle path and not enter the range complex. Full details are contained within the Whittington byelaws.
Hopwas Wood and parts of the range may be used by soldiers for dry training, including the use of blank ammunition. Members of the public should stay on the bridleways or recognised tracks and observe any warning signs displayed.
To find out the latest training times visit: Whittington ranges firing times – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Do not enter the danger area when the range is in use, this is a danger to life. Learn more about accessing MOD training areas safely.
For more information on the history of Hopwas Woods and details of circular walks please visit the websites below:
Home – Friends of Hopwas WoodFriends of Hopwas Wood
Hopwas Woods & Countryside Circular | Tame Valley Wetlands