Bridgtown, Staffordshire – An innovative new walking trail, the Bridgtown Tales Trail, has officially opened this month, inviting residents and visitors to uncover the village’s heritage through a series of eight interactive QR-coded stops.
Developed by Cannock Chase Council in partnership with Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and supported by the Bridgtown & District Local History Group, the trail forms part of the broader Cannock Chase Can initiative, which promotes physical activity, local exploration, and wellbeing.
Along the route, walkers scan QR codes embedded in sculptural waymarkers to unlock stories, historic photographs, and little-known facts about Bridgtown’s past—from the early days of its industrial growth to tales of notable local figures.
Anna Nevin, Head of Wellbeing at Cannock Chase Council, said the Bridgtown Tales Trail is a brilliant way to make history more engaging and accessible. She added that it builds perfectly on last year’s relaunch of the Cannock Chase Heritage Trail, and it’s especially inspiring to see children helping to shape the trail—they’ve added real heart and creativity to it.
John Devey, Chair of the Bridgtown & District Local History Group, said they are delighted to support this trail and to see Bridgtown’s history shared in such an interactive way. He noted that the involvement of local schools has made the project even more special, and they hope it encourages people of all ages to explore and learn more about the village.
A downloadable trail map is available from the council’s website and at key local venues. Participants can also log their progress via the Cannock Chase Can app, which features the Bridgtown route alongside other free local activities.
Whether you’re tracing Bridgtown’s industrial roots or simply enjoying a fresh-air stroll, the Tales Trail offers a lively, educational journey through the heart of the village—one QR code at a time.
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