For GPS and electronic map users, the route is also available in the following formats; GPX and KML Download here.
The full 2020 event guidebook can be downloaded here
The Millennium Way begins in Newport. The first 12 miles follows an old train line through Gnosall, Haughton and Derrington into Stafford where you will find the first manned checkpoint at Castletown car park.
Next is a small city centre park and a short trip into the centre of Stafford where you join the River Sow briefly before joining the Staffordshire and Shropshire canal which goes through the magnificent Shugborough Estate. You’ll be treated to a magnificient view of the National Trust property.
Soon after you join the Rivert Trent and Trent and Mersey Canal. You remain on the river through Colwich and at mile 21 you will find the second manned checkpoint at Wolseley Bridge. You continue along the river into Rugeley, and leave the riverside just at mile 26 at Mavesyn Ridware, heading over fields and a brief section of road to Nethetown and then into Yoxall, where the find the final manned CP (CP1 on MWB) in the playing fields just before the Village.
You will run close to the River Swabourn for a few miles into Wychnor where you find the You rejoin the Trent and Mersey Canal for the last 7 miles, past Barton-under-Needwood and into Burton-upon-Trent to reach the finish at Meadowide Leisure Complex.
The route is mostly flat, with only 100 m of ascent. In fact you could argue it’s mostly downhill, see below!
