Cannock Chase

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spanning 26 square miles of heathland, woodland, and open moorland, Cannock Chase offers excellent walking, cycling, and outdoor activities. It's a peaceful escape with diverse wildlife and panoramic views.

Things to do

• Seven Springs Trail Walk — A scenic 4-mile circular route through mixed woodland and heathland with seven natural springs, ideal for moderate walkers seeking woodland tranquility.
• Cannock Chase Visitor Centre — The main hub offering maps, exhibitions on local wildlife and history, and information about seasonal events and guided walks.
• Mountain Biking at Sherbrook Valley — A dedicated trail network featuring red and black runs through forested valleys, suitable for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
• Gentlemen's Walk — A historic 2-mile woodland path connecting Cannock town to the Chase, traditionally used by Victorian gentry and offering peaceful forest scenery.
• Beau Desert Tramway Heritage Route — A flat, easy 3-mile walking trail following an old ironstone tramway with interpretive boards explaining industrial heritage.
• Wildlife Spotting at Moors Valley — Open moorland and wetland areas rich with red deer, adders, curlews, and heathland birds, best visited in early morning.

Food to try

• Black Country Faggots — A traditional West Midlands meatball dish made from offal and herbs, served with peas pudding and gravy at local pubs near Cannock Chase.
• Staffordshire Oatcakes — Savoury rolled flatbreads filled with cheese, bacon, or mushrooms, a regional speciality widely available at farm shops and cafés around the Chase.
• Local Venison from Chase Estates — Wild red deer venison from Cannock Chase's managed herds, served at nearby farm restaurants and country inns during autumn and winter.
• Pork Pie from Local Butchers — Traditional hand-raised pies made by Staffordshire butchers, perfect for a packed lunch during countryside walks on the Chase.
• Cannock Craft Ales — Locally brewed beers from small breweries around Cannock, available at village pubs and the Chase's visitor facilities.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Peak Season Closures — Parts of Cannock Chase close seasonally for ground-nesting bird protection (typically spring) and deer management; check ahead before visiting.
• Stay on Marked Paths — The heathland is fragile and recovering from centuries of industry; visitors must stick to designated trails to protect rare plants and prevent erosion.
• Industrial Heritage Runs Deep — The landscape bears marks of 18th and 19th-century ironstone and coal mining; understanding this history enriches appreciation of current conservation efforts.
• Early Morning is Prime Time — Wildlife and solitude are best experienced from dawn onwards, when deer are active and before day-trippers arrive, particularly in summer months.