Cannock Chase National Landscape in Staffordshire

Cannock Chase Forest is part of the UK’s smallest mainland National Landscape (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). 

A former Royal forest, it was designated as an AONB in 1958, and covers just 26 square miles, but it’s packed with walks, mountain bike trails, exciting and interesting attractions, and breath-taking views. 

It also boasts a fascinating history, both as a World War 1 military training camp, and a centre for coal mining. 

Located between Birmingham and Stafford, it’s really easy to get to, close to the M6 and accessible by train via stations at Hednesford, Rugeley and Cannock. 

Cannock Chase Walks 

There are many Cannock Chase walks to discover, with waymarked paths across Cannock Chase Forest, such as the Staffordshire Way, the Heart of England Way, and the Way for the Millennium. 

Accessible and easy Cannock Chase walks include the Cannock Chase Circular Walk, the Rugeley to Colton Circular Walk, the Staffordshire Tolkien Trail, and the Cannock Chase War Trail Walk. 

And there are picturesque, waterside Cannock Chase walks alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal, and across the River Trent. 

Cannock Chase MTB 

Cannock Chase Forest is one of the country’s best places for mountain biking, with a huge choice of routes offering plenty for even the most technical and extreme riders. 

The Cannock Chase MTB routes include Follow The Dog, The Monkey Trail and Stile Cop. 

The mountain biking events at the 2022 Commonwealth Games were held at Cannock Chase Forest, shining the spotlight on these and other Cannock Chase MTB routes. 

Cannock Chase Cycling 

There are relaxing, family friendly routes in Cannock Chase Forest too. 

They are all free to use, and open all year round, offering something for all riders. 

Choose from the Ladyhill Trail, the Fairoak Trail, and the Sherbrook Trail for a leisurely ride, and the Chase Heritage Trail for something longer. 

The Cannock Chase Cycle Centre is perfectly placed in Birches Valley, beside the Ladyhill Trail, offering cycle hire, repairs and accessories. 

Cannock Chase Things to Do 

As well as some of Staffordshire’s most idyllic natural escapes, Cannock Chase Forest is home to a host of attractions and things to do. 

Take on the challenge of a high ropes adventure at Go Ape Cannock Chase, or a more sedate journey on horseback, courtesy of Cannock Chase Trekking Centre. 

Unearth the eye-opening history of Cannock Chase Forest at the Museum of Cannock Chase, and explore the working farm and servants quarters on the vast Shugborough Estate. 

Cannock Chase Events 

Every Summer, Cannock Chase Forest becomes a hive of activity, with some of the UK’s best-loved musical acts taking to the stage for Forest Live concerts. 

Over a weekend in June, a natural amphitheatre becomes the venue for chart superstars and indie legends, and has hosted Madness, Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, and more recently Olly Murs, Anne-Marie, and Jack Savoretti. 

For a full rundown of events in Cannock Chase, head to our Whats On section. 

Cannock Chase Parking 

The Birches Valley Car Park (WS15 2UQ) is managed and maintained by the Forestry Commission. There are around 500 spaces, including 13 for disabled visitors. 

All day parking is £11 for cars, buses and coaches, with hourly rates also available. All revenue generated is used to maintain the Chase. 

The site is cashless, with payments accepted via card, pay-by-phone, and the Ringo parking app.  

The other main car parks at Cannock Chase are: 

• Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Marquis Drive (WS12 4PW) 

• Milford Common (ST17 0UH) 

• Penkridge Bank Road (WS15 2UA) 

• Satnall Hills (ST17 0UP) 

• Seven Springs (ST17 0WT) 

• Whitehouse (WS12 4PR) 

How to get to Cannock Chase 

You’ll find Cannock Chase Forest in the heart of England, close to Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent, so it’s really easy to get here. 

By road, there are easy connections to the M6 and the M6 Toll, while it’s also close to the M42, providing a quick link to the M1. 

By rail, the nearest train stations are Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley Town, and Rugeley Trent Valley, which has regular services to London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major towns and cities. 

If you’re travelling by bus, there are services to Cannock Chase Forest from Cannock, Burntwood, Rugeley, and Stafford.