Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated in Staffordshire and within 30 miles of Derby.  It has become a mecca for off-road cyclists with it's multitude of cycle routes which cross the open heathland and penetrate the depths of the forest..
Most of the routes are unsurfaced  and some are only suitable for top level mountain bikers, but others are suitable for less experienced riders.
There are so many possible routes that should we try to detail them all here, you would all have died of chronic boredom long before you had looked at them all, so the intention is to give you an idea of the options for exploring this wonderful landscape.
Firstly, since most of the surfaces are loose gravel and pebbles, mountain bikes are recommended, as is a degree of confidence and experience in bike handling.
Secondly, since there are so many paths and one path looks much like another, it is very easy to get lost here, so have some navigational aids with you.  As a minimum, a large scale map and a compass, but better a GPS set with a "Go To"  back to your starting point. Also a mobile phone is highly desirable in case of emergency.
Although most of your ride will be off-road, there will be times when you have to cross the public highway, so take great care as some cars are driven far too fast on these roads, sometimes colliding with deer who stray onto the road.
An excellent series of free cycling/walking maps is published by Staffordshire County Council and these may be down loaded HERE
Paper copies are available at Tourist Offices.

The following photographs are not in any particular order, but will show what is available.

 Some of the routes are waymarked and start from the Visitor Centre, off Marquis Drive, where there is a car park, cafe, and toilets. Car park charges are reasonable, (£1 for 3 hours / £2 for more) but you can park for free on the adjacent road sides.

                                                      This is the Visitor Centre

                       And this is the sort of surface that you may be faced with in places.

But here on the site of the old RAF station at Hednesford nice tarmac traffic free roads ideal for children and novice cyclists.

Much of Cannock Chase is wooded, and cultivated by the Forestry Commission, who to their credit have gone to great lengths to put in marked cycle routes.

                                           Other parts of the Chase are open heathland

Although most of the area is well drained due to the pebbles and gravel which form the substrate, there are some shallow streams to ford.

                                                  Typical minor hazards and crossing paths.

  And even a few small lakes, such as these at Fairoak Pools, unbelievably once the site of a colliery.

                                      The paths surround the pools, a good place to rest awhile.

                       And a fine place for horse and rider to cool off in the heat of high Summer.

Cannock Chase has been used for military purposes for over 100 years and there is evidence of this in many places.

 The immaculately manicured Military Cemetery, where the remains of people of all nationalities killed on UK soil during two world wars are buried.

The Katyn Memorial nearby recalls Polish people killed on the orders of Stalin during WW2.

Opposite the Katyn Memorial is Spring Slade Lodge, our recommended place for refreshment.
                                                      Behind it is a small camp site.
                                There are several larger camp sites on Cannock Chase.

                                                                  Need we say more?

                              Sit outside in the garden or inside if the weather is not so good.

                     Alongside the path, beside the stream a stretch of fertile grassland.

                     At the Tackeroo Caravan Site a wide path amongst the majestic pine trees.

So to summarise, a fabulous area for cycling off road, with some stunning scenery and lots of interesting historical features to see.
Give it a try and enjoy what the area offers, not only for cycling but walking, bird watching, horse riding, photography and other country pursuits, but remember the map and compass, and don't get lost.