Cannock Chase National Landscape – Forest Trails, Heathland, and Open Woodland Routes

Pine Forest, Heath, and Easy Walking Close to the Midlands

Cannock Chase National Landscape in Staffordshire combines self-guided travel, walking routes, woodland landscapes, and accessible outdoor places across a compact area of pine forest, heathland, and gentle hills between Rugeley and Cannock. A dense network of tracks and trails creates some of the Midlands’ most approachable day-walking routes, where woodland paths and open heath can be explored without long approaches or steep climbs.

Walking here feels relaxed and informal. Wide forestry tracks, sandy paths, and low ridges create routes that are easy to follow and forgiving underfoot. Movement is shaped less by elevation and more by rhythm — steady progress through trees, clearings, and quiet glades.

The landscape is defined by woodland. Large areas of Scots pine and mixed forest provide shelter and shade, while open heathland breaks the canopy with purple heather, grass, and scrub. These alternating spaces give the Chase a varied but gentle character, suited to short walks, longer loops, or slower exploration.

Heath and common land preserve the area’s older identity. Before forestry, much of the Chase was open grazing ground, and today wide heaths still offer long views and a sense of space above the trees. In late summer, flowering heather brings colour and wildlife to the open ground.

Water features add further variety. Small pools, streams, and reservoirs appear throughout the forest, attracting birds and deer and creating quieter corners away from busier tracks.

Human access is easy and deliberate. Waymarked trails, cycle routes, and car parks make the area simple to navigate, but the size of the forest still allows quiet sections away from the most popular entry points. Early mornings and weekdays can feel surprisingly remote.

Cannock Chase also carries strong historical layers. Military training areas, war cemeteries, and remnants of former industry sit alongside the natural environment, adding cultural depth to woodland walks.

Because of its compact scale and gentle terrain, the Chase suits flexible itineraries. Walkers can combine short loops with nearby towns and stays, or use it as an accessible outdoor base within reach of the wider Midlands.

For those seeking easy, restorative walking through woodland and heath rather than high hills, Cannock Chase National Landscape offers one of England’s most approachable and versatile walking environments.

Where to Walk and Explore

Forest Trail Network

Wide, well-maintained woodland tracks suitable for relaxed day walking.

Heathland Clearings

Open spaces with long views and seasonal heather colour.

Sherbrook Valley

Quieter, more secluded woodland and stream-side routes.

Mixed Use Loops

Interlinked paths allowing flexible circular walks of varying lengths.

Adventure Highlights

• Extensive woodland and shaded trails
• Gentle terrain and accessible walking
• Heather heathland and open clearings
• Wildlife including deer and woodland birds
• Easy day walks close to towns and transport
• Ideal for relaxed, low-effort exploration