Walking and Exploring

Cannock Chase is one of England’s finest landscapes, based in Staffordshire and the jewel of the West Midlands. Nestled between the cathedral city of Lichfield, Cannock, the county town of Stafford and the market town of Rugeley, its rolling hills, vast expanse of purple heather and quiet woodlands are an idyllic setting for leisurely walks, horse rides and cycling.

Within its small area the Chase has a remarkably varied landscape, with ancient woodland, conifer plantations, river valleys and wetlands, open heathlands, historic parklands and farmland. The range of wildlife that can be found here is equally impressive, including a herd of native fallow deer, four of Britain’s six reptiles, a number of rare and endangered birds like nightjar and woodlark, and specialised and unique plants like the rare “Cannock Chase berry” – an unusual hybrid between bilberry and cowberry.

Enjoy Staffordshire and the Cannock Chase visitor hub have lots of helpful information about Cannock Chase and great ideas and inspiration about events, what to do, attractions, places to eat, and where to stay.

When planning your visit please remember that Cannock Chase is open countryside and that for longer walks you will need stout shoes and waterproof clothing, as well as food and drink. It is also advisable to take a map with you, such as Ordnance Survey Explorer 244 Cannock Chase & Chasewater, or the map of Cannock Chase published by HARVEY in conjunction with Cannock Chase National Landscape and the National Navigation Award Scheme. This map also contains information about the area, its wildlife, plants and animals.