Cannock Chase AONB
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Cannock Chase AONB

4.7
·7k reviews·, United Kingdom

A vast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering woodland walks, cycling trails, and historical sites.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoming nature, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Cannock Chase AONB

Cannock Chase AONB

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoming nature, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering woodland walks, cycling trails, and historical sites.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"Discover the raw beauty and serene trails of Cannock Chase, a perfect escape into nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack essentials for nature

Bring water & food; amenities are scarce. Enjoy the raw nature! :water_buffalo:

Respect no wild camping

Stick to designated campsites. No wild camping or open fires allowed. :fire:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Slitting Mill Waterfall

Slitting Mill Waterfall

Near Slitting Mill

Discover a charming waterfall nestled within the woodland, perfect for a serene nature walk.

Castle Ring Hillfort

Castle Ring Hillfort

Heart of Cannock Chase

Explore this ancient Iron Age hillfort, steeped in history and local folklore.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Go Ape Treetop Adventure

Cannock Chase Forest

Challenge yourself with a thrilling treetop adventure, navigating high ropes and zip lines.

Tackeroo Campsite

Tackeroo Campsite

Cannock Chase

Experience a basic but beautiful off-grid camping spot with a great atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Nature

Cannock Chase is a vast natural beauty spot with raw nature trails. Pack plenty of water and food, as amenities are limited to visitor centers. Be aware of potential temporary restrictions for forest maintenance and one-way bike trails.

Respect the Rules: No Wild Camping or Fires

While the allure of wild camping and campfires is tempting, it's not permitted in Cannock Chase. Stick to designated campsites and be mindful of fire safety regulations to preserve this beautiful area.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blossoming nature, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Stunning foliage colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Waterfall Walk / Hike near Birmingham, Slitting Mill Waterfall in Cannock Chase 🥾 #hiking #waterfall #birmingham #westmidlands #cannockchase #nature #outdooradventures #explore #daysout @AllTrails #creatorsearchinsights
@bellaprsn
20.8K likes • 351.5K views

Pack essentials for nature

Bring water & food; amenities are scarce. Enjoy the raw nature! :water_buffalo: Reddit

Respect no wild camping

Stick to designated campsites. No wild camping or open fires allowed. :fire: Reddit

Do you believe in the creepy myths of the Cannock Chase?? #hiking #outdooradventure #explore #naturelovers #creepystories #creepypasta #myths #cannockchase #creatorsearchinsights
@bellaprsn
8.3K likes • 132K views
☀️🌿 Journal with me - outdoor edition 🌿☀️ . Yesterday was super sunny so my partner and I went on a walk in Cannock Chase AONB and I took my pencil case, journal, and the Summer Journal Printable I designed as a freebie for anyone who joins the Kia Creates Newsletter mailing list! 💕 . Journaling outside in the sun was so relaxing, the printable was so fun to use, and I’m so pleased with how the fi...
kia.creates
167 likes • 3.2K views

Explore marked trails

Follow color-coded paths for walks & bike rides. :hiking_boot: Instagram

Dog-friendly adventures

Cannock Chase is great for dog walks! :dog: Instagram

Jump! #labrador #blacklabrador #cannockchase #aonb
els_bels21
16 likes • 91 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack essentials for nature

Bring water & food; amenities are scarce. Enjoy the raw nature! :water_buffalo: Reddit

Respect no wild camping

Stick to designated campsites. No wild camping or open fires allowed. :fire: Reddit

Explore marked trails

Follow color-coded paths for walks & bike rides. :hiking_boot: Instagram

Dog-friendly adventures

Cannock Chase is great for dog walks! :dog: Instagram

Consider a forest membership

Annual membership offers free parking & discounts. :moneybag: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Cannock Chase's stunning natural beauty, offering abundant opportunities for hiking, cycling, and connecting with nature. The well-maintained trails and diverse landscapes are frequently praised, though some note the limited on-site amenities and the need to bring provisions.

"Numerous raw nature trails here enables you to take up cycling, hiking, trekking and dog walking. It's actually a wooded area with nice undulating landscapes, a stream of clear water and greenery with tall deciduous trees. When you do go there, go with back-ups of drinking water & food.....because there's nothing else except raw nature."

C.Suresh Musical Moments

"Tackeroo campsite is a truly beautiful site .
As basic as they come but as long as your equipped for offgrid it's perfect"

Jonathan Bennett

"Cannock Chase is a large natural beauty spot offering woodlands for biking, mountain bike trails, picnicing, dog walkers, hikers and alike. The few vistor centres have small shops and toilets for refreshments and offers paid parking. Access is easy, many of all ages come on bikes for the plentyful marked trails. For the adventure you can bike all the way to Chase Water (off the A5) and from there along a canal system towards brown Hills all the way to Walsall. Cannock has some lively lakes near the Go Ape vistor centre. Camping areas are by camping sites (no wild camping or open fires) Theres an R.A.F base (restricted access). Some points of interest as land marks.
Note some areas are temporary restricted for forest maintenance and some bike trails are designed one way, clearly signed."

Gtube

What People Like

Beautiful natural scenery
Extensive walking trails
Great for cycling

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Need to bring own food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cannock Chase is accessible by car, with several parking areas available, including at visitor centers and Tackeroo campsite. The postcode WS15 2UQ is often used for navigation. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for exploring the AONB.TikTok

Yes, there are several car parks, including at visitor centers and Tackeroo. Parking fees typically range from £3.50 to £10, depending on the location and duration of your stay.Instagram

Absolutely! Cannock Chase is a popular destination for cyclists, with numerous bike trails. You can cycle from Birmingham or connect to canal systems towards Walsall.TikTok

Public transport to Cannock Chase is limited. While buses may serve the surrounding areas, it's best to check local bus routes for specific connections. Driving is the most convenient way to access the AONB.TikTok

The AONB has clearly marked trails for walking and cycling. Using a map or a navigation app can be helpful, especially for longer routes or if you plan to explore off the main paths.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Cannock Chase AONB itself is free. However, parking fees apply at most visitor centers and designated parking areas.Instagram

Cannock Chase is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Visitor centers may have specific opening times, so it's advisable to check their schedules if you plan to visit them.

The main cost is for parking, which varies. Activities like Go Ape have separate booking fees.TikTok

Yes, for popular activities like Go Ape, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.TikTok

Yes, there are visitor centers that offer amenities like small shops and toilets. They can also provide information about the area and its activities.

🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience

Cannock Chase offers a variety of walking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Popular spots include walks to Slitting Mill Waterfall and around the visitor centers.TikTok+1

Yes, Cannock Chase is renowned for its extensive mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. Some trails are designed as one-way systems.TikTok

Absolutely! Families can enjoy nature walks, cycling, and the Go Ape adventure park. It's a great place for kids to connect with nature.TikTok+1

Yes, Cannock Chase is very dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for a walk with your canine companion.TikTokInstagram

Don't miss Castle Ring, an ancient Iron Age hillfort, and the mysterious hidden caves, believed to have been used as shelters centuries ago.TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Visitor centers usually have small shops selling refreshments. For more substantial meals, it's best to bring your own picnic or dine in nearby towns like Cannock.

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are many scenic spots perfect for enjoying a packed lunch amidst nature.TikTok

While there are small shops at visitor centers, dedicated restaurants or cafes are not a prominent feature. Bringing your own food is recommended.Reddit

Snacks and drinks are typically available at visitor center shops. For a full meal, self-catering is the most common approach.Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, it's advisable to consume alcohol responsibly and be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.

📸 📸 Photography

Look for scenic viewpoints like the sundial, woodland paths, waterfalls, and the historic Castle Ring for stunning shots.TikTokInstagram

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near the RAF base. Always check local regulations and be mindful of wildlife and other visitors.TikTok+1

Nature photography, landscape shots, and capturing the woodland scenery are very popular. Many visitors also enjoy photographing wildlife.TikTok

Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) can offer beautiful light. Autumn foliage also provides vibrant colors for photographers.Instagram

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for forest scenes.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cannock Chase is a fantastic destination for families looking for outdoor fun. The clearly marked trails make it easy for children to enjoy nature walks and discover the woodland.Instagram The Go Ape treetop adventure park offers an exciting challenge for older kids and adults alike.TikTok Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, and keep an eye out for local wildlife.TikTok The visitor centers provide amenities like toilets, making day trips more comfortable.

🚴 Cyclists and Mountain Bikers

Cannock Chase is a mecca for cyclists, boasting an extensive network of mountain bike trails suitable for all levels.TikTok From flowing singletrack to more technical routes, there's plenty to keep riders entertained. You can even connect to longer routes that extend towards Chase Water and beyond.Reddit Remember that some bike trails are designated as one-way, so pay attention to signage.Reddit

🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who love to explore on foot, Cannock Chase offers a wealth of walking trails through beautiful woodland.TikTok+1 Discover hidden gems like Slitting Mill Waterfall or explore the historic Castle Ring.TikTok+1 The undulating landscapes and greenery provide a serene environment for a peaceful walk, and it's a great place to reconnect with nature.TikTok+1 Don't forget to bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited.Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Cannock Chase is a dog-friendly paradise! Your furry friends will love exploring the woodland trails and open spaces.TikTokInstagram It's the perfect place for a long walk or a refreshing run. Remember to keep your dog under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and always clean up after them.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Cannock Chase's Trails

Cannock Chase AONB is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a network of raw nature trails perfect for cycling, hiking, trekking, and dog walking.Reddit Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a challenging mountain bike ride, there's a path for everyone. Many trails are clearly marked, with some bike routes designed as one-way systems for safety and flow.Instagram Popular routes include the scenic walk to Slitting Mill Waterfall and the trails around the visitor centers.TikTok+1

For cyclists, Cannock Chase is a premier destination. You can explore dedicated mountain bike trails that cater to various skill levels, offering an exhilarating experience through the woodland.TikTok It's even possible to cycle from Cannock Chase all the way to Chase Water and then along canal systems towards Walsall, making it a great starting point for longer cycling adventures.Reddit Remember to pack essentials like water and snacks, as amenities can be sparse in the more remote areas.Reddit

Beyond the main trails, the AONB offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and simply immersing yourself in the undulating landscapes and greenery.Reddit The forest maintenance means some areas might have temporary restrictions, so always be aware of signage. For those seeking a more structured adventure, the Go Ape treetop experience offers a thrilling challenge amidst the canopy.TikTok

History and Folklore of Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is not just a beautiful natural landscape; it's also a place steeped in history and local folklore. Castle Ring, an ancient Iron Age hillfort, stands as a testament to the area's past, dating back over 2,500 years.TikTok This historic site is believed by some to be a portal to another dimension, adding a layer of mystique to the Chase.TikTok

Adding to the intrigue are the hidden caves scattered throughout Cannock Chase. Carved into sandstone centuries ago, these caves are thought to have served as shelters, hideouts, and secret meeting places during various historical periods.TikTok Exploring these ancient sites offers a glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited the area long ago.

Beyond these historical landmarks, Cannock Chase is also known for its creepy myths and legends.TikTok While the specific nature of these tales varies, they contribute to the area's enigmatic atmosphere, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in local lore and the paranormal.TikTok

Visitor Amenities and Practicalities

When planning your visit to Cannock Chase AONB, it's important to be aware of the available amenities. Visitor centers are strategically located and offer essential facilities such as small shops for refreshments and toilets.Reddit These centers are also good starting points for gathering information about the area and its activities.

For those looking to stay overnight, Tackeroo campsite provides a basic but beautiful off-grid experience.Reddit It's important to note that wild camping and open fires are not permitted in Cannock Chase. Visitors are expected to adhere to these regulations to help preserve the natural environment.Reddit

Parking is available at various points, with fees typically ranging from £3.50 to £10.Instagram For frequent visitors, an annual membership to Cannock Chase Forest can be a cost-effective option, offering free parking and discounts at select suppliers.TikTok This membership also supports the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the forest.

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