The Lungs of the Black Country: Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is positioned almost at the geographical centre of mainland Britain on the north-eastern margin of the Birmingham conurbation. This prime location makes it easily accessible to over three million people living within a twenty-mile radius. The area is well-connected by the main London to Glasgow 'East Coast' rail link, which stops at Stafford, and the M6 Motorway that borders the Chase on the west.

In addition, three national footpaths converge on the area: The Staffordshire Way The Heart of England Way

• The brand-new Way for the Millennium, which skirts the Chase along canal towpaths from Stafford to Handsacre.

So what's stopping you? Many of the cross-Chase roads have car parks and lay-bys, making it easy to embark on short excursions into the surrounding wood and heath. The Marquis Drive Visitor Centre and Birches Valley Forest Centre both offer a variety of signposted walks of differing lengths, including wheelchair-friendly routes like the excellent TOC-H trail in Brindley Valley.

For those wanting to spend more time on the Chase, there are several seasonal campsites. The Silvertrees Caravan Park on the Penkridge Bank Road does not cater for tents, while the Caravan Club endorsed campsite at Wandon accommodates tents and mobile homes of all kinds. The Tackeroo campsite on Brindley Heath originally opened only for touring caravans but allowed tents for the first time from Summer 2001. However, tents are no longer permitted due to misuse of the camp facilities. All these sites, particularly Tackeroo and the Visitor Centre, are ideally situated for many woodland walks.

Before You Leave the House

Wear Appropriate Footwear

• Training shoes will suffice for most of the signposted walks from the visitor and forest centres.
• For longer forays across the Chase, invest in a decent pair of walking boots to minimize the risk of twisted ankles.
• Don't forget a good pair of hiking socks to reduce blisters on your feet.

Wear Layers of Clothing

• The best combination would be at least three layers on top: a tee-shirt, fleece jacket, and waterproof outer jacket.
• For the legs, opt for two layers, either combats or tracks, along with waterproof over-trousers.
• This technique traps air between each layer, acting as an insulator. Adjust layers according to the weather conditions.

Take a Rucksack

• Pack it with spare clothing, food, drink, and anything else you require.
• Wrap cameras, binoculars, maps, and guidebooks inside waterproof bags.
• Consider packing a scarf, gloves, and a hat, just in case; this is mainland Britain after all.
• It's also wise to keep a small medical kit in one of the side pockets, especially if you have kids with you.

Check the Weather

• If there's a chance of rain, make sure to pack in a waterproof jacket.

Plan Your Route

• Take time to study the route you intend to walk using an Ordnance Survey map.
• The most detailed map available is the superb Cannock Chase & Chasewater (Explorer#244) produced by the Ordnance Survey.
• Alternatively, the Cannock Chase Map by Staffordshire County Council is a budget-friendly option with a short local guide printed on the reverse. Both publications are available from many town-centre stationers.

Tell Someone Where You Are Going

• While it's not as crucial nowadays with mobile phones, consider the outrageous call charges imposed by mobile networks against the simplicity of leaving a note attached to the fridge.

During Your Walk on the Chase

Stick to the Paths

• Many parts of the Chase have been undermined over the years, and large open fissures may lie hidden in the undergrowth.
• If you intend to walk off-track, the best times are during Winter and early Spring when the undergrowth is minimal. Even then, take extra care.

Walk as Quietly as Possible

• This benefits not only other walkers but also increases your chances of seeing wildlife, particularly the more timid deer species.
• Playing a radio loudly while walking on the Chase (or any public space in Britain) is not only disturbing to wildlife but also illegal.

Check Your Footfall

• Always look where you are putting your feet, especially on grass-covered paths or muddy tracks.
• Be cautious in adverse weather conditions to avoid twisting an ankle or falling.
• Breaking a twig underfoot may alert wildlife to your presence, reducing your chances of seeing anything other than the brief tail flash of a fleeing Fallow deer.

Keep Dogs on a Lead

• This is particularly important when walking through woodland in the early morning and late evening when many deer are active.
• Large dogs should be kept on a lead at all times, especially near children.

Take Your Litter Home

• After taking the trouble to bring your family out for a walk, the last thing you want to encounter is litter.
• Please dispose of all waste responsibly, especially glass litter, which can cause heath fires in the summertime.