Cannock Chase Walk
Cannock Chase from Milford
Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer 244 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer 244 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 127 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 127 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description

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Designated an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire provides a basis for many excellent and easily graded walks. This example provides a perfect introduction to the area including visits to many of my childhood haunts! The walk starts at Milford Common east of Stafford on the A513 to Rugeley. The best place to park is near the "Rest Home" marked as a Hospital (grid ref. SJ973208) where there is ample parking to be found.
After parking take the main path, which enters a cutting, and head south-east to Mere Pits. Leaving the cutting follow the broad path that turns north east. Stay on this turning right (east) to reach the stepping stones over Sher Brook. This is a pleasant place to linger especially mid-week. Cross the stepping stones and follow the clear path on the east side of the brook for about a mile and a half where you turn left (grid ref 988180) at a clear junction.
Stay with this path for just under a mile as it climbs and then levels to reach a broad forestry track (grid ref 998182). Turn north and follow this tracks down Abraham's Valley to reach a car parking area in just under two miles. This 'beauty' spot, known locally as Seven Springs, has a multitude of paths and the one you need turns south west and then west to reach the stepping stones crossed earlier in the walk. All that is left is to retrace your route back to your car.
Cannock Chase has many footpaths and it is a confusing area in which to describe walks. It is therefore suggested that the 1:25,000 map is used.
Other walks nearby
Walk 2911 | Seven Springs, Little Haywood, Shugborough & Milford | easy | 6.5 miles |
Walk 2111 | Milford, Seven Springs, Little Haywood & Shugborough | easy | 6.0 miles |
Walk 1802 | Shugborough from Milford | easy | 4.5 miles |
Walk 1370 | Sherbrook Valley from the Punch Bowl, Milford | easy | 4.0 miles |
Walk 2023 | The Cannock Chase War Trail | moderate | 7.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking in the Peak District - White Peak East
Guidebook describing 42 half-day and day walks in the limestone landscapes of Derbyshire's White Peak, part of the Peak District National Park. One of two volumes, this book covers the east of the region, with potential bases including Bakewell, Eyam, Castleton, Birchover, Matlock and Wirksworth.
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Map and Compass
An instructive guidebook explaining map and compass techniques, to help readers enhance their outdoor experiences. Whether you are experienced in map-reading, or have never used a compass before, this guidebook will sharpen your skills and have you exploring new areas in no time. There are also tips for GPS and digital mapping technologies.
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Further Information
Walk Location Map
Cannock Chase Walking
Cannock Chase is one of the smallest AONBs and because of the proximity of large conurbations and rich mineral reserves is also one of the most threatened. 'The Chase' was once a medieval royal hunting forest and despite its proximity to areas of high density population it remains surprisingly remote. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
Accommodation Nearby
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