Cannock Chase in Staffordshire is the most-ridden MTB trail centre in the English Midlands — a Forestry England heathland forest on the southern edge of the Peak District, with a strong density of well-maintained red-graded trails. It’s the natural choice for riders within reach of Birmingham, Stoke or Sheffield wanting trail-centre quality without the journey to Wales.
What to expect
Two flagship trails. Follow the Dog (red, 12km) is a fast, rolling singletrack loop with technical rooty sections, short climbs and quick descents — the place most regulars start. The Monkey Trail (red, 8.5km) is steeper and more committing, with rockier descents and progressively harder features. Both link with the Family Cycle Trail (green) for families. A skills area near Birches Valley has a pump track and progression jumps.
Practical notes
Open year-round — the heathland soil drains well. Swinnerton Cycles at Birches Valley runs hire and a cafe. Forestry England parking fee applies. Cannock and Rugeley are the immediate towns; Lichfield is a 20-minute drive with better accommodation. Trails get busy on summer weekends — arrive early. Best as a strong half-day ride or a flying-weekend destination from elsewhere in the Midlands.
Train, parking, drive…
- Train
- Rugeley Trent Valley (West Coast Mainline), then taxi (~10 min)
- Parking
- Birches Valley visitor centre pay-and-display
- Postcode
- WS15 2UQ
- Drive
- ~2h45 from London, ~1h from Birmingham
- Car-free?
- Possible
Transport details are best-effort and worth double-checking on the day — rural buses and station services change with the timetable.
If you’ve got an extra day…
- Peak District climbing at Stanage / Roaches an hour north
- Airways Airsports paragliding 30 min east
- Cannock Chase walks - quieter beyond the trail centre
Plan it yourself.
The most authoritative sources we know of for this trail — routes, conditions, governing bodies and operators. Open in a new tab.
