We are the Castle Bromwich Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Join me for this lovely walk over a mixed terrain of heathland and woodland. Once a 13th century hunting estate (‘la chase’ = ‘hunt’), in the early 20th century Cannock Chase was the site of a vast military camp, training over 500,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers for the French battlefields. Now it is mainland UK’s smallest AONB, an internationally important conservation and wildlife habitat for all to enjoy.
Our walk begins on a brief section of the Heart of England Way, descending to cross the Sher Brook, before ascending to the trig point beyond.
We will follow broad forest paths towards the Army Cadet HQ, where we will have our morning break, before crossing a busy road and turning past Tackeroo caravan park (named after the former military railway). Our lunch break will be at the CC Visitor Centre, which occupies one corner of the former RAF Hednesford WWII training base. Toilets and refreshments are available. Here you can see a reconstructed WWI hut, with memorabilia and an account of JR Tolkien’s time on the Chase.
After lunch, we will descend towards the Fairoaks Nature Reserve, passing the pools on our right, before reaching the Birches Valley Forest Centre (last toilet break). A gentle road ascent leads towards Rugely Quarry and a circuitous woodland walk towards and through Abrahams Valley. Our final path leads down to another crossing of the Sher Brook, before we ascend towards the Glacial Boulder again.
Meet for car sharing in the service road opposite Aldi on Chester Road, Castle Bromwich
The walk starts from the Glacial Boulder Car Park on Chase Rd, Brocton (see attached map)
