Cannock Chase. A Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

A WALK DESCRIPTION: Leader: Peter Searle. ~11.5  – 12.5 miles, 1200 –1400 ft total ascent. This is a circular route through the varied woodland and heathland of Cannock Chase. Starting at a layby about midway along Camp Road, we follow footpaths through wood and heathland to the Katyn Memorial, where we join the Heart of England Way across the Sherbrook Valley heathland, then ascend to Penkridge Bank close to the White House. We follow bridleways to Brindley Bottom and along Brindley Valley, then turn to pass the Visitor Centre. Our route continues past Fairoak Lodge, crosses Penkridge Bank again near Rifle Range Corner, heading north along the Marquis Drive track, then along Cherry Slade to cross Sher Brook at the ford/stepping stones. If time permits, we will make a short diversion through Brocton Coppice, home to a number of impressive veteran oak trees, otherwise continuing along the Staffordshire Way then across Oat Hill and Milford Common, with a possible stop at the Barley Mow pub. We return to the coach along the Heart of England Way, Two Saints Way, across the Oldacre Valley and Sycamore Hill.  The fare is £15.