A circular walk through Fairoak Valley within Cannock Chase. There is a good chance you will spot swans, ducks and grey squirrels on this walk and if you are really lucky a herd of deer!The walk is surfaced and there are moderate slopes in places. After about 100 yards, turn left (at the junction known as F2) to join the path which leads you along the southern edge of the pools. Red, muntjac and fallow deer populations are all well established across the area. Approximate post code WS15 2UQ.This is a lovely walk which is situated about 15 mins from the M6. These are very big and flat with only narrow gaps between and so should be easy for most people to cross. The Fairoak trail at Cannock Chase is a green graded 2.5 mile shared singletrack cycle and walking circular route with stunning views of the valley and lake. Trail maps are available to purchase from Go Ape, Grounds café & Cannock Chase Cycle Centre for £1.50. This route – of which most is managed by Cannock Chase District Council – runs from Rugeley to Cannock, and passes through Cannock Chase Forest taking in sites of historic interest along the way. Cannock Chase is predominantly a pine forest, mostly Caucasian Pine, with broadleaf trees adding diversity. The colossal river system rose in what is now Northern France and emptied into the area which is now the Irish Sea. The car park fee is £4 for the whole day (correct Jun 2015). Keep left at the next junction heading uphill towards another large parking area and, as you reach this, turn right to reach the entrance for the cycle centre on the right. Although the car park was £4 the food was a good price so preferable to a stop off at a service station for man and beast.Turn off your ad blocker to see a map of this trailZig Zak, Evil Slab, Snow White, Twist and Shout and Stegosaurus Trail At the bottom of the slope you will come to a T-junction.

The peaceful environment belies a short-lived, but productive industrial past. Continue along the main stone track and further along you will come to a large private fishing pond on the left, with carefully placed benches if you wish to rest here.

Almost immediately afterwards, look for a pretty waterfall sitting under a footbridge over the brook on the left. An easy circular trail that takes in the magnificent Fairoak Valley and pools, a rich and important habitat that is home to many wildlife species. Cannock Chase Hospital Brunswick Road Cannock WS11 5XY. The pebbles and rust coloured sand that you see within the valley were once carried by this old river. It was quite busy when we visited in June but with plenty of car park spaces and indoor and outdoor eating areas we had a leisurely visit and felt relaxed and ready for the next part of our journey. Along the way you will pass under one of the tree-top obstacles of the Go Ape course. The route does NOT head this way, but feel free to take a detour to enjoy this idyllic spot. With a dog friendly cafe it can make a great stop off if you are travelling on a long distance journey along the M6 whether you have a dog with you or not. Continue to the next junction, marked with a fingerpost. The trail takes you through the woodland valley taking in the pools and streams with plenty of wildlife along the way. This trail helps explore the people, places and events that have made Cannock Chase and the surrounding area what it is today. The walk has just a few gentle gradients and follows wide stone tracks the whole way round. There are toilets and a cafe (dog-friendly) within the car park at the start of the walk. You will be sharing the tracks with cyclists, horse riders and segway riders. Approximate time 1.5 hours.To orientate yourself ready to begin the walk, stand with your back to the vehicle entrance with the cafe on your right. The trail takes you through the woodland valley taking in the pools and streams with plenty of wildlife along the way.