Sometimes there’s just not the time for a long hike but you still want to get the blood flowing. I’ve found the perfect compromise with a walk from Seven Springs at Cannock Chase. A fairly challenging but short 1.3 mile hike through the beautiful Cannock Chase Forest.
We completed this one in early November when the autumnal colours were in full bloom and the afternoon mist added a definite spooky quality to our walk. Pretty apt for this time of year. I do feel that Cannock Chase Seven Springs is gorgeous at any time of year.
Seven Springs walk details
Begin the walk at the Seven Springs Car Park near Little Haywood. Postcode: ST17 0WT. This is a popular one with locals so you may struggle to find a space. Be patient and one will become available if it’s full.
Leave the Cannock Chase Seven Springs car park heading away from the entrance. Take the path going furthest right. The path is clear and well signposted with blue and white arrows. Continue a long here a way, the path will split, one high, one low but both follow the same trail.
You’ll pass a large wood pile on your left, keep going, ignoring the small trails which branch off either side.
Once you reach another blue and white arrow (ignore it) you can head to your left on a sharper incline taking the grass path. This is where the fun bit starts, the gradient is pretty steep and if you can keep your speed up this is a great workout.
You’ll eventually reach the forest and the trail will get a bit small. Keep going, taking in the glorious colours of the trees on both sides. Again, ignore the trails on either side of you, just keep heading straight and it will eventually wind you round to the left.
At this point you’ll be in full on forest, passing huge trees and miles of undergrowth. We spotted several Christmas trees on the route, perfectly decorated with some “spider tinsel”. It’s never to early to get excited about Christmas!
I loved how spooky and misty it was up here. Even though the car park was rammed on the day we visited, we hardly saw another soul and we felt miles away from anywhere.
You’ll exit the forest and come back out to the larger trail. Follow it to the right and you’ll be heading back down again.
Follow this all the way back down to the Car Park. See, I told you it was a quick one!
The walk with dogs
This is a great one to do with dogs. There’s loads of space for them to run and play and plenty of sticks to chase. If you can only manage to get out for a short walk, this one should also tire out your furry friends. Please always pick up after your dog to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the chase.
Length of walk: This particular walk from the Seven Springs Car Park was under 1.5 miles. There are plenty of longer options available. Including adding a loop over to Stepping Stones, another great one to try in Autumn.
Duration: It only took us around half an hour to complete this loop. Easy to squeeze into a busy Sunday. This will depend of course on how quickly you approach the inclines.
Difficulty: Whilst short, this walk is mighty and a great work out getting up those hills. If you take it slow then it will be fairly forgiving for all skill levels.
Facilities: There are no facilities on this walk from Seven Springs. Not even dog poo bins! There is a great pub, The Wolesley Arms just a couple of minutes down the road.
If you’re looking for a slightly longer walk on Cannock Chase, head over to the other side and try this 4 mile Cannock Chase War Memorial walk.
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