Join is for a peaceful late-January forest walk as we return to one of Cannock Chase’s most atmospheric routes. This is a chance to experience the Chase during one of its quietest windows of the year. When the paths are calmer, the light is softer, and the forest feels almost entirely yours…

Date: Friday 30th January 2026
Start Time: 9:30am prompt
Finish Time: Around 12:30pm
Start Point: Marquis Drive, off Brindley Heath Road near Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Hednesford, WS12 4PW
OS Grid Reference: SK 00270 15647
What3Words: orchestra.teach.crossings
Car Parking: Free parking in off-road bays along Marquis Drive and the approach road. (Visitor Centre car park is chargeable and requires a short walk back.)
Toilets: Available at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre
Walk Type: 3 – Somewhat Demanding — basic fitness and good mobility required
Dogs: Not permitted on this walk

Distance: Just over 5 miles
Terrain: Forest tracks, gentle climbs, stream crossings
Pace: Steady and considered
Fitness level: Somewhat Demanding (level 3)

This walk is not suitable for complete beginners. Anyone with an injury or illness will not be able to join, for safety reasons and to ensure the group can enjoy the walk as planned.

We last visited this part of Cannock Chase in December. However, due to an accident on the A51 and resulting road closures, some walkers were unable to attend. Following several requests, we’re heading back — and with good reason.

This route showcases a particularly beautiful stretch of the forest, with wide, well-drained tracks that should help us avoid the worst of the Winter mud. It’s an ideal option for January walking: steady, scenic and quietly immersive without feeling overly demanding.

Starting from Marquis Drive, the route soon settles into a rhythm as we move beneath towering pine and red cedar trees. At this time of year, the forest feels calmer and more spacious, making it a brilliant opportunity for photography or simply soaking up the surroundings.

We’ll cross gentle streams using stepping stones and narrow wooden bridges. There are pools nearby that have recently attracted kingfisher — so keep your eyes peeled for flashes of blue as we pass! Wildlife sightings are always possible here. Look for red kites circling overhead to smaller woodland birds flitting between the trees.

Midway through the walk, we’ll pause at a forest hut for shelter. Here, we’ll have a well-earned tea break, before continuing on a steady return route. As always, we’ll take the hilly sections at a relaxed, controlled pace. This will allow time to notice plants, textures and Winter detail along the way.

To stay comfortable and confident underfoot, here’s what we recommend:

• Walking boots or sturdy walking shoes
• Quick-drying trousers or leggings (not jeans)
• Warm layers: base layer, fleece or mid-layer, padded coat, waterproof jacket and trousers
• Hat and gloves (maybe sunglasses if we’re lucky!)
• Personal medications (if required)
• Around 1 litre of water or cold drink
• A small, leakproof flask of tea or coffee
• Snacks or sweets for energy
• Binoculars if you have them (we may see red kites and sparrowhawks)
• Fully charged mobile phone and emergency contact details
• A small backpack
• Hiking poles (helpful on the slippy downhill sections)

1: Very Easy – can be done without training
2: Easy – possible without preparation
3: Somewhat Demanding – basic fitness required
4: Moderately Difficult – good fitness and mobility required
5: Demanding – good fitness essential; prior training recommended
6: Very Demanding – very good fitness and previous training essential

This walk is rated 3 (Somewhat Demanding).

If you’re looking for a calm but rewarding way to end January, this walk ticks all the boxes.

Expect quiet trails, Winter wildlife, and one of Cannock Chase’s most scenic forest settings.

We’ll see you bright and early on Friday 30th January for another Walk Talk Action Wilderness Walk.