Come and experience the spectacular colours, woodland scents and fascinating fungi of Cannock Chase on an autumn Wilderness Walk packed with natural beauty and seasonal discovery…

Date: Friday 23rd October 2026
Start: 9:30am prompt
Finish: 12:00pm approx.
Walk Type: 3 – Somewhat Demanding (Basic Fitness Required)
Dogs: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this walk.

This week’s adventure will begin high above the valley, before we gradually descend into the trees for a closer look at the wonders of autumn.

We’ll make our way through some beautiful wooded areas of Cannock Chase. As we follow the peaceful forest paths, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the seasonal displays that make this time of year so special.

Every turn will offer the possibility of something new. As the landscape changes around us, there’s plenty to discover along the way.

We only get one chance each year to experience autumn in all its glory. And now is the time to make the most of it.

As the days grow shorter and the colder weather approaches, the leaves are changing colour and beginning to fall. This makes for a dazzling display across the forest floor. Vibrant oranges, fiery reds and golden yellows stand out against the deep greens of the evergreen trees. The bare paths of summer turn into an extraordinary explosion of breathtaking colour.

No two trails will look quite the same. There’s a real wow factor to autumn on Cannock Chase, particularly when the light catches the foliage just right.

Of course, it’s not just about what we see. The forest has its own distinctive scent at this time of year. It’s not often we welcome the rain, but if we do experience a glimmer of the wet stuff, the earthy woodland aromas will become even more evident.

Whatever the weather, this will be a walk to savour.

Autumn’s damp conditions, mild temperatures and shorter daylight hours create ideal opportunities to discover some of the forest’s more unusual residents: mushrooms and fungi.

We’ll keep a lookout for the weird and wonderful species emerging from the woodland floor. A world beneath our feet that often goes unnoticed.

Interesting fact: the number of fungal species in the UK is believed to be five to six times greater than the number of flowering plant species. So there’s certainly no shortage of variety to look out for!

You don’t need to know every species by name to appreciate their remarkable shapes, textures and colours. If you’re a keen photographer, make sure you bring your camera or smartphone to capture some of these natural curiosities.

We’ll admire from a distance and leave them undisturbed in their natural environment. Look, appreciate and photograph, but please don’t touch!

With so much colour, texture and detail, today’s walk is a wonderful opportunity to see Cannock Chase through a photographer’s eye.

Look beyond the sweeping autumn canopy and you’ll find smaller details well worth capturing. A cluster of mushrooms nestled amongst fallen leaves. The intricate patterns of bark. Or a splash of colour along a quiet woodland path.

Sometimes, the smallest discoveries leave the biggest impression. Take your time, look closely and enjoy the chance to capture a few reminders of autumn at its best.

As always, we’ll find a suitable spot to pause for a well-earned brew, and give ourselves time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

By the end of the morning, we’ll have taken in the colours, scents and seasonal treasures of the forest. And such delights will hopefully leave us feeling calmer, more relaxed and refreshed by the experience.

Fresh air. Beautiful surroundings. And the opportunity to appreciate the natural world. Simple pleasures, but ones that make our walks so rewarding.

If you would like to join us for this walk, you will need to complete our Application Form. Just tap the button below to get started.