To celebrate 10 years of Staffordshire Day, Walk Talk Action is heading out onto Cannock Chase for a special Wilderness Walk that encapsulates what this event is all about — community, heritage and a shared love of the place we call home…

Staffordshire Day is officially held on 1st May, but celebrations will take place across the bank holiday weekend. The occasion represents a county-wide invitation to get involved. From guided walks and local markets to creative workshops and community events, it’s a chance for residents, organisations and visitors to come together and showcase what makes Staffordshire so special.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, is encouraging communities to take part and help make this year’s anniversary the most memorable yet. She wants to highlight local creativity, heritage and the strength of community spirit across the county.

This year also sees the launch of the Staffy Trail. This playful public art installation will feature large sculpted Staffordshire Bull Terriers placed across towns including Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Stafford and Lichfield. It’s designed to encourage exploration, storytelling and support for local businesses.

At Walk Talk Action, we’re proud to be part of that same spirit. We want to encourage people to get outdoors, connect with nature and experience Staffordshire at its very best.

Date: Friday 1st May 2026
Start Time: 9:30am prompt
Finish Time: Approximately 12:30–1:00pm
Walk Type: 4 Moderately Difficult – Good Fitness Required
Dogs: Unfortunately, we cannot support dogs on this walk

To mark Staffordshire Day, this special Wilderness Walk will begin at the Glacial Boulder on Cannock Chase. We’ll take in a mix of familiar landmarks from previous routes along with some quieter stretches that show the forest at its seasonal best.

Fittingly, the walk will see us high up along the Staffordshire Way. Prepare for some stunning views across the Chase before we descend into the valley below. Along the way, we’ll pass spots that some will recognise from previous walks – the area where we shared mince pies back in December, for example. We’ll then head into more peaceful, tree-lined sections away from the main routes.

From here, the forest really opens up. We’ll experience winding trails, hidden clearings, and the steady presence of wildlife all around us. Indeed, deer are often spotted in this part of the Chase. As Spring continues to unfold, the woodland will appear increasingly alive with birdsong and new growth.

We’ll cross small streams, explore ancient woodland, and follow paths that feel tucked away from the busier world beyond the trees.

All being well, if the sun shines, we’ll get the opportunity to view something simple but special. We’ll encounter a natural sundial, the shadow from which should enable us to tell the time – albeit perhaps not as accurately as your watch!

There will also, of course, be a relaxed mid-walk tea stop. Our walks wouldn’t be the same without them! As always, we’ll opt for somewhere scenic along the route, giving us time to pause, refuel and take in the surroundings.

As we continue, it’ll be evident just how quickly the Chase is changing. Oak and ash begin their seasonal race skyward. Migratory birds return. And wild plants start to appear in places that felt dormant only weeks before.

A reminder – if we need one – that no two walks here are ever quite the same.

This walk will be a way of marking Staffordshire Day in the most fitting way possible: by being out in it.

Staffordshire is often described as “the nation’s playground”. While you may not experience the thrill of an Alton Towers rollercoaster, your breath will no doubt be taken by the stunning landscapes and rich history of this beautiful place.

Events like Staffordshire Day shine a light on the people and places that make the county unique. Walk Talk Action is proud to be part of that wider picture. The fundamental nature of what we do is to help people experience Staffordshire in a way that’s active, social and grounded in the great outdoors.

To make the most of your adventure, make sure you’re properly equipped. Here’s the checklist:

• Walking boots (or sturdy shoes)
• Quick-drying trousers or leggings
• Layers for warmth, plus waterproofs
• Hat and gloves (or sunglasses if we’re lucky!)
• Personal medications if needed
• Water (1-litre bottle) and small snacks
• Leakproof flask for tea or coffee
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Fully charged mobile phone and emergency contacts
• Small backpack for comfort

If you’d like to take part in this special Staffordshire Day Wilderness Walk, you’ll need to complete our Application Form.

Just tap the button below to apply and join us on Cannock Chase for a morning of walking, conversation and celebration of one of Staffordshire’s highlights.