Cycling Routes from Stafford to Cannock Chase

Cycling from Stafford to Cannock Chase offers accessible connections between an urban center and a protected National Landscape. Riders have several recreational route options depending on their preferred terrain, ranging from dedicated traffic-free paths and canal towpaths to quiet country lanes. This guide highlights the primary cycling routes linking Stafford directly to the trail networks, woodlands, and open heathlands of Cannock Chase.

National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 5

National Cycle Network Route 5 provides the most direct and recognized waymarked cycling route from Stafford to the northern edge of Cannock Chase. Starting from Stafford town centre or the railway station, Route 5 directs cyclists south-east through the suburbs toward Baswich and Weeping Cross.

The route follows a mixture of traffic-calmed roads, shared-use pavements, and designated cycle paths along the A513 corridor, leading straight to Milford Common. Milford serves as a prime western gateway to Cannock Chase, offering immediate access to open heathland paths and local cafes. From Milford Common, cyclists can enter the Chase trail network directly or join forest tracks climbing toward Brocton Coppice.

The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Towpath

For a predominantly traffic-free and scenic journey, the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal provides a flat, picturesque route suitable for gravel, hybrid, or mountain bikes.

Cyclists can join the canal network near the Radford Bridge area on the southern outskirts of Stafford. Heading east along the towpath takes you past Tixall Wide, a broad expanse of water noted for its birdlife and the historic Tixall Gatehouse. Continuing along the towpath brings riders close to Great Haywood and the Shugborough Estate. From here, you can cross over toward Milford or enter Cannock Chase's northern woodland fringe via bridleways connecting near Seven Springs. Note that towpath surfaces vary between crushed gravel and natural ground, which can become muddy in wet weather.

The Brocton Lane and Bridleway Route

Road cyclists and riders seeking moderate elevation can take the rural lane approach via Brocton. Exiting Stafford through Weeping Cross, cyclists follow the B5013 before turning onto Brocton Road toward the village of Brocton.

From the village, Chase Road climbs steadily into the heart of the Chase, leading toward Brocton Coppice and the German Military Cemetery. This route is entirely on asphalt until you reach the upper car parks, where it links with forestry roads and gravel tracks. It features sustained climbing, making it ideal for road cyclists training for hill endurance.

Arriving at Cannock Chase Trail Centers

Once across the perimeter of Cannock Chase, recreational routes link directly into the wider designated cycling infrastructure managed by Forestry England:

• Fairoak and Sherbrook Valleys: Easily accessible from the Milford or Brocton approaches, these gentle, shared-use gravel trails provide family-friendly riding through open valleys and past historic pools.
• Birches Valley Forest Centre: Located further east toward Rugeley, this is the main hub for purpose-built mountain bike trails, including the graded singletrack routes "Follow the Dog" and "The Monkey Trail." Cyclists arriving from Stafford can navigate forest fire roads from Milford or Brocton to reach Birches Valley without using major roads.