The Cannock Chaser

For 2026, I’ve dialled the distance back a touch taking out the loop through Shugborough Estate. The bulk of the route is still inspired by an original supplied by Ed B but don’t be fooled by the distance or elevation. As I found out last year, riding around The Chase is hard work and your sore legs will remind you afterwards. The date has been moved to the end of May to try and avoid any clashes with other events like we saw in 2025. If you want to ride some of the best gravel in the Midlands, you cannot exclude Cannock Chase from your list so this is THE one to ride!

Read my 2025 ride report here

Gravelton Events are not official or sanctioned. They are self-supported group rides. Same route, same day. It’s just you, your bike and your mates having fun.

All riders who wish to join me on a ride agree to adhere to my code of conduct. Have fun and share your ride with everyone else in the community afterwards.

How to Enter

Entry is FREE. Just turn up but I do recommend you subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest route and event info.

The Route

Riders head out from the car park, cross the road then it’s straight into the draggy first climb up Penkridge Bank. At the summit you’ll cross the road and descend down Abrahams Valley before heading west and cutting across the Chase to the outskirts of Brocton. From here it’s South on a series of bridleways and single track to the first refreshment oppo of the day at Springslade Lodge.

From here riders take a loop off the Chase via Bednall, Shoal Hill and Huntingdon before returning to Springslade Lodge again for your second refreshment oppo and back onto the Chase. A loop of Sherbrook Valley is the Chase at it’s best and then it’s south via Brindley Heath Country Park and Hednesford for a punchy loop skirting the golf course and a scoot through Beaudesert Old Park.

Now back into the heart of the Chase, riders pickup the classic Marquis Drive then take a teasing descent almost back to the start but a final ascent past Fairoak Pools beckons to suck the last gasps of energy you may have left. Then it’s a slightly different return to base this year, over the road, to avoid the MTB Trails

You can download a GPS file from the Gravelton GPS Folder in any format you want or use the Komoot links below

The Short Course follows the same path as the main route but cuts out the loop off the Chase via Bednall and Huntington, it takes out the Sherbrook Valley loop and returns to base on a more direct route through the golf club rather than the trail through Beaudesert Old Park. Only 21 miles long but still a test!

Need to Know

1. Invite your mates. Tell everyone about the ride.
2. Remind yourself of my code of conduct
3. Park considerately on the day.
4. Always take your litter home.
5. Be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the route, your phone, spares, food, drink, money.
6. Shut any gates.
7. Ride within your capabilities and the rules of the road.
8. Be courteous to other trail users and share your space nicely. A bell is highly recommended.
9. Remember it’s a ride not a race.
10. Share your ride afterwards.

Refreshments

There is a cafe at Birches Valley Forestry Centre for pre and post-ride refreshments but I’d also recommend stopping at Springslade Lodge en-route.

Parking

There is plenty of Pay and Display parking available at the Birches Valley Forestry Centre.

Parking here for the day is expensive but the money does go back into maintaiing the fantastic facility and trails

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