The Cannock Chaser

Intro

May is traditionally The Gravelton time of year so it’s fitting we head to Cannock Chase to ride some of the same trails. The Cannock Chaser is an extended version of an original submitted by Ed B and has a bit of everything. Aswell as the Chase’s famous red gravel, you’ll enjoy canal towpath, a National Trust estate + plenty of tarmac to eat up the miles. This is a gravel classique.

The Event

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 we ask is you share your ride with everyone else in the community.

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

Based at the popular Birches Valley Forest Centre, The Cannock Chaser takes riders out of the car park, across the road and straight up the steady climb of Penkridge Bank parallel to the main road. At the summit the familar blue route beckons with it’s fast and wide descent to Seven Springs Car Park to cross the A513 and pickup a short stretch of canal.

**IMPORTANT**
No cycling is allowed on the Packhorse Bridge that takes riders from the canal into Shugborough Estate (@ 10km). Please walk your bike the few short metres

You can download GPS files from the Gravelton GPS Folder in any format you want or use the Komoot link below

Through Shugborough Estate it’s then back onto the Chase skirting Brocton. At 17km (11 miles) riders get their first refreshment stop oppo at Springslade Lodge (recommended!). From here it’s time to eat up some distance on the roads through Bednall and Teddesley Park. It’s back offroad across Shoal Hill common into Huntingdon and then back onto the Chase again North to Springslade Lodge for your 2nd refreshment oppo at 38km (24 miles). Riders take in the fast descent of the blue route again then riders head back south skirting Pye Green to transverse Hednesford Hills and head out east to Cannock Wood and Stile Cop. From here it’s familiar Marquis Drive territory and a meandering route back down to the start via some of the Follow the Dog route.

If you want a shorter route, we can do that too. Here is a 56km version covering much of the same trails. No MTB trails + less elevation.

You can download it from the Gravelton GPS Folder

Highlights

• FREE to enter
• Pay & Display Car Park
• Bike Shop + Cafe located at Start/Finish
• NO Number
• NO Feed stations
• NO Photographer
• NO Medal
• NO T-Shirt
• Great views
• Mixed terrain + trails

The Rules

1. Take your litter home
2. Be self-sufficient. There is no backup on the day
3. Shut any gates
4. It’s not a race, it’s a day out on the bike.
5. Be courteous to other trail users. You’ll be mingling with the public at times and it gets narrow so be prepared to share your space nicely. I highly recommended a bell.

Parking

The car park can get busy on weekends and is pay and display.