Cycling routes
Cycling routes
Cannock Chase is a great location for cycling, whether you are just learning to ride a bike, or are a seasoned mountain biker.
The Chase is a great place to explore on your bike, however many parts of it are ecologically sensitive and therefore bikes aren’t permitted in these areas due to the damage they would cause. Cannock Chase Forest is a hand-planted woodland so the conditions in this part of the Chase are more robust. Forestry England has designed and built bike trails and facilities suitable for all off-road cycling abilities – whether you’ve just bought your first bike, or you’re happy shredding through rock gardens.
From the Pedal & Play facility for little ones to learn how to navigate off-road cycling and relaxing family rides through the picturesque forest, to the dedicated single-track, cross country mountain bike trails Follow the Dog and the Monkey Trail, there’s something for everyone.
Routes
There are a variety of cycling trails at Cannock Chase Forest including some of the popular routes below:
Fairoak trail length
2.5 miles circular route.
Green grade trails are suitable for beginners or novice cyclists. This route is largely flat, and the surface is mostly gravel surfaced tracks. The trail starts by meandering through the forest before opening out into the Fairoak Valley and our magnificent Fairoak Pools.
Perry’s trail length
2.7 miles
Blue moderate graded trail suitable for those transitioning from green (easy). The trail surface is generally smooth but expect rough and, during the winter months muddy areas.
Follow the Dog trail length
6.7 miles
A red grade route suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills. The trail surface is very variable: expect loose stone, roots and mud. There are more climbs compared to Perry’s Trail, including one big incline.
Monkey trail length
14.2 miles
Red grade trail suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills.
Be kind to Cannock Chase
Remember the Cannock Chase code at all times and protect, respect and enjoy this beautiful area.
Safety advice and codes of conduct for cyclists can be found on the Cycling UK website. Forestry England also have information on their website for staying safe whilst cycling.
Activities
Find all the places to visit in the area together with routes for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Latest news
The news posts below provide more information on work in progress and latest news of Cannock Chase and our partners.
Take a look at the latest Cannock Chase National Landscape e-newsletter for May 2026. Booking is now open for the Annual Conference 2026. You can find
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Join us for Cannock Chase National Landscape Annual Conference 2026, and a day of networking, learning and sharing ideas! This year’s conference is being held
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Take a look at the latest Cannock Chase National Landscape e-newsletter for April 2026. The National Landscape offers a range of grants that can help
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We are pleased to announce that the Cannock Chase National Landscape Annual Conference will be held on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at the Aquarius Ballroom,
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Take a look at the latest Cannock Chase National Landscape e-newsletter for March 2026. The e-newsletter will keep you up to date on news from
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This is a face-to-face meeting taking place on Monday 16th March 2026 at 2pm at the Main Conference Room, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Centre ST17
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