Brereton And Ravenhill
Brereton And Ravenhill
The best walks and hikes around Brereton And Ravenhill
4.5
(1296)
10,303
hikers
16
hikes
Hikes around Brereton and Ravenhill explore a landscape that includes both the tranquil woodlands of a nature reserve and the expansive heathlands of Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by a mix of managed forests, open heath, and lakeside paths. Many routes incorporate historical points of interest, such as the Castle Ring Iron Age Hill Fort, alongside natural features.
Best hiking trails around Brereton And Ravenhill
- The most popular hiking route is View over Cannock Chase – Castle Ring Iron Age Hill Fort loop from Beaudesert Old Park, a 3.6 mile (5.7 km) trail that takes around 1 hour 38 minutes to complete. This easy hike features a visit to a historic Iron Age hill fort.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is View over Cannock Chase – Brindley Heath Lily Pond loop from Cannock Wood, a moderate 5.2 mile (8.4 km) path. The route passes through varied woodland and past the Brindley Heath Lily Pond.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Lower Cliff Trail – Castle Ring Iron Age Hill Fort loop from Stile Cop, an 8.3 mile (13.4 km) trail leading through Cannock Chase, often completed in about 3 hours 48 minutes.
- Hiking around Brereton and Ravenhill is defined by expansive heathlands, managed forests, and lakeside paths. The network of trails provides options for different ability levels, from short walks to more demanding hikes.
- The routes in Brereton and Ravenhill are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. More than 10,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Brereton and Ravenhill's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.6
(5)
35
hikers
10.8km
02:52
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(9)
13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
5
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Brereton And Ravenhill
Other adventures around Brereton And Ravenhill
Tips from the Community
Essex Bridge is a historic, Grade I listed packhorse bridge located at the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, England, which crosses the River Trent. Originally built in the 16th century, it is notable as the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain and was constructed for Queen Elizabeth I's use, linking the estate to nearby woodlands. It is one of the oldest bridges in England that has not been altered. The bridge is situated over the River Trent near Great Haywood and is an integral part of the Shugborough Estate, a National Trust property. It was built around 1550 by the Earl of Essex for a visit from Queen Elizabeth I so she could access hunting grounds on the other side of the river. It is the longest surviving packhorse bridge in Britain, with 14 of its original 40 arches still intact today. The bridge is a Grade I listed monument and is one of the oldest un-altered bridges in England. source: internet
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Great place to ride. It's on my doorstep but definitely worth visiting no matter how far you are away.
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may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk
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Originally called 'Hangmans stones' installed in 1954. The stones were originally from Stafford Prison where they formed the steps to the prison gatehouse where the condemned prisoners were hanged on the flat roof.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Brereton and Ravenhill suitable for dogs?
Yes, the area is very dog-friendly, especially the numerous trails within Cannock Chase National Landscape. Many local dog walkers frequent the area. As always, please keep your dog under control, particularly around wildlife and livestock, and follow any local signage regarding leads.
Where can I find easy, family-friendly walks?
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve is ideal for families. It features the 'Brimstone Trail', an easy 1-mile (1.6 km) circular walk around a lake, with well-marked woodland paths perfect for a leisurely stroll. The terrain is generally flat and accessible for most abilities.
What are the parking options for hikes in the area?
For trails in Cannock Chase, the main car park at the Cannock Chase Forest visitor centre is a popular starting point. It's a pay-and-display facility and can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. Other smaller car parks are available for different trailheads throughout the AONB.
What is the general difficulty of the trails?
The region offers a great mix for all fitness levels. Out of over 600 routes, the majority are easy, perfect for relaxed walks. There's also a large selection of moderate trails for those seeking more of a challenge, and a smaller number of difficult hikes for experienced trekkers.
What kind of scenery and landmarks can I expect to see?
The landscape is diverse. You'll find tranquil lakeside paths and silver birch woodlands at Brereton Heath. In contrast, Cannock Chase offers expansive heathlands, managed forests, and historical sites like the Castle Ring Iron Age Hill Fort, which is a feature on several popular routes.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the most popular trails are circular. This allows you to enjoy a varied journey without retracing your steps. For a moderate circular route with varied scenery, consider the View over Cannock Chase – Brindley Heath Lily Pond loop from Cannock Wood, which takes you through woodland and past a scenic pond.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Brereton and Ravenhill?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful mix of heathland and forest, and the historical points of interest scattered throughout Cannock Chase.
Are there any walks that feature water, like lakes or streams?
Certainly. Brereton Heath is centered around a 15-acre lake. For a longer walk involving water features, the Fairoak Pools – Stoneybrook Pool loop from Rugeley Town is a great moderate option that takes you past several pools within Cannock Chase.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Yes, some trails are accessible via public transport. The town of Rugeley has a train station, Rugeley Town, which is close to trailheads for Cannock Chase. From there, you can access routes like the walk to Fairoak and Stoneybrook Pools. Always check local bus and train schedules in advance to plan your trip.
Are there any particularly long or challenging hikes for experienced walkers?
For those seeking a longer challenge, there are several options. A good example is the Lower Cliff Trail – Castle Ring Iron Age Hill Fort loop from Stile Cop. This 8.3-mile (13.4 km) route involves significant elevation gain and offers a rewarding tour of Cannock Chase.
What is the difference between hiking in Brereton Heath and Cannock Chase?
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve offers gentle, tranquil walks around a lake and through woodlands, making it perfect for families and leisurely strolls. Cannock Chase is a much larger Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with more rugged and expansive terrain, featuring dramatic heathlands, ancient history, and a wider variety of longer, more challenging trails.
Are there any walks that are good for birdwatching?
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers. The mix of woodland, heath, and wetland habitats attracts a variety of species. Keep an eye out for great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, and kingfishers, especially around the central lake.
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