Brereton And Ravenhill
Brereton And Ravenhill
Best attractions and places to see around Brereton And Ravenhill include a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and outdoor activity hubs. This civil parish in Staffordshire, England, is situated within parts of the scenic Cannock Chase area. Visitors can explore significant listed buildings, tranquil river settings, and extensive forest trails. The region offers diverse points of interest for those seeking both cultural insights and outdoor adventures.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Trail magic in the Midlands — Cannock Chase and Stile Cop MTB
MTB Trails around Brereton And Ravenhill
Road Cycling Routes around Brereton And Ravenhill
Cycling around Brereton And Ravenhill
Running Trails around Brereton And Ravenhill
Hiking around Brereton And Ravenhill

Gravel biking around Brereton And Ravenhill
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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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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Essex Bridge is historically significant, dating back to the early 17th century. It was built between 1550 and 1554, making it one of the oldest surviving stone bridges in England. The bridge is situated in a tranquil and scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the natural beauty of the River Trent. It provides a charming view of the river and its surroundings.
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having just been in the area for 3 days and ridden all of these: Perry's blue, a new route post Commonwealth games, from the Birches visitor centre, is suitable for even the newest of MTB'ers - there is nothing technically hard. But there are some really fun berms even for experienced to enjoy and it has some good Red optional diversions as well. Follow the Dog is the next one up - a "light and fruity middling" Red - whilst some sections are steep, some are technical, some are loose/narrow/twisty - none are all 3 are at the same time. Suitable as a first time Red. And finally, Monkey is a proper hard red - some brutal sequential switchback climbs (Lung Buster), adverse camber rocky drops verging to "very dark oaky" red (Tom/Dick/Harry on Original Monkey). And the parts that are actually marked black are verging on Danny MacAskill.... Definitely not one for a first red.
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The starting point for your Cannock Chase trail centre rides! Here you'll find maps of each route as well as crucial trail closures information, as they constantly need upkeep to keep them flowing sweet. Choose between the green-rated gravel road loop around the lakes, the new Perry's Trail blue-rated singletrack, or the red-rated trails Follow The Dog and Monkey Trail, with some very spicy black optional segments.
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Brereton And Ravenhill is rich in history. You can visit the historically significant Essex Bridge, one of England's oldest surviving stone bridges, dating back to 1550-1554. Other notable historical landmarks include Brereton Hall (Grade II* listed), Brereton House (Grade II listed), and St. Michael's Church with its distinctive steeple. The Trent and Mersey Canal also passes through the parish, featuring listed accommodation bridges and a viaduct.
Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. The Sherbrook Stepping Stones in Cannock Chase AONB are a popular beauty spot, much loved by families for crossing the picturesque Sherbrook. Many of the easy walking trails in Cannock Chase Forest are also suitable for families. Additionally, Ravenhill Park provides a local greenspace for recreation.
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. Cannock Chase Forest is a major draw, offering a variety of trails. For specific routes, explore easy hikes, MTB trails, and road cycling routes around Brereton And Ravenhill.
Cannock Chase Forest is the primary destination for mountain biking. The Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead is your starting point, offering maps for various routes including the green-rated gravel loop, blue-rated Perry's Trail, and the red-rated Follow The Dog and Monkey Trail, which includes challenging black optional segments. The Lower Cliff Trail also offers an enjoyable downhill ride.
The area is characterized by its natural beauty, particularly within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Key natural features include the picturesque Sherbrook, crossed by the Sherbrook Stepping Stones, and the extensive woodlands of Cannock Chase Forest. Stile Cop offers wide-ranging views, though some are being reduced by tree growth.
The best time to visit for outdoor activities largely depends on your preference. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with autumn providing vibrant foliage in Cannock Chase. Summer is ideal for longer days and family outings, though popular spots like Sherbrook Stepping Stones can be busy. Winter can be serene for walks, but trails might be muddy or icy.
Yes, Cannock Chase Forest offers a variety of trails, including green-rated gravel road loops that are generally easier and suitable for various abilities. You can find more details on easy hikes around Brereton And Ravenhill, which include routes like the 'View over Cannock Chase – Castle Ring Iron Age Hill Fort loop'.
The Essex Bridge is historically significant as one of England's oldest surviving stone bridges, constructed between 1550 and 1554. It is set in a tranquil, green environment alongside the River Trent, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into the region's past.
Many trails within Cannock Chase Forest are dog-friendly, making it a great place to walk your canine companion. It's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and to check for any specific signage regarding dog access on individual trails.
The Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead serves as the main starting point for various cycling routes. Here, you'll find maps of each route, crucial trail closure information, and details on trails ranging from green-rated gravel loops to blue and red-rated singletrack, including black optional segments. It's the central hub for planning your forest adventures.
Yes, the Sherbrook Stepping Stones area offers a picturesque viewpoint over the Sherbrook. Additionally, Stile Cop provides wide-ranging views of the surrounding landscape, although some views are becoming obscured by tree growth.
The Trent and Mersey Canal is an important historical feature that passes through the parish. It is part of a designated Conservation Area and includes listed buildings such as an accommodation bridge and a viaduct, reflecting its industrial heritage and providing scenic waterside paths.


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