The best walks and hikes around Burntwood

The terrain is generally gentle, making it accessible for most walkers. You'll find a mix of well-maintained paths around reservoirs like Chasewater, woodland trails, and open paths across the rare lowland heath of Gentleshaw Common. Most routes are relatively flat, though some trails heading towards Cannock Chase can offer more moderate inclines.

Yes, many of the best walks in the area are circular. This allows you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Besides the popular reservoir loops, you can find other great options like the Hiking loop from Burntwood, which offers a pleasant 3.4-mile (5.5 km) tour of the local landscape.

The area is excellent for family outings, with over a dozen easy-rated trails. Chasewater Country Park is a top choice, offering flat, pushchair-friendly paths around the water. For a shorter, engaging walk, consider the Chasewater Heaths Signal Box loop from Chasewater Railway Museum, which is just 2.6 miles (4.2 km) and passes by the heritage railway.

Burntwood is very dog-friendly. Pipe Hall Farm is a local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere where dogs can explore numerous routes. Gentleshaw Common is another excellent choice, offering wide-open spaces across a beautiful heathland nature preserve. Most trails in Chasewater Country Park also welcome dogs, but they should be kept under control, especially near wildlife.

For expansive views, head towards Cannock Chase National Landscape. A walk to Castle Ring, an ancient Iron Age hill fort, provides panoramic vistas from the highest point in the area. Gentleshaw Common also offers stunning, wide-open scenery, especially in late summer when the heather is in full bloom.

Gentleshaw Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its globally rare lowland heath. Walking here offers a unique experience through a landscape of heather and bilberry. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and enjoying a sense of open space, with a network of paths that let you immerse yourself in this protected habitat.

Cannock Chase National Landscape is just a short drive from Burntwood. The main visitor hub, Birches Valley Forest Centre, is the most common starting point and has ample parking. You can also connect to the wider trail network on foot from areas like Gentleshaw Common if you're looking for a longer, more challenging hike.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails and the variety of scenery, from the waterside paths at Chasewater to the unique heathland of Gentleshaw Common. The well-maintained paths and the abundance of easy-to-follow circular routes are frequently highlighted as major positives.

Yes, while many routes are easy, there are options for those seeking more of a challenge. The Norton Bog – Norton Lakeside loop from Prospect Village is a great example, covering over 11 miles (18 km) through varied terrain including woodland and the Norton Bog nature reserve.

Burntwood is served by local bus routes that can get you close to the main starting points for many walks, particularly those around the town itself and Chasewater Country Park. For trails further afield, such as those deep within Cannock Chase, driving is often more convenient. Some walkers also use the 'Slow Ways' network of paths to connect between towns like Burntwood and Lichfield.

Chasewater Country Park has several large car parks near its main activity centre and trailheads. For walks in Cannock Chase, the Birches Valley Forest Centre is the primary car park. Many smaller trailheads and nature reserves, like Gentleshaw Common, have their own informal parking areas, but these can fill up on sunny weekends.