Top 7 Natural Monuments around Cannock Chase
Best natural monuments around Cannock Chase are found within this designated National Landscape in Staffordshire, England. The area features a diverse landscape, including ancient woodlands, expansive heathlands, and significant geological formations. It offers varied terrain for outdoor exploration, from river valleys to elevated viewpoints. This compact region provides numerous opportunities to experience its natural beauty and ecological richness.
Best natural monuments around Cannock Chase
- The most popular natural monuments is Sherbrook Stepping Stones, a river that features a series of stepping stones crossing the Sherbrook. It is a popular beauty spot, especially with families during summer.
- Another must-see spot is The Butts Trig Point, a natural monument that serves as a summit and viewpoint. It offers views around the area and is accessible via several footpaths.
- Visitors also love Fairoak Pools, a lake that provides a tranquil setting. It is a beautiful spot to rest and enjoy the sunshine on the water.
- Cannock Chase is known for its extensive heathlands, ancient woodlands, and river valleys. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, including geological features like the Glacial Boulder.
- The natural monuments around Cannock Chase are appreciated by the komoot community. These highlights have received more than 330 upvotes and feature over 30 photos from visitors.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Sherbrook Stepping Stones
Highlight • River
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Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase
Highlight • Natural Monument
The boulder often makes ‘worst attraction’ lists and has been compared to the Holy Stone of Clonrichert, a fictional relic in the comedy series, Father Ted. It is a popular meeting point for hikers and cyclists, though, and is right next to a convenient car park.
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Fairoak Pools
Highlight • Lake
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The Butts Trig Point
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Millennium Sundial at Broc Hill
Highlight • Viewpoint
To use the sundial will require a person to stand on the metal plate on the appropriate month and if the sun is shining then the shadow from the person will fall on or near the stones and tell the time
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Tips from the Community
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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This unique sundial is an analemmatic sundial, also known as a horizontal sundial, skillfully blending the craftsmanship of metalwork and stonework. Its ingenious design is the creation of Ian Naylor, an educator affiliated with Stafford College. To use the sundial will require a person to stand on the metal plate on the appropriate month and if the sun is shining then the shadow from the person will fall on or near the stones and tell the time
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This trig point (200m), the butt of so many jokes can be reached via several converging footpaths, the paths to the south and east offering a steeper route.
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This Millennium Sundial is located at Broc Hill, near to Milford and Brocton. It can be used to tell the time sunshine permitting, or can function as a seat from which to enjoy the extensive view over Staffordshire towards Shropshire and Derbyshire. It is one part of a pair commissioned by the Berkswich Millennium Sculpture Group to commemorate the Millennium. The other sundial is located at Berkswich Primary School, Walton on the Hill. To use the sundial a person has to stand on the metal plate, on the appropriate month. If the sun is shining then the shadow from the person will fall on or near the stones and tell the time!
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Very pretty spot! Just do it, you know you want to 🙃🙂
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit in Cannock Chase?
Among the most popular natural monuments in Cannock Chase are the Sherbrook Stepping Stones, a beloved beauty spot, especially for families. Another highly rated spot is The Butts Trig Point, which offers excellent views. Visitors also enjoy the tranquil setting of Fairoak Pools.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Cannock Chase?
Yes, several natural monuments are particularly popular with families. The Sherbrook Stepping Stones are a favorite, especially in summer. The Glacial Boulder is also a popular meeting point and easy to access near a car park. Fairoak Pools offers a peaceful setting for a family break.
What unique geological features can I explore in Cannock Chase?
Cannock Chase features significant geological formations. The most notable is the Glacial Boulder, a large granite erratic transported from Scotland during the last Ice Age. It serves as a tangible link to the region's geological past.
Where can I find the best panoramic views in Cannock Chase?
For spectacular panoramic views, head to Castle Ring, an Iron Age hillfort and the highest point in the Chase at 242 meters. The Butts Trig Point also provides nice views around the area. Additionally, the Millennium Sundial at Broc Hill offers extensive views over Staffordshire towards Shropshire and Derbyshire.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the natural monuments?
Cannock Chase is rich in wildlife. The extensive heathlands and woodlands are home to diverse species, including fallow deer, and rare birds such as nightjar and woodlark. The river valleys and wetlands also support unique plants and various other creatures, making it an excellent spot for wildlife spotting.
Are there good walking or cycling routes near the natural monuments?
Yes, Cannock Chase offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find many easy hiking routes, such as the Fairoak Pools loop or the Stepping Stones loop, which are detailed in the guide to Easy hikes around Cannock Chase. For cyclists, there are various road cycling routes and mountain biking trails, including those mentioned in the guides for Road Cycling Routes around Cannock Chase and Cycling around Cannock Chase.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Cannock Chase?
The best time to visit depends on your preferences. The Sherbrook Stepping Stones are particularly popular with families during the summer months. The heathlands are vibrant with purple heather in late summer and early autumn, offering stunning scenery. Spring also brings new life to the woodlands, making any season enjoyable for exploring.
Is there parking available near the natural monuments?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, the Glacial Boulder is conveniently located right next to a car park, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Can I find easy walks to natural monuments in Cannock Chase?
Absolutely. Many of the natural monuments are accessible via easy footpaths. For example, the Sherbrook Stepping Stones and Fairoak Pools are part of several easy loops. You can find more details on routes in the guide to Easy hikes around Cannock Chase.
What makes the Sherbrook Stepping Stones a popular spot?
The Sherbrook Stepping Stones are a beloved beauty spot due to their picturesque setting across the charming Sherbrook river, lined with alders and large tussock sedges. They offer a pleasant and interactive way to experience the natural beauty of the Sherbrook Valley, making them especially popular with families during summer.
What is the Millennium Sundial at Broc Hill?
The Millennium Sundial at Broc Hill is a unique analemmatic sundial, blending metalwork and stonework. Visitors can stand on a metal plate corresponding to the month, and their shadow will indicate the time. It also serves as a viewpoint to enjoy extensive views over Staffordshire.
What is the historical significance of Castle Ring?
Castle Ring, located at the southern edge of Cannock Chase, is an Iron Age hillfort. While primarily an archaeological site, its elevated position as the highest point in the Chase (242 meters) provides significant natural appeal and offers spectacular panoramic views across the landscape.
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