Best natural monuments around Colwich, located in Staffordshire, offer a diverse natural landscape primarily within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region features significant geological formations, serene water bodies, and unique natural landmarks. These sites provide opportunities to explore the area's natural heritage and varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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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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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The area around Colwich, within the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers several popular natural monuments. Among them, Sherbrook Stepping Stones is a much-loved beauty spot, especially by families. Another highlight is the Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase, a unique geological feature with a fascinating history. Visitors also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Fairoak Pools, a great place to rest during a walk or bike ride.
Yes, several natural monuments around Colwich are suitable for families. Sherbrook Stepping Stones is particularly popular with children, offering a fun river crossing. The Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase, and Fairoak Pools are also considered family-friendly, providing interesting sights and pleasant spots for breaks.
The region around Colwich is known for its diverse natural landscape, including significant geological formations. A prime example is the Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase, a large granite erratic transported from Scotland during the last Ice Age. The area also features rivers like the Sherbrook and various other natural landmarks within the Cannock Chase AONB.
The natural monuments around Colwich are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, running, and cycling. For mountain biking, explore trails like 'Follow the Dog and The Monkey Trail' or 'Sherbrook Valley Trail'. Runners can enjoy routes such as 'Sher Brook Stepping Stones – Sherbrook Stepping Stones loop'. Cyclists have options like 'Sherbrook Stepping Stones – Essex Bridge loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Colwich, Running Trails around Colwich, and Cycling around Colwich guides.
Yes, several natural monuments offer excellent views. The Butts Trig Point is a notable viewpoint providing expansive vistas of the surrounding area. The Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase, is also a popular meeting point with views. Additionally, the Millennium Sundial at Broc Hill offers extensive views over Staffordshire towards Shropshire and Derbyshire.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. Many enjoy the unique experience of crossing the Sherbrook Stepping Stones, especially families. The peaceful atmosphere at Fairoak Pools is often highlighted as a perfect spot for rest, while the historical significance and scenic location of the Glacial Boulder make it a popular stop for hikers and cyclists.
The natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round, but specific times offer different experiences. Summer can be busy, with places like Sherbrook Stepping Stones experiencing queues. Late summer and autumn might be ideal for seeing the heather in bloom around The Butts Trig Point. Weekends and nice weather days tend to be busier at spots like Fairoak Pools.
Yes, the Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase, has significant historical and geological importance, having traveled from Scotland during the Ice Age. Interestingly, the Sherbrook Stepping Stones were originally known as 'Hangmans stones' and were installed in 1954, with stones sourced from Stafford Prison.
For the Glacial Boulder, Cannock Chase, there is a convenient car park located right next to it, making it an easily accessible meeting point for hikers and cyclists.
Many of the natural monuments are accessible via footpaths suitable for various skill levels. For example, Sherbrook Stepping Stones is a popular spot for walks, and Fairoak Pools offers a peaceful setting for a stroll. While The Butts Trig Point can be reached via steeper paths, there are also gentler routes available from the south and east.
Yes, the Millennium Sundial at Broc Hill is a unique analemmatic sundial that skillfully blends metalwork and stonework. It functions as a timepiece (sunshine permitting) and offers extensive views, making it a point of interest within the natural setting.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Colwich: