The Chase Fit Outdoor Activity Scheme is a community program which signposts people into walking, cycling, running and gardening activities in and around the Cannock Chase area. This website provides information on groups, routes and activities to get everyone active outdoors.

There are a variety of groups around the district that use the green open spaces, including our Area of Outstanding Beauty - Cannock Chase.

You can also discover self-led routes. These give clear instructions and directional images, enabling you to navigate many green and open spaces.

By getting out in the fresh air, being in touch with nature and having a good chin-wag, our activities have the aim to increase all aspects of wellbeing.




Chase Fit ensures we have activities and levels to suit everyone’s needs.

Please note that you participate at your own risk.

We advise is you are concerned about your health / or answer yes to any of the following questions you must seek medical advice before participating.

• Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
• Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
• In the past month, have you had chest pain where you were not doing physical activity?
• Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
• Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example: back, knee or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
• Are your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example water pills) for your blood pressure pf heart condition?
• Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?

Friends of Hednesford Park

The Friends of Hednesford Park are a passionate group of volunteers determined to provide a variety of free events in Hednesford Park to bring their community together. The Chase Fit project provides a group of volunteers to support all ages and all abilities to make friends and feel safe on a delightful 40 minute walk around Hednesford Park, there are volunteers that walk at different paces so that everyone feels they are part of the group, increasing wellbeing and social interaction. The walk incorporates part of the Cannock Chase Heritage Trail, The Museum of Cannock Chase, Hednesford War Memorial and parts of Hednesford Park people don’t usually see.

Age UK South Staffordshire

Age UK South Staffordshire offers a programme of group walks, encouraging people of all ages to live a healthy, active lifestyle. This service is good for those new or returning to exercise, giving people the opportunity to improve fitness and meet others in a friendly group. All walks are led by trained walk leaders, free of charge and are graded from 30 minutes to over 2 hours in length. Age UK South Staffordshire have funding available to increase the number of walks across South Staffordshire but are reliant upon the recruitment of volunteers, who we will train and support.

Staffordshire County Council - Cannock Chase County Park

Cannock Chase County Park is one the largest country parks in England, the site of Marquise Drive host a Café, small gift shop, toilet facilities and Great War Hut. This site is ran by Staffordshire County Council.

Staffordshire County Council – Libraries

Your local library offers many services for all ages, from reading to baby bounce and rhyme. Find out what you can do at your local library.

Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission run the Birches Valley Forest site. There is a wide range of activities for all the family including signposted walks, bike routes, children play area and families’ activities. There is also a fantastic café for refreshments.

Cannock Chase (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

In England and Wales, there is a huge variety of scenery and landscapes, from dramatic coasts to remote mountains. Those landscapes considered most valuable are designated as National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). These landscapes are protected by law and managed to maintain their special character for now and the future. Cannock Chase was designated as an AONB in 1958 because of its beautiful landscape, its wildlife and its history. Cannock Chase is the largest surviving area of lowland heathland in the Midlands. Lowland heath is an internationally scarce and threatened wildlife habitat.

The AONB also has extensive areas of forest and woodland along with areas of designed parkland, sand and gravel quarrying and mixed agriculture. There is a Management Plan to ensure that this special place is kept stunning and special. Lots of local people and organisations are involved in managing the process of conserving the area, as we all have a vested interest in securing its future for our continued enjoyment.

If you visit the AONB please consider the amount of time and effort that is taken into conserving and enhancing the area. Help us by keeping onto designated paths, not dropping your litter and going to the signposted visitor centres. By keeping the AONB in superb condition it keeps it a pleasant and happy place for you and your family to come for future years.

Chase and District Ramblers

Chase & District Ramblers Group offer local outdoor enthusiasts a variety of volunteer led walks in Staffordshire and adjoining counties every Sunday throughout the year.

If you enjoy Chase Fit level 4 walks and would like to progress further why not get in touch with ourselves and give us a try for free. Our pace is leisurely and we always take a couple of refreshment breaks during the walks which range up to ten miles and are graded either as easy, moderate, or strenuous depending on the terrain. There is something for everyone within our programme from short evening walks to weekends away.

As part of the nationwide Ramblers organisation membership also entitles you to discounts at certain outdoor stores and the opportunity to walk with over 500 Ramblers groups nationwide.

 Cannock Chase Countryside Service

The Countryside Service runs a weekly volunteer group meeting at Deavalls Farm, Hawks Green Lane Cannock, WS11 7LP on Fridays.

The volunteer group is open to adults wanting to help out on the nature reserves. Over the course of the year the group works on a range of countryside management tasks across the sites including everything from woodland coppicing and heathland management to footpath maintenance. The days run from 9:30am to approx. 3:30pm. All tools and training is provided by the Countryside staff. We recommend outdoor clothing, sturdy boots and bring a packed lunch to those wanting to attend. We also provide bespoke volunteer days for community and corporate groups by prior arrangement. We can cater for small groups who wish to get involved in one off tasks and activities.

Beaudesert Care Farm CIC

Beaudesert Care Farm CIC run eco-therapy programmes at our farm, on the edge of Cannock Chase‎. Providing vocational rehabilitation to support people's mental health and further peer support for those leaving our Seeds of Hope programme. We aim to help our members remain active and engaged with nature, whilst being on the farm and after they have progressed. We deliver a weekly walk at Chase water for our members as well as on the farm woodland. Our walkers come through our eco-therapy programmes.

South Staffs Cycling Scheme

The South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme aims to promote cycling as a fun and safe way to stay active and healthy. We have organised routes and rides for all ages and cycling abilities across South Staffordshire. Joining one of our bike rides could give you the confidence to cycle more in your day to day routine. Commute to work or bike the children to school; beat the traffic, help the environment, improve your fitness and make new friends at the same time.

Cycling 2000

Independent bike shop in Lichfield and Burton.  Specialising in bike maintenance and repair, offering exceptional customer service. Advocates of all-inclusive cycling as cycling provides fun and enjoyment as well as keeping us healthy.  It is our mission to support you in all aspects of your cycling journey.

Rugeley Runners

Founded in 1984 as Rugeley & District Athletic Club, Rugeley Runners is your local, friendly running club. The club caters for all abilities from beginners through to experienced runners. We meet at Rugeley Cricket Club (Chaseley Road, WS15 2LQ) every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:20pm. Yearly Memberships are payable after a 1-month free trial at a cost of £15 - £25 per year depending on membership level.

Chasewater Runners

Chasewater Runners is a FREE friendly, local, social (unaffiliated) running club. We are a mixed group of varying abilities. Sessions are structured to meet everyone's needs as far as possible and no runners are ever left behind.

Chase Harriers

We are The Chase Harriers and our official base is at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre (Stafford Rd, Cannock WS11 4AL). We started in 1984 and are an England Athletics affiliated club and meet every Tuesday (6:15pm), Thursday (6:15pm) and Sunday (9:15am). During the winter months, we meet at the Leisure Centre on a Tuesday and Thursday and in the lighter, summer evenings it is from the White House Car Park on Penkridge Bank Rd, Cannock Chase. Sunday is always from the Marquis Drive Visitor Centre.

Membership is currently £30/year, of which £15 goes straight to England Athletics. We encourage people to come and run with us a few times before deciding on joining. We typically run 1 - 2 beginners running courses each year, usually based from Hednesford Park. The aim is to introduce absolute beginners to running and get them up to 5km (3 miles) after 6 weeks. We also actively support Cannock Chase parkrun, a free, timed 5km run which takes place at Marquis Drive Visitor Centre every Saturday morning at 9am. We encourage our members to get involved in either running or volunteering.

Gentleshaw and Cannock Wood Gardening Group

We are a friendly garden club established in 2007 with members from all around the local area. We welcome everybody with an interest in gardening, whether complete beginner or veteran – you don’t have to be an expert! Some members just come along for an evening out. We also organise coach trips to gardens suggested by members, usually three a year, one each in spring, summer & autumn, and hold fundraising events occasionally.

U3A

CCU3A is part of a nationwide charitable organisation aimed at promoting lifelong learning and an active and social life for the retired or semi-retired. Our branch holds sessions mainly at Slitting Mill Village Hall, Rugeley, WS15 2UW but occasionally we use other venues. To join the U3A there is a cost £9 per year, this membership gives you access to many different and varied groups and social events, you can also join groups in other U3A in the area.  Some sessions carry of charge of either £1 or £1.50.

Museum of Cannock Chase

The museum site was once home to the Valley Colliery, the training pit for thousands of young men beginning their working lives in the local coal industry. The pit has gone and in its place, are over 30 acres of green space on the edge of Cannock Chase, at the gateway to the Hednesford Hills Nature Reserve. Today the hills form one of the last remaining areas of heathland in Britain. With free entry and a year-round programme of activities it is a great day out for the family!  The Museum of Cannock Chase is packed with fascinating stories for all the family. Learn about...

• Cannock Chase's industrial beginnings
• Its important military role
• Famous local citizens
• Local life - and wildlife

Friends of Cannock Chase

Our history really goes back to the 1930's when Mac Wright a local historian (writer of 2 books on the area) became alarmed at the environmental pressures on Cannock Chase.  After the 1st World War, Camps on the Chase had been abandoned on lands belonging to the Marquis of Anglesey then leased back to the Forestry Commission who proceeded to plant row upon row of pine trees. The Marquis left the historic Beaudesert Hall in favor of Plas Newydd on Anglesey and many of the contents were moved or sold. That group of Friends were given the opportunity to buy but the price was prohibitive and so the Hall was left and this original group of Friends folded in 1938.

The present Group was formed in November 1947 when groups from Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley, Stafford and Penkridge once again became concerned about the future of the area. Most of the public see our programme of walks and visits but we have a hard-working committee monitoring all aspects of events on the Chase. In the early days, we campaigned for recognition of the area by granting it A.O.N.B. (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) status thus giving greater protection to the area and this was granted in 1958. We have ancient oaks in Brocton Coppice and our heathland is the largest tract of this habitat in the Midlands. In addition to our walks and events, in the Autumn and Winter we undertake heathland management work and in the summer litter picks. Annual membership is £7.00

Friends of Etchinghill

The hill is managed by a Charitable Trust number 522717 details can be found on the Charity Commission Web Site Click here. They are supported by D.E.F.R.A., The Cannock Chase A.O.N.B. Sustainable Development Fund, The Countryside Agency and ourselves The Friends of Etching Hill.

Our Aims are:

• To Work and communicate with all relevant bodies to keep the hill and playing field area clean and tidy
• To protect against vandalism
• To work in conjunction with the trustees to manage the hill in a manner that will control the invasive growth of trees, plants and shrubs and to keep the bridleways and pathways accessible
• To promote the area’s history and wildlife
• To encourage people to use and appreciate the area
• To seek funding and support
• To help bring our community together to “Love where you Live”

The Friends of Etching Hill regularly organise work parties to keep Etching Hill clean and tidy with Litter Picks, path maintenance and scrub clearing. Several times a year guest speaker are invited to talk to the friends on related subjects to the work that is done on Etching Hill.

All are welcome to join The Friends of Etching Hill, young and old, we are a welcoming group and are grateful for any volunteer support on our work activities or just support by spreading the word of the work that the group do and achieve.

Happy Healthy Cycling

Voluntarily run community based cycling sessions for anyone wanting to get back into cycling, have a go at cycling or improve their confidence in riding.  Weekly evening sessions in Lichfield from April - October. Set in the beautiful Lichfield countryside on a safe, tarmac, no traffic circuit. Booking essential.

Walks for Wellness are a range of walks that are designed to support specific needs of the community.

Activity Referral Walk

Our Activity Referral health walks offer the opportunity for people who have had a setback in their lives at some point and are wishing to help improve their fitness levels.  The walks are chosen carefully and are not too demanding or difficult. They are specifically for people who want to improve their wellbeing and all our health walk leaders are also trained in exercise referral and can help you with your recovery back into full health.  The walks are around our natural living landscape and this makes you feel good as well. Anybody can join our health walks at any level of fitness. Come and join in with one of our friendly walks.

Buggy Walk

Our buggy walks are designed for parents and early years is push chairs. It is a great way to get out in your local area, be active, and meet new people.

Well Active Walk

An all-inclusive walk promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities and main stream. We walk on an easy to access route enabling people with mobility/medical issues to join in. Depending on the group walks may vary to meet the demand of the people. We provide a happy friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying the environment, occasionally spotting fallow deer on the walk. Come and join in with one of our friendly walks.

Walking in Water

A Walking in Water Exercise Class at Chase Leisure Centre, this exercise class is a low impact session which helps to improve all aspects of fitness. The class is aimed at individuals who have mobility and joint issues.

Chase Fit walking scheme would not be able to run without the wonderful volunteers that we have delivering walks. There are a number of volunteering opportunities available with the walking scheme.

Walk Leader Skills

• Leader, friendly, observant, reliable, enthusiastic, love walking
• Lead Health Walks in the Cannock Chase district
• Ensure all walks are welcoming, friendly, enjoyable, safe and effective
• Complete relevant paper work e.g.: walk register
• Liaise with Chase Fit Coordinator
• Attend development training and walk meetings
• Develop leadership skills
• Chance to meet new people
• Discover more of your local area and spend time being physically active
• Walking toolkit
• Training: Walking for Health Walk Leader Training and Emergency First Aid etc

Walk Assistant Skills

• Leader, friendly, observant, reliable, enthusiastic, love walking
• Assist walk leaders in running walks
• Ensure walks are welcoming, friendly, enjoyable, safe and effective
• Support walk leaders with walking paper work
• Attend walk meetings
• Develop interpersonal skills
• Chance to meet new people
• Discover more of your local area and spend time being physically active
• Walking tool kit
• Training if wanted, e.g.: Emergency First Aid, Dementia Awareness

Walk Administration Skills

• Admin knowledge, reliable
• Data entry into walking for health database
• Liaise with Chase Fit coordinator
• Work with walk leaders on paperwork collection
• Enjoy working as part of a team and independently
• Producing correspondence
• Training to use relevant software
• Gain new admin based skills
• Gain experience in an office based setting?

Walk Finders Skills

• Keen photographer, good knowledge of the district, love walking
• Find new walking routes around the Cannock Chase district
• Take step by step photos of the routes following the self led walk format
• Attend walk meetings
• Opportunity to showcase photographs on the green and open spaces in the district
• Discover more of your local area and spend time being physically active

Does your organisation want to start a walking Group?

As a community group/organisation would you like to start a walking group? It is a great way to be physically active and socialise at the same time. The Chase Fit walking scheme is able to support the development of a walking group and run training courses for staff and volunteers to become walk leaders.


 Want to volunteer? Contact us

Please see useful link to information on using our green and open spaces and health & wellbeing.

Countryside Code

When using our green and open spaces please be mindful and use the countryside code. Respect Protect Enjoy. More information about the country side code

NHS physical activity guidelines

Do you know how much exercise you should do? There are lots of different ways you can be physically active and combinations of activities that suit you. Please look at the NHS guidelines and see how much activity you should be doing.

• 18 to 64 More Information
• 65+ More Information

NHS guidelines on 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing

Research has shown there are 5 easy steps for you to achieve mental wellbeing.

• Connect
• Be Active
• Keep Learning
• Give to others
• Be mindful

More Information

More Links

• Age UK
• Friends of Cannock Chase
• Cannock Chase AONB
• Forestry Commission
• Cannock Chase District Council
• Inspiring healthy lifestyles Cannock Chase
• Staffordshire County Council
• Walking for Health
• Map My Walk
• Ramblers
• Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent
• Well Active
• Dementia Friends
• Grow up Great