Walking Holiday on Cannock Chase 

Monday 20th May to Friday 24th May 2024 

Christine Wise writes:

We had a very successful holiday at Cannock Chase, staying near to Stafford. Firstly we went for a Guided Tour of Lichfield and most of us had a Cream Tea. The city proved to be delightful and very well-cared for and well worth a visit. 

The leader of the walks on the Chase, was a friend of mine Terry, who lives nearby, but who also walks in the Spanish group. He had done a great deal of preparation to make all walks interesting and accessible to All. The first day on the Chase saw us doing a fairly easy walk, taking in woodland areas and walking along the canal. On the way, we passed through Shugborough Hall's grounds. A stop at a garden centre for lunch was welcome. Some opted for a shorter walk.

Unfortunately, the next day was rainy all day and so members did differing things. Some went to Shugborough Hall, some into Stafford for shopping, some to the Castle and some to the museum.

The final day we all had a lovely walk in open moorland a valleys. We learned much about the history of the Chase, especially during two World Wars and visited two cemeteries, including the Commonwealth Cemetery. We also crossed a river by Stepping Stones. Lunch was at a cafe where we could sit in Sheds in the garden. Quite a novelty. 

In the evenings, we had various activities including quizzes, a talk about 1960's music and a very rowdy Beetle Drive. 

This holiday was different because approximately half of the group was made up of another group based in Spain and everyone mingled in with each other. We were going to visit the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas on the way home but we decided that as it was the start of Bank Holiday, the roads would be busy, which proved to be the case.