Short walks on the Chase

[zebidee]

Hey guys,

I'm keen to take my little one on a short walk over The Chase, my big plan this year is to make a traditional Yule log (non-edible kind, obv.) so I want to take her on a nature walk/foraging expedition. Problem is, I know sod all about The Chase, wouldn't know where to start and would end up with a grumpy, bored (and most likely soggy) 3 year old.

I've had a quick Google but only found really long rambles and I want to do it tomorrow so don't really have time to nip to the visitor centre to pick up a leaflet or whatever (I'm sans car today). Can anyone suggest a decent parking place and route (2 miles, tops) where we'll come across enough stuff to collect (pine cones, evergreen branches, a random fallen log(!) amongst others).

Optimistically yours,

zeb x

 

[Gramaisc]

Seven Springs car park, up the lane opposite Weetman's Bridge is a good starting point, but watch the pot holes on the access road. There seems to be two main routes out, but there is a small, steep hill between them and a claim straight up that is a good way to warm up initially. The path then winds through silent woods for half a mile before joining the major paths again. You can then wander up towards the old ranges and return along the valley.

Almost anywhere will do, really, though..

 

[Pie & Ale]

Hi Zeb, Birches Valley would be perfect for the little one. There is even a play park as well as a maze like tree gatherings, drums, sculptures ghere and there. There is a cafe, toilet etc. Nice walks around all of this with all you asked for.
http://www.chasetrails.co.uk/directions.php
Go towards Cannock, Wildwood way. Turn left into the German Cemetery turning after Brocton turn. All the way to the end, at cross roads turn left and keep going untill you reach it on the right. Take you 20min but worth it.

 

[Jade-clothing]

I agree, Seven Springs is really nice and up around the visitor centre - there are two visitors centres and the best walks are at Birches Valley Forest Centre - they are coded according to difficulty, the scenery is lovely and you most definitely will find all the things you need for the nature trail. Also worth a thought at some point is the Wolseley visitor centre - not the chase but a lovely walk and they have a really nice nature trail. Any advice on walks Mr JC and I are your people - we are extreme ramblers lol

 

[Withnail]

As above, great sculpture trail from Birches Valley - good place to start.

 

[Withnail]

Get yourself one of these;

My absolute favourite place on the chase is Brocton Coppice - the ancient oaks are wonderful, it's a good place to spot deer and is easily accessible from the Chase Road out of Brocton.

From the car park down to the Stepping Stones and back up through the trees - bliss.

 

[zebidee]

You're all so kind, thanks for the replies! I tend to lack confidence when I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going, so thanks for the tips; I think we'll go for Birches Valley for a starter then Seven Springs next time

 

[Trumpet]

Car may probably be safer parked at Birches Valley than Seven Springs too!

 

[Gramaisc]

I want to do it tomorrow

zeb x

Well? Do we have to organise a search party?...

 

[Gramaisc]

I want to do it tomorrow

zeb x

Well? Do we have to organise a search party?...

I am now so seriously concerned that, if I haven't heard anything by the time I finally wake up, then I might have to head out on a search, eventually....

 

[zebidee]

Hehe bless thanks, don't worry about me, nice to know I was missed! We didn't go - far too slippy underfoot plus rushing to doctors for emergency ear-related problems meant child got a free day off school for the sake of a bit of overactive earwax. Postponed til later in the week

 

[gon2seed]

Only just read this thread. Definiteley Birches Valley. Got such alot their; my kids love it, and have done since they were little. Somat to eat, loo's, Bikes, and Go-Ape too.