Chase Heritage Trail, Cannock Chase

History

The Cannock Chase Heritage Trail is a 10-mile route for walkers and cyclists linking Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. It passes through or close to places of historic or environmental interest, with interpretation boards that tell the story of each, and is meant to support a healthy lifestyle. Cannock Chase District Council says the trail was initially funded in 2008 by the Heritage Lottery Fund and several project partners; the Heritage Fund's own grants record shows a £962,500 award to the council for a "Chase Heritage Trail" on 5 December 2002.

There are 26 interpretation panels along the route, among them High Green, Cannock town centre, Hednesford Park, the Museum of Cannock Chase, Hednesford Hills, Brindley Heath, the Great War Hut, Fair Oak Colliery, Slitting Mill village, Rugeley town centre and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

In 2024 two digital trails were launched, Chase Tales and Hear Our Heritage, with a new leaflet and map, and new interpretation panels and directional signs have been put up along the route. Chase Tales was made with local schoolchildren, professional artists and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and the audio for Hear Our Heritage by members of Tower Players. The work was paid for by the Cannock Chase Cultural Education Partnership, Cannock Chase Council, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Cannock Chase National Landscape and Forestry England.