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United Kingdom
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Staffordshire
Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase

Top 4 Lakes around Cannock Chase

Best lakes around Cannock Chase are found within a designated National Landscape, offering a variety of picturesque water bodies. These serene lakes are often nestled within woodlands and heathlands. The area provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and peaceful walks. Cannock Chase features diverse natural landscapes, making its lakes a notable feature for exploration.

Best lakes around Cannock Chase

  • The most popular lakes is Fairoak Pools, a collection of small, tranquil lakes known for their beauty. An easy, family-friendly circular…

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase

Highlight • MTB Park

Really nice trails. Possibly only suitable for the bravest of beginners due to the variety of obstacles. Great chance to fine tune your mountain bike skills both on uphill and down hill courses

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Fairoak Pools

Highlight • Lake

Just beautiful to watch the sunshine on the water. To sit in peace in the sunshine and take it all in.

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Stony Brook Pools

Highlight • Natural

Enjoy a moment on the footbridge to hear the rushing water beneath.

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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.

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Reedy Pool

Highlight • Forest

This isn't showing on the map as I tried to discover what the name of it is. Maybe it dries up considerably in warmer months? It has quite a rustic …

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Popular around Cannock Chase

Heart of England Way — A historic hike filled with wildlife and beauty

Trail magic in the Midlands — Cannock Chase and Stile Cop MTB

Cycling around Cannock Chase

Road Cycling Routes around Cannock Chase

Gravel biking around Cannock Chase

Other adventures around Cannock Chase

Heart of England Way — A historic hike filled with wildlife and beauty

Hiking Collection by

Dan Hobson

Tips from the Community

Richard
July 1, 2025, Fairoak Pools

may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk

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Lovely place to stop mid ride to take in the scenery.

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A picturesque location at the woodland's edge, perfect for pausing and savouring the beauty of the surroundings and what Cannock Chase AONB has to offer.

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having just been in the area for 3 days and ridden all of these: Perry's blue, a new route post Commonwealth games, from the Birches visitor centre, is suitable for even the newest of MTB'ers - there is nothing technically hard. But there are some really fun berms even for experienced to enjoy and it has some good Red optional diversions as well. Follow the Dog is the next one up - a "light and fruity middling" Red - whilst some sections are steep, some are technical, some are loose/narrow/twisty - none are all 3 are at the same time. Suitable as a first time Red. And finally, Monkey is a proper hard red - some brutal sequential switchback climbs (Lung Buster), adverse camber rocky drops verging to "very dark oaky" red (Tom/Dick/Harry on Original Monkey). And the parts that are actually marked black are verging on Danny MacAskill.... Definitely not one for a first red.

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A gorgeous spot to rest on the blue route by the pool with a bench. If you sit here for long enough you might catch a sighting of the kingfisher on the hunt or fish coming to the surface to look for bugs.

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New additions to trails have opened in the last month or so! (May 2021) The blue has added some nice sections that give opportunity for progression with some easy berms and pump sections. The red some new jumps, berms and rock gardens at the start near the trail centre and birches valley car park

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Dayle
August 9, 2020, Fairoak Pools

Fantastic spot for a picnic or lunch. Or even to stop and sit down on the various benches around. Be warned, it can get busy as it is a hot spot of cannock chase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly lakes around Cannock Chase?

Yes, several lakes in Cannock Chase are ideal for families. Fairoak Pools, for instance, offers an easy, family-friendly circular walk through the forest. Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge and Stony Brook Pools are also noted as family-friendly spots, often with benches for resting.

What kind of wildlife can I see at the lakes in Cannock Chase?

The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Stony Brook Pools, you might spot kingfishers. Mill Green and Hawks Green Nature Reserve is a significant haven for birdwatching, especially in winter, with sightings of teal, mallard ducks, and Canada geese. Elmore Park Lake also boasts a variety of wildlife.

Are there easy walking trails around the lakes in Cannock Chase?

Absolutely. Many lakes are integrated into walking routes. The Fairoak Pools feature an easy circular walk starting from the visitor centre. You can also find several easy hiking routes in the area, such as the 'Fairoak Pools loop' or 'Stepping Stones loop', which are part of the Easy hikes around Cannock Chase guide.

Where can I find a peaceful spot by the water in Cannock Chase?

For tranquility, Fairoak Pools are known for their serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. Sher Brook Pond and Stone Bridge offers an ideal spot for a restful pause at the woodland's edge. Elmore Park Lake also provides numerous benches for enjoying the surroundings.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Cannock Chase?

Beyond walking, Cannock Chase offers a range of activities. You can explore various hiking trails, including those listed in the Easy hikes around Cannock Chase guide. There are also dedicated routes for Road Cycling and Gravel Biking that pass by or near some of the lakes and natural features.

Are there cycling routes that pass by the lakes?

Yes, Cannock Chase is popular for cycling. You can find various routes, including those for Road Cycling and Gravel Biking, that incorporate the scenic lake areas. The 'Monkey Trail' is also a well-known mountain biking highlight in the wider Cannock Chase area.

Which lakes are best for birdwatching?

Mill Green and Hawks Green Nature Reserve is particularly excellent for birdwatching, especially during the winter months when it becomes a haven for small gatherings of teal, alongside resident mallard ducks and Canada geese. Stony Brook Pools also offers opportunities to spot kingfishers.

Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' lakes to discover?

While not exactly hidden, the 'Disused Quarry Pond and Rusted Car' offers a more unusual and unique point of interest with its interesting topography. Reedy Pool also has a rustic charm, though it may dry up in warmer months.

What are the best lakes for a picnic?

Elmore Park Lake is an excellent choice for a picnic, as it is equipped with numerous benches around its horseshoe-shaped body, perfect for enjoying the surroundings. Many other lakes, like Fairoak Pools and Stony Brook Pools, also have benches available for a rest or snack.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Cannock Chase?

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil beauty and natural surroundings. Many enjoy the peaceful walks, the opportunity to spot wildlife like kingfishers at Stony Brook Pools, and the picturesque views, especially when the sun reflects on the water at Fairoak Pools. The chance to pause and appreciate nature, often from a convenient bench, is a common highlight.

Is there parking available near the lakes?

Parking is generally available at various points around Cannock Chase, often near visitor centres or trailheads that provide access to the lakes. For example, the circular walk around Fairoak Pools conveniently starts from a visitor centre, implying nearby parking facilities.

Are the lakes accessible by public transport?

While specific public transport routes to individual lakes might vary, Cannock Chase as a whole has some public transport links. However, for direct access to many of the more secluded lake areas, driving or cycling might be more convenient. It's advisable to check local bus routes for specific destinations within the National Landscape.

Most popular routes around Cannock Chase

Family-friendly hikes around Cannock Chase

Most popular attractions around Cannock Chase

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Still not found your perfect lake around Cannock Chase? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

Norton CanesBrereton And RavenhillBrindley HeathRugeleyCannock WoodBridgtownHeath Hayes And WimbleburyHednesfordCannock Chase Aonb

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Things to Do in Cannock Chase Aonb

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