An easy circular trail that takes in the magnificent Fairoak Valley and pools, a rich and important habitat that is home to many wildlife species. The cafe food was very good with a sandwich bar, jacket potatoes, etc. This route is largely flat, and the surface is mostly gravel surfaced tracks.2.5 miles (4 km) (short-cuts back to the car park are available) Almost immediately afterwards, look for a pretty waterfall sitting under a footbridge over the brook on the left. The Fairoak Colliery company was formed in 1871, with the rights to explore more than 5,000 acres within Cannock Chase. The area has an interesting coal mining past and was the location of a colliery in the late 19th century. This valley once contained the Budleighensis River which flowed 280 million years ago when Britain was part of a much greater landmass and nearer to the equator. Cannock Chase Forest, Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ The colossal river system rose in what is now Northern France and emptied into the area which is now the Irish Sea. Pass between a pair of rocks to reach a junction (known as F1) with another stone track. Cannock Chase Hospital Brunswick Road Cannock WS11 5XY. The area has an interesting coal mining past and was the location of a colliery in the late 19th century. The car park fee is £4 for the whole day (correct Jun 2015). The trail offers a number of activity options. The peaceful environment belies a short-lived, but productive industrial past. Continue along the length of the fishing pond (look out for the large fish you will see swimming beneath the surface) and the next lake. Fork left here, signed to Cannock. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. The walk has just a few gentle gradients and follows wide stone tracks the whole way round. The stream that the stepping stones cross is usually very shallow so you would be able to walk through this instead if you are wearing wellingtons. The walk has just a few gentle gradients and follows wide stone tracks the whole way round. Fairoak Trail • • • 4km/2.5 miles An easy circular trail that takes in the magnificent Fairoak Valley and pools, a rich and important habitat that is home to many wildlife species. Turn right on the path between two large rocks and from this point you will be retracing your steps back to the car park. The wetlands in this part of the forest are home to a number of amphibians including the great crested newt. This route – of which most is managed by Cannock Chase District Council – runs from Rugeley to Cannock, and passes through Cannock Chase Forest taking in sites of historic interest along the way. Cross Chase Walk to Fairoak Pools is a 5.6 kilometer loop trail located near Rugeley, Staffordshire, England that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The Fairoak trail is a 2.5 miles circular trail which starts by meandering through the forest, opening out into the Fairoak Valley and our magnificent Fairoak Pools. The waterborne insects provide food for the pipistrelle bats that live in the forest and you may see bat boxes on some of the trees. The route does NOT head this way, but feel free to take a detour to enjoy this idyllic spot. Approximate time 1.5 hours.To orientate yourself ready to begin the walk, stand with your back to the vehicle entrance with the cafe on your right. This walk follows the Fairoak Trail and is waymarked with green arrows. A circular walk through Fairoak Valley within Cannock Chase. For Forestry England’s coronavirus guidance please follow this link However, the cost of the unproductive years took its toll and the mining operations ended in 1884. The trail takes you through the woodland valley taking in the pools and streams with plenty of wildlife along the way. At the bottom of the slope you will come to a T-junction. There are no gates or stiles on route, but you will need to cross some stepping stones.