There’s something special about Cannock Chase on a cold winter morning. The air is crisp, the ground sparkles under a layer of frost, and when the sun shines through the trees, it transforms the landscape into something magical. It was the perfect day for a run… if only I wasn’t running late!
Watch the video of our Cannock Chase parkrun and MTB adventure on our YouTube Channel
A Frosty Sprint to Cannock Chase parkrun
Cannock Chase parkrun is set within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Staffordshire. The course winds its way through the forest, offering a mix of wide tarmas and gravel paths, scenic woodland trails, and some gentle hills to keep things interesting.
But my parkrun morning didn’t start quite as planned. With temperatures below freezing, I found myself dashing across the trails—not as a warm-up jog, but full-speed on my mountain bike, desperately trying to make it to the start in time. The frost-covered trails were a sight to behold, but there was no time to admire them. It was a race against the clock.
Arriving just as the countdown began, I threw my bike aside, hastily locked it up, and ditched my rucksack. No time to breathe—just time to run!
Running Through a Winter Wonderland
Once I settled into my stride, I could appreciate just how stunning the course was. The low winter sun dappled through the trees, casting long shadows across the trails. Despite the cold, the effort of running soon warmed me up, and the views across the Chase made every step worthwhile.
However, I wasn’t exactly floating along effortlessly—my calves quickly reminded me of my mad pre-run sprint! The frantic dash on the bike had left its mark, and I could feel every uphill stretch a little more than usual. But as always with parkrun, the encouragement of volunteers and fellow runners kept me going.
The Best Kind of Finish Line Reward: Cake!
Crossing the finish line, I was greeted by the best sight of the morning: cake! A charity cake sale was being held to support Jamie and Keith’s Sahara Trek Challenge, raising funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. A perfect excuse to refuel!
As I caught my breath, I was met by Ewan and Grandad, who had already been out enjoying one of the MTB trails. Ewan, never one to miss an opportunity to have a dig at his Dad, wasted no time in berating me for a slow parkrun. With cake eaten and legs starting to recover, it was time for the next adventure—hitting the trails together!
Mountain Biking at Cannock Chase – From Blue to Black
Cannock Chase is a mecca for mountain bikers, offering a fantastic mix of blue, red, and black-graded trails for all skill levels. The Perry’s Trail is a great introduction—a smooth-flowing blue route designed for beginners and families, but still fun enough for more experienced riders looking for a fast, flowing ride.
We warmed up on Perry’s Trail, carving through the trees and enjoying the crisp winter air. But we were eager for more, so we stepped things up a notch and hit the legendary red-graded “Follow the Dog” trail.
“Follow the Dog” is one of the oldest purpose-built MTB trails in the UK, packed with technical features, swooping berms, and some exhilarating descents. As we got into the flow, my confidence grew, and by the second lap, I was even tackling some of the black-graded alternative lines—a proper adrenaline rush!
The trails were in great condition despite the frost, and with every twist and turn, the ride just got better. The combination of fast-flowing singletrack, tight switchbacks, and short, punchy climbs made for an fabulous morning on the bike.
Wrapping Up – Café, Bikes, and Heading Home
After a solid ride, there was only one way to end the day—lunch at the café. Warm food and hot drinks were a welcome treat after a chilly but exhilarating morning. We sat back, recapped the best bits of the ride, and I was mocked about my morning’s chaotic start and my whipe-out on one of the berms.
With tired legs bu happy spirits, we loaded up the bikes and set off home, buzzing from a day packed with running, riding, and, of course, cake!
Final Thoughts
Cannock Chase is a perfect destination for a Little Adventure. whether you’re a runner, a mountain biker, or just someone who loves getting outside. The parkrun offers a friendly, scenic start to a Saturday, and the MTB trails provide a perfect mix of fun and challenge for riders of all levels.
This day had it all—frosty trails, a mad dash to the start, breathtaking views, a bit of calf-cramping, some high-speed MTB action, and, most importantly, cake.
Would I do it all again? Absolutely. Though maybe next time, I’ll set my alarm a little earlier…
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