Armitage With Handsacre
Armitage With Handsacre
Best bike parks around Armitage With Handsacre are primarily found in the nearby Cannock Chase Forest, a significant natural area in Staffordshire. The region is characterized by its mix of forestland, open heathland, and a network of canals and former railway lines. This landscape provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly cycling, ranging from challenging mountain biking trails to more relaxed, scenic routes. The area serves as a hub for off-road cycling enthusiasts due to its well-developed trail systems.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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Great place to ride. It's on my doorstep but definitely worth visiting no matter how far you are away.
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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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The starting point for your Cannock Chase trail centre rides! Here you'll find maps of each route as well as crucial trail closures information, as they constantly need upkeep to keep them flowing sweet. Choose between the green-rated gravel road loop around the lakes, the new Perry's Trail blue-rated singletrack, or the red-rated trails Follow The Dog and Monkey Trail, with some very spicy black optional segments.
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Diversions in place in on at least 3 ref routes- twist and shout steregasorous and aunt flow
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Cracking views from up here. Choice of a few tracks running from this point. when your at the top look behind you too the right to spot 2 new off piste trails.
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The primary destination for mountain biking trails near Armitage With Handsacre is Cannock Chase Forest. It offers a variety of graded trails, including the challenging red-rated Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase and Follow The Dog, as well as the blue-rated Perry's Trail and beginner-friendly options.
Cannock Chase Forest features a diverse range of trails. You'll find red-rated cross-country courses like Follow the Dog and The Monkey Trail with challenging features, a blue-rated singletrack called Perry's Trail ideal for developing skills, and a green-rated gravel road loop for relaxed rides. For adrenaline seekers, there are also Stile Cop Downhill Trails. The Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead is the starting point for these routes.
Yes, for beginners and families, Cannock Chase Forest offers the Pedal and Play Trail and a green-rated gravel road loop around the lakes. Additionally, Baggeridge Country Park provides a two-kilometer figure-of-eight circuit suitable for a range of abilities, making it an excellent option for mountain bike beginners and families with older children. Hicks Lodge: The National Forest Cycling Centre also has flat, easy paths for smaller children.
Cannock Chase Forest trails are graded to suit various skill levels. You can find green-rated gravel loops for easy rides, the blue-rated Perry's Trail for intermediate riders, and red-rated trails like Follow The Dog and Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase for more challenging experiences. There are also black optional segments on the red trails and dedicated downhill trails at Stile Cop for advanced riders.
At Cannock Chase Forest, you'll find the Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead which provides maps and trail information. The Swinerton Cycles Forest Centre offers bike hire, a repair shop, and sells parts and accessories. There are also cafes available for refreshments.
Visitors frequently praise the fun and flowy nature of the trails at Cannock Chase. They appreciate the variety of obstacles and features, including both uphill climbs and rewarding downhill sections with jumps. The Lower Cliff Trail, for example, is known for its speed and flow, offering opportunities for jumps that can also be rolled over. The diverse range of trails ensures something for all riding skills.
Absolutely. The wider Staffordshire area offers numerous cycling routes. You can explore picturesque road cycling routes, gentle rides along canal towpaths (Staffordshire has more miles of canal than any other Shire county), and converted railway lines like the Manifold Track and sections of the South Staffordshire Railway. For more options, check out the Cycling around Armitage With Handsacre guide.
The region around Armitage With Handsacre is characterized by forestland, open heathland, and serene lakes, particularly within Cannock Chase Forest. Areas like Sherbrook Valley offer trails through woodlands and open heathland, following the Sher Brook. You'll encounter scenic viewpoints and diverse natural landscapes throughout your rides.
While cycling is possible year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but trails might be dusty on hot, dry days. Winter riding is possible, but it's advisable to check for trail closures due to weather conditions, as upkeep is constant.
Experienced riders looking for a challenge should head to the red-rated Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase and Follow The Dog trails at Cannock Chase Forest. These trails feature significant uphill climbs rewarded by technical and flowy downhill sections with various obstacles and jumps. The Stile Cop Downhill Trails are also designed for advanced riders seeking adrenaline.
Parking is available at the Cannock Chase Forest Trailhead, which serves as the main starting point for the various trails. This area is equipped to handle visitors arriving by car.
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities in the vicinity of the bike parks. Cannock Chase Forest itself offers walking trails through its woodlands and heathlands. For a comprehensive list of options, you can explore the Easy hikes around Armitage With Handsacre guide, which includes routes like the Sherbrook Valley loop.
Yes, the Swinerton Cycles Forest Centre, located at the heart of Cannock Chase, provides bike hire services and has a well-equipped shop for repairs and spare parts. Their staff are known for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.


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