Start/Finish Birches Valley Forest Centre, grid ref SK 020171 Total distance 15.4km (9.6 miles) Total ascent 280m (920ft) Total Time 1.5-2.5 hours Maps OS Explorer (1:25000) 244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS). Summary A mix of bridleways and purpose-built singletrack in a short but easily-extended loop. Start at Birches Valley Forest Centre and set off along Follow The Dog – entrance to trails is directly opposite Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre. Descend gently on well-surfaced singletrack for 1.8km, occasionally crossing fire roads – check the marker posts for direction. Make the most of it, the next 1km is uphill. After a short switchback descent and similarly-becornered climb, spin gently along fire road parallel to Marquis Drive Forest Centre. If you need refreshment, turn left at first crossroads to reach road and cross to the centre. Otherwise carry on parallel to Marquis Drive to reach road at orientation post S1. Turn left then immediately right onto bridleway, using Sherbrook Trail marker posts for reference. 700m after second road crossing, go straight on over double crossroads, ignoring Sherbrook Trail posts going right. Climb on bridleway across heathland to Camp Road, with Springslade Lodge opposite. Turn right and right again to head north along ridge on bridleway, initially through trees but then in the open with impressive views to the right. Keep right at fork. At road and car park bear right to carry on along bridleway, then left at crossroads. After 500m turn right to descend across valley to fire road. Go straight across crossroads to edge of forest, joining waymarked Sherbrook Trail. Then straight on again to climb Pepper Slade, once again following Sherbrook Trail marker posts. At trail junction turn right, climbing gently to road. Cross over road and carry on towards caravan park. At orientation post D4 rejoin Follow The Dog and enjoy the 2km descent back to Birches Valley.by Matt_Skinner
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