Attractions and Places To See around Essington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Essington, Staffordshire, offer a variety of outdoor experiences. The region features diverse landscapes, including forests, heathland, and lakes, providing opportunities for exploration. It is known for its natural beauty and historical sites, making it a destination for those seeking both active pursuits and tranquil spots. Visitors can find a range of activities suitable for different interests.
Best attractions and places to see around Essington
- The most popular attractions is Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase, a mtb_park that features challenging uphill climbs rewarded with flowy downhill sections. It offers a variety of obstacles and technical features for mountain biking skills.
- Another must-see spot is Lower Cliff Trail, an intermediate mtb_park. This trail provides a fast, flowy downhill experience with optional jumps.
- Visitors also love Fairoak Pools, a lake offering a peaceful spot to rest and observe the natural surroundings. It is a family friendly attraction, suitable for both biking and walking.
- Essington is known for its mountain biking trails, lakes, and historical sites. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, including options for easy walking trails near Essington.
- The attractions around Essington are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 38 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase
Highlight • MTB Park
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Lower Cliff Trail
Highlight • MTB Park
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Trail Junction: Follow the Dog & The Monkey Trail
Highlight • MTB Park
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Fairoak Pools
Highlight • Lake
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Brocton Camp Information Board
Highlight • Historical Site
A large workforce was assembled to build the camps and the associated railway,later nicknamed the 'Tackeroo Express' with more than one hundred men working on the construction of the camps at any one time. Water was supplied by the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company, and electricity by the Cannock and Rugeley Colliery Company. The camps were based upon a complex of timber huts adapted for specific purposes such as barracks, mess rooms and workshops. Following the implementation of the camps' infrastructure, the first huts were under construction in March 1915 and the first battalions arrived soon after.
Use of the camps
During the early part of the war the camps were primarily used as transit camps to accommodate Service Battalions travelling towards the western front; following their completion, the camps settled into the mould of a training facility and there was a steady influx of battalions, including men of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, who later made Cannock Chase their UK headquarters. Various schools of war were established, offering instruction in musketry, scouting, signalling,physical training, gas warfare and many other related subjects.
The camps, when completed, could hold up to 40,000 men at one time and probably trained upwards of 500,000 men. They had all their own amenities including a church, post offices and a bakery as well as amenity huts where the troops could by coffee and cakes, or play billiards. There was even a theatre.
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Tips from the Community
may need to take detours due to festival dismantal or no access to other routes minor issue but amazing walk
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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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if you dont like technical climbs or decents take follow the dog
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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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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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Both Follow the Dog and The Monkey Trail are both graded red. However, the dog is pretty easy with only a few obstacles. Monkey is much more deserving of the grade with with technical climbs and longer downhills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Essington?
Yes, Essington offers several family-friendly spots. Fairoak Pools is a peaceful lake suitable for both biking and walking, where families can observe nature. Additionally, the Brocton Camp Information Board provides an educational historical experience for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Essington?
Essington is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly mountain biking and hiking. You can explore challenging mountain biking trails like the Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase and Lower Cliff Trail. For hiking, there are many options, including easy walks. You can find more details on various routes in the Running Trails around Essington and Easy hikes around Essington guides.
Are there easy walking trails available near Essington?
Yes, Essington offers easy walking trails. For example, the "Essingtron & Quarry Lake loop via Monarch's Way" is an easy hike. You can find more options and details in the Easy hikes around Essington guide.
Where can I find challenging mountain biking trails?
For challenging mountain biking, head to Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase. It features demanding uphill climbs and flowy downhill sections with various obstacles and technical features. The Lower Cliff Trail also offers a fast, flowy downhill experience with optional jumps for intermediate riders.
What historical sites can I visit near Essington?
You can visit the Brocton Camp Information Board. This site provides insights into the history of Brocton Camp, a significant World War I training facility on Cannock Chase, detailing its construction and use.
Are there any natural beauty spots or lakes to visit?
Yes, Fairoak Pools is a beautiful lake offering a peaceful spot to rest and observe the natural surroundings. It's a popular location for both biking and walking, known for its serene atmosphere.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Essington?
Visitors particularly enjoy the variety of experiences. Mountain bikers appreciate the challenging and fun trails at Monkey Trail and Lower Cliff Trail, with their rewarding downhill runs. For those seeking tranquility, Fairoak Pools is loved for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, perfect for a rest during a walk or bike ride.
Can I find circular walks near Essington?
Yes, there are circular walks available. For instance, the "Essingtron & Quarry Lake loop via Monarch's Way" is a circular route. You can explore more options for circular hikes in the Easy hikes around Essington guide.
Is there wildlife spotting opportunities in the area?
The region around Essington, with its diverse landscapes including forests, heathland, and lakes like Fairoak Pools, offers opportunities for wildlife observation. While specific wildlife is not detailed, natural areas are generally good for spotting local flora and fauna.
What is the best time to visit Essington attractions?
The attractions around Essington can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like biking and walking. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing leaves, and some trails are suitable for winter walks, though conditions may vary.
Are there any hidden gems or less-known spots worth visiting?
While the main highlights are well-regarded, exploring the various trails within Cannock Chase, such as the less-trafficked sections around the Trail Junction: Follow the Dog & The Monkey Trail, can reveal quieter spots and unique views away from the busiest areas.
Are there options for running trails near Essington?
Yes, Essington has several running trails. You can find various loops, including those starting from Wryley & Essington Canal Local Nature Reserve or Essington itself, with moderate difficulty. More details are available in the Running Trails around Essington guide.
Most popular attractions around Essington
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