Outdoor dates in Staffordshire
Key facts
| The Roaches loop | About 4 miles, around 1.5 to 2 hours, one steep climb |
|---|---|
| Roaches trig point | 505 metres |
| Cannock Chase Forest | Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ |
| Wolseley Centre | Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT, with a cafe |
Walking side by side takes the pressure off a date. Staffordshire has two very different kinds of outdoors: the gritstone edges of the Moorlands in the north, and the heath and woods of Cannock Chase in the middle. Choose a walk that suits the less keen walker of the two.
The Roaches and Hen Cloud
The loop over Hen Cloud and the Roaches ridge takes in the 505 metre trig point and views across Staffordshire. You can add a longer loop to Lud's Church if you both have the legs for it. Bring waterproofs and good boots, as there are few facilities.
Source: Peak District guide: The Roaches walk, checked 9 November 2026
Woodland walks at Cannock Chase Forest
Forestry England's Cannock Chase Forest at Birches Valley has waymarked woodland walks, plus cycle trails and Go Ape. It is a good choice if you want a walk with something else to do nearby.
Source: Cannock Chase visitor guide: Visitor hubs, checked 9 November 2026
Chasewater Country Park
Chasewater Country Park near Burntwood is a reservoir with walking, cycling and water sports. A walk by the water is flat and easy, and it suits people from Lichfield and the south of the county.
Source: Cannock Chase visitor guide: Visitor hubs, checked 9 November 2026
Questions
Which outdoor date is easiest?
A flat walk at Chasewater, or a short loop at the Wolseley Centre, where there is a cafe to finish in.
Is the Roaches walk hard?
It has a steep climb, so it suits people happy with a moderate walk. Save it for a second or third date.
Where do we park for the Roaches?
There is no official car park. Use the marked laybys on Roach Road, and arrive early on sunny days.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch covers dating across the UK. WhichDating, our sister review site, has a guide to first date tips.