Brindley Heath, War Memorials and Slitting Mill
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Join Samuel for a walk along an area of Cannock Chase steeped in history:
Brindley Heath is an area of heath land on Cannock Chase situated between Hednesford and Rugeley in the Cannock Chase District of Staffordshire.
There are remains of disused coal mines in a number of areas of Cannock Chase, including Brindley Heath.
During the First World War there was a large military camp at Cannock Chase which became the base for the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. There was also a prisoner-of-war hospital with 1,000 beds, and both camp and hospital used this burial ground.
The area has been used for many things including RAF Hednesford which was set up in 1938 as home to the 6th Technical Training School. In 1957 the camp was used to house around 900 Hungarian refugees. The camp was then demolished in 1960. The area was also used a tank training ground, leading to much soil disturbance.
A military hospital was built on the heath during World War I. After the hospital was closed in the 1920s, local miners moved onto the site and dubbed it Brindley Village. It was finally demolished around 1951, and the occupants moved to Hednesford. The parish electoral ward for the southern part of Brindley Heath parish is also named Brindley Village.
History of Cannock Chase War Memorials
During the First World War, Cannock Chase was home to a large Prisoner of War hospital. As well as a Military Camp which became a base for the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery contains burials for both New Zealanders and Germans. Additionally in 1959 the UK government made an agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany to relocate around 5,000 graves of German and Austrian soldiers which were dotted around the country to one centrally located and maintained by the Commonwealth Graves Commission. These are located in the German Military Cemetery.
Katyn Memorial
Also known as the Polish memorial, the Katyn Memorial was built in memory of the 4,500 Polish lives lost in 1940. Their mass graves were discovered in the Katyn Forest in 1943.
Slitting Mill
Slitting Mill is a hamlet of fewer than 400 people and around 155 dwellings, one and a quarter miles west of Rugeley on the very edge of Cannock Chase in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the smallest of its kind on the mainland.
It maybe potentially muddy in places and recommend walking boots or appropriate footwear to be worn.
Dogs are welcome on the walk, however will need to be on a lead at times.
The route is 9.5 miles / 15.3km
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Photo credits: Headline image by Patty Jansen from Pixabay. Other photos taken by OutdoorLads members and permission granted for use.
What to bring
Given it'll be spring-Summer, please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for the weather - layer appropriately and bring wet-weather gear.
Below is a standard kit-list you may wish to draw from:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable if dry weather; but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful. Demin jeans become heavy and cold in the rain and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs. A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack (with suitable capacity for your gear and lunch), allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional, the walk is long even laid track.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for hay-fever, diabetes, or any on-going ailments or conditions.
Food & drink
Bring water, snacks and a packed lunch for the walk.