On a sunny November’s day, the kids don’t want to be trapped inside, they want to be out, running free. We’re lucky to be surrounded by plenty of parks, forests and beautiful National Trust sites. In fact, on days like this, the difficulty is often in choosing where to go, rather than struggling to come up with one place. The children want to chase about, climb and jump, chat about and collect ‘nature’ and anywhere will do for them, they’re not fussy. But given a choice, I am. I like to go somewhere beautiful and natural. So last week we went to one of my favourite places to stroll (well, I stroll, Little Man and Boo run wild!), nearby Cannock Chase….
They currently have The Gruffalo’s Child trail on, which adds a little something to the trip, and though many of the cut-outs and trail were the same as The Gruffalo trail that we did earlier this year, the children still adored spotting all of the creatures in the woods, and Boo and I had fun trying out the tasks on each board, such as looking for shapes in the forest around us, and pretending to be the animals from the story.
I love the pine smells that assail you as you walk around. I love the way the sunlight filters through the treetops. It’s a beautiful place, it feels peaceful and calming even when it’s busy, and as with much of the great outdoors, it’s free.
It sounds like you live in a lovely area of the country, I’ve heard of Cannock Chase but never visited before. Completely agree about getting out into the outdoors – I think it’s even more important at this time of the year.
Yes, so easy to just hibernate through the colder days, but they’re so beautiful and the kids love the fresh air and running about!
Ooh, spent many a happy day on Cannock Chase when I was young. Looks like you had a fab time – I need to do the Gruffalo’s Child trail with my two soon.
Love all your gorgeous photos!
Yes, it’s fun – always fun to spot a Gruffalo in the woods! Thank you x
I can clearly see why you love going for walks in Cannock Chase – gorgeous. Bonus having the Gruffalo trail for the kids!
They often have something on for the kids, and if not, there’s a brilliant play area and sculpture trail 🙂
Yes, I too love Cannock Chase although I’ve not been in years. I loved visiting it as a child and I can totally see why it’s one of your favourite places 🙂
So, so beautiful and the trees are just gorgeous 😉
You can’t beat a good walk in the woods – and what a beautiful area. Not done a Gruffalo trail yet but they look like great fun and am sure my little ones would enjoy it too! Looks like you all had a fab time!
They are fun, I’d definitely recommend them, especially as they’re often in such gorgeous surroundings.
Wow – I love the idea of a Gruffalo trail! This place looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your lovely pics x
It was lovely, so beautiful. Thank you x
wonderful photos x #weekendbloghop
Thanks!
We don’t have a Gruffalo trail near us but the idea is wonderful, I’d love to create something like it at Coombe Mill it is on my to do list for the winter, I’m guessing the Gruffalo is out so i may need to create my own Coombe Mill mascot, I do think walking with something to look out for makes all the difference for children and a beautiful setting helps for us parents! thanks for sharing your winter walk on Country Kids.
Yes, it’d work beautifully there, I’m sure. The kids are happy whenever they’re outside, especially together, but yes, it’s fun to have an extra purpose x
Beautiful place, plus a Gruffalo and muddy puddles, fab fun! 🙂
It’s got it all! Thanks x
What stunningly beautiful scenery you are surrounded by! If I lived where there were beautiful sights like that instead of living in the middle of the desert I would definitely spend a whole lot of time outdoors. I must admit that I am just a little jealous…lol Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures and your stroll.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xx
Lysa
It is beautiful, and yes, nothing like a desert! That’s not to say I wouldn’t fancy a little more sun and heat, though! Thank you, you, too x
What a wonderful place, I’ve heard and seen many photos of it and it seems so popular. Your photos show such a great Autumn day, love the colours and feeling of exploration.
Nipping over from Country Kids.
Thank you, it is very beautiful.
That looks like a lovely place for a day out and Boo and Little Man look like they are having a lot of fun. The Gruffalo Child trail sounds fun too – we’re hoping to do one at some point as well 🙂
It’s lovely there, and yes, they had fun!
We loved The Gruffalo Trail. This place looks beautiful! You always have such lovely outdoorsy photos x
Thank you very much 🙂 x
We have family in Rugeley near to Cannock and everytime we go to their house we always go to the Chase. I absolutely love it there, so much for the kids to do and everytime you go there is always something that you haven’t seen before. Love your photo’s, so much fun!!
Oh, perfect location for visiting then! Thank you x
The woods there look absolutely stunning and I can see how it’s such a lovy day out. I’ve not taken z on a Gruffalo walk yet as we don’t have one near us but it looks like so much fun!
They’re always fun to do x
What a lovely beautiful place to have fun. I love your photos! x
It’s so beautiful there. Thank you 🙂 x
Looks like such a beautiful day and what a great space to be out in with your children, also Little Man looks really grown up all of a sudden! We are thinking of going to a Gruffalo’s Child trail near us as L just loves all that and I love to get him out in the fresh air. Your photos make it look so inviting! xx
I know, he’s not a baby any more! Yes, the trails are always lovely to do, as they just add that extra element of fun to an outdoor stroll x
Looks so beautiful. Walking through woods is one of my favourite things too; the smells, the sounds, the light; always relaxes me. Gruffalo trail is definitely a bonus for the kids 🙂 #CountryKids
It’s so restful there, and that’s with my two running about like crazy! X