North Worcestershire Path

37 miles / 59.5 kilometres

The path sets off from Bewdley through dappled Beach and Oak woods, with superb views of Clee Hills as you head to Kingsford Forest Park. Look out for Trimpley Reservoirs from Eymore Wood; in autumn ospreys have been seen fishing among the sailing boats.  If you look down on the tranquil water at Caunsall Bridge it is hard to imagine that this was the M5 of the 18th century, crowded with barges carrying coal and manufacturing goods to the new port of Stourport.

Fairy Glen does have a certain magic. Pause and enjoy the peace and you might glimpse the nature spirits who once lived in the woods. Admire the elegance of the formal mansion of Hagley Hall as you skirt the park below it. A steep climb up Adams Hill will be rewarded with the magnificent views and the four stones, an 18th century folly marking the summit with a mini Stonehenge.

Lickey Hills are thickly wooded as the path winds past clumps of Scots Pine and native woodland, giving great contrast between the dark and the light. There's a visitor centre and café here you might like to make the most of.  

Upper Bittell reservoir was created to provide water for the Birmingham and Worcester Canal as it struggled up the long flights of locks to its highest point. It is now a nationally important home for waterfowl.  Look out for Herons on the edges, standing motionless waiting for fish to come close enough to grab at lightening speed with their huge beaks. Even Great Crested Grebe breed here, pretty birds with slender necks and comical faces.

More houses around here break up the rolling farmland. After Forhill Picnic Place look out for Blackgreves Farm. Dating from the early 17th century, the house stands on a rectangular island surrounded by a wet moat. There are lots of horse paddocks to negotiate towards the end of the path. The interesting variety of houses is worth noticing, including some picturesque half-timbered cottages so typical of the area. Berry Mound Iron Age fortification sits in sharp contrast to the modern housing springing up all around here. The route finishes at Majors Green.

Route Information:

Explores the rolling countryside of North Worcestershire from Bewdley to Majors Green.  

OS Map:

Explorer 218, 219, 220  Landranger 138, 139

Buy North Worcestershire Path Walkers’ Guide

• Countryside Service
• Explore the Countryside
• Off-site Waymarked Circular Walks
• On-site Waymarked Circular Walks
• Waymarked Walking Trails
• Other Published Walks and Rides
• Countryside Sites
• Access Land
• Public Rights of Way
• Countryside Code
• OS Maps
• Visit Planning Information