7 of the Best Walks in Worcestershire
There are lots of walks in Worcestershire with over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways running through its varied landscapes. Around 100 miles of these are to be found in the Malvern Hills National Landscape – but you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to appreciate the countryside of Worcestershire. There are country parks, ancient woodland ways, historic trails and riverside walks that are all suitable for a leisurely stroll or a wander with the kids.
Read on for seven scenic circular walks in Worcestershire. If you’re a fan of the outdoors and are planning to hang around for a while in this ancient county, it makes sense to think about booking camping accommodation. Pitchup has a huge collection of adults-only or family sites to match every price point, with many dog-friendly options too.
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Broadway Tower Walk
The four-mile Broadway Tower loop starts at the gorgeous Cotswold village of Broadway and heads up to the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. It’s stile-free so is completely accessible, although little legs and wheelchair users may need to save some energy for a few climbs.
Passing through parkland and fields before picking up The Cotswold Way, the route then reaches St Eadburgha’s Church, named after a granddaughter of Alfred the Great who began her journey to sainthood by choosing the Bible over jewels as a childhood gift. The ascent up Coneygreen Lane then slowly winds its way up to Broadway Tower, designed by Capability Brown in 1798.
Reward yourself with a picnic at the summit of the hill while taking in the views – or climb to the viewing point on the top of the tower (there is an admission charge) for views over 16 counties.
Hanbury Circular Walk
A seven-mile loop, the Hanbury Circular passes by canals, through wheat fields and along woodland trails in parkland at the National Trust-owned Hanbury Hall. The start of the trail is at Gateway Park on the Droitwich Canal, less than a mile from the historic salt-and-spa town of Droitwich. The walk heads along the towpath of the restored 18th-century canal and across the bridge at Hanbury Wharf.
On your way, you’ll follow a long waterside stretch on the route of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal before heading into oak and beech woods at Piper’s Hill. Soon after that there’s an optimal detour to the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, and the return leg begins by passing the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, which stands on a hilltop surveying its flock, before looping back through fields of sheep and the Hanbury Hall estate.
Bewdley River and Rail Circular Walk
This four- or eight-mile walk explores the Severn Valley alongside sections of its heritage railway with the option to catch the steam train back from Upper Arley. Alternatively, you can make it a circular walk by following the west bank of the River Severn before crossing over to return on the opposite side. Explore Bewdley’s characterful Georgian buildings with antique shops and tea shops before picking up the Bewdley River and Rail Circular Walk at the Victorian railway station.
From here, the route enters the shady wooded valleys of the Severn before passing under the cast-iron Victoria Bridge to reach Upper Arley. You can then board the train back to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway. To return under your own stream, cross the river to meander back along the eastern riverbank.
Looking for other family attractions like the Severn Valley Railway in the county? Browse the eight best things to do in Worcestershire.
Grafton Flyford Hairstreak Butterfly Trail
So named because of the endangered brown hairstreak butterfly found in ancient woodlands, the 6.5-mile Grafton Flyford Hairstreak Butterfly Trail follows part of the long-distance Wychavon Way. It also passes through a section of the former royal Forest of Feckenham, which once covered most of Worcestershire and where a young Geoffrey Chaucer was employed as keeper of the King’s Lodge.
This waymarked walk from Grafton Flyford village also wanders through the East Worcestershire countryside to Grafton Woods, a nature reserve managed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Beneath the canopy of oak and ash and in among coppiced hazel and birch shrubland are the abundant wildflowers that provide an ideal habitat for the largest brown hairstreak population in Central England. There are lots of other rare and rather lovely butterflies to spot along the way too.
Worcestershire Beacon Loop
A satisfying hike for the more agile, the circular Worcestershire Beacon Loop from Great Malvern is a little over eight miles. The walk heads up the lower slopes of the Malvern Ridge with notable wild bluebell displays in spring before reaching High Hill Point and then a refreshing pause at Westminster Bank Spring, one of the sources of the area’s famous bottled water. From there, the route continues to the highest point of the Malvern Hills National Landscape, marked by the Worcestershire Beacon. It then drops down to Earnslaw Lake and reaches the endpoint back at the town where composer Edward Elgar spent much of his life.
Abberley Circular Walk
The five-mile waymarked Abberley Circular trail makes a relatively easy walk, exploring a loop section of the Worcestershire Way with a fantastic view from Abberley Hill at the midpoint.
The walk commences at Abberley village hall car park, near the Norman church and opposite the Manor Arms pub. From here, the route picks up the Worcestershire Way and gently climbs up the Abberley Hills ridge through sections of woodland. A lovely vista will suddenly open out to reveal the clock tower of the private Abberley Hall estate, which rises through the trees across the valley. From here, the walk descends back through woods and fields to return to Abberley.
Worcester Woods Country Park
There are riding and cycling routes and two waymarked walking trails to follow in Worcester Woods Country Park. The country park is adjacent to Worcester Royal Hospital, and you can reach it from Worcester Cathedral by taking the Worcester Riverside Walk along the Severn. The park has children’s play areas and a nice wander with the kids takes you through the ancient Nunnery Wood Local Nature Reserve with spring bluebell displays and a pond hidden among gnarled trees. The Meadow Trail is equally pleasant, leading ramblers through the Hornhill Meadows Local Nature Reserve and its orchard, which was once part of a medieval farmstead. You can read more about the region’s outdoor attractions on our round-up of the seven best parks in Worcestershire.
For more detailed information on Worcestershire and its surrounding counties, have a look at Pitchup’s informative guides to Central England. If you’re planning a tent- or caravan-based holiday in the region, our definitive selection of camping or glamping sites and holiday parks is sure to turn up exactly the right accommodation for you.