BEAUTIFUL Worcestershire is spoiled for choice when it comes to great walks to enjoy this summer from exploring romantic ruins to climbing hills with breathtaking panoramic views.
From tranquil parkland, tamed by the mind of perhaps Britain's celebrated landscape architect, to the more rugged peaks of the Malvern Hills, Worcestershire is a county of surprising variety.
Here you can wander among the romantic ruins of a fire-gutted country house or stroll along the canals that were once the arteries of industry, no longer carrying the fruits of commerce but holidaymakers gliding through on their narrowboats.
It is not hard to see why some say the county inspired the rolling hills of 'The Shire' in Middle Earth from Tolkien's Lord of the Ring or the vistas of the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.
Indeed, a guided family nature walk across ‘The Shire’ is taking place this half term.
The free event is organised by campaigners against a huge 287-acre power station planned for the Worcestershire countryside which inspired Tolkien’s ‘The Shire’.
The two-hour walk will be guided by local landscape expert Carly Tinkler who promises a range of activities including foraging, bird spotting and even dowsing.
Event organiser Phil Coathup said: “We think bank holiday is the perfect time for local families to join us on a gentle stroll across this beautiful landscape.
“We’re delighted that Carly is acting as our guide as there’s so much to see in and around Roundhill Wood. We’ll be looking out for hares, badgers and foxes as well as red kite, buzzards and other birds of prey.
“Of course, there are also plants and other species to identify which will keep even the most enquiring of minds occupied.”
The walk is taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 27 at 10am meeting at Stock Wood Lodge Farm, Stock Wood, Redditch.
Here are a few of the best Worcestershire walks to enjoy:
(1) Worcestershire Beacon
Offering panoramic views of Worcestershire and Herefordshire and beyond to the Black Mountains, a climb to the beacon is not to be missed. Some of the longer walks may be more challenging for younger children.
There are over 1,500km of footpaths across The Malverns as well as 300km of bridal ways.
Visitors can enjoy a circular walk which begins at Beacon Road car park which passes around the western slopes of Worcestershire Beacon.
The trail climbs the valley of The Dingle reaching its highest point with views to the east and west. Walkers can head down Happy Valley to St Ann’s Well, continuing along the eastern slopes with views over Great Malvern and the Worcestershire Plain.
They can also visit the 'hidden' Earnslaw pool before a short climb up through woodland to the Goldmine stone way marker and the return to Beacon Road.
(2) Croome
Managed by the National Trust, the grounds provide an opportunity to explore the 'Capability' Brown landscape which is among the most striking in England.
Recommended by the trust is the Park Seat circular walk at Croome which includes far-reaching views across the Worcestershire countryside.
Children will be delighted by the classical statues at Croome, including the somewhat sinister-looking goat-horned god Pan emerging from the foliage and the Sabrina statue and Grotto where the Goddess reclines serenely by the lake. This is a landscape not only of classical Arcadian beauty but of Gods and monsters.
A cafe near the entrance provides a range of hot and cold food and drinks and children's meal deals. Flooding issues aside, there is usually ample parking. There are also two play parks for children to enjoy: an RAF themed play area and a Natural Play Area.
(3) Worcester riverside
Worcester's riverside is a great place for a walk and the city's footbridges (Sabrina Bridge and Diglis Bridge) means there are plenty of different variations on routes to suit all levels of fitness. The Kepax Bridge being built in Gheluvelt Park in Barbourne, Worcester will only increase the number of options for riverside walks.
Views of the Cathedral are particularly good from the St John's side of the river Severn. The Diglis House Hotel opposite means the walk can coincide with a meal to break up the journey.
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The Diglis Bridge allows you to take on the walk from Lower Wick, saving the Cathedral for the grand finale. Weir Lane Play Area is close to the Diglis bridge which may give younger children an outlet for their energies if the walk does not tire them out. Possibly the best thing about this walk is that it can enjoyed free of charge.
(4) Witley Court and Gardens
These dramatic ruins are well worth a visit with something to offer for people of all ages and secrets and mysteries to discover, including walks by the lake, in the surrounding woodland, exploring the ruins and enjoying the celebrated Perseus and Andromeda fountain.
The fountain firing into life is something that will stir the imagination of young and old alike.
Managed by English Heritage, the magnificent country house in Great Witley near Worcester is a majestic ruin which recalls an age of vanished grandeur.
Not to be missed is the wilderness play area - the wooden play area provides a fun and challenging space for adventurous children of all ages.
There are wobbly bridges, tree houses, scramble nets and a slide.
(5) Hanbury Hall
Another National Trust gem here. Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, has nearly 400 acres of parkland to explore. Dogs are also welcome (provided they are kept on a lead).
The Stableyard is a good place to start. On the walk you can admire sweeping views of the hall and estate, and discover historic features such as the Semi-Circle, an 18th century landscape feature.
Children will love the the playground at the edge of the parkland near the Stableyard.
Features include a swing, a slide, climbers and wooden tipis. The playground is suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children must be supervised at all times. Assistance dogs only are permitted inside.
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