A THOUSAND years ago, Wyre Forest stretched from Worcester to Bridgnorth. It covers considerably less ground today and has been partially afforested with alien conifers.

Even so, it remains one of the largest and finest semi-natural woodlands in the country, dominated for the most part by oak trees. All of the oldest living things on the planet are trees - some species can live for millennia.

Trees are also of immense value. They provide food, fuel, raw materials, shade and shelter for millions of species, including human beings. They stabilise the soil, filter pollutants from the air, generate oxygen and store carbon.

Research in Sweden and the USA in the past 25 years has proved moving from stressful surroundings into a natural green environment produces a measurable reduction in anxiety in three to four minutes.

It has also been proved that hospital patients recover more quickly if they have the benefit of green surroundings. Put simply, trees make us feel good - so Wyre Forest's obviously a great place for a walk.

The Victorians built a railway through the forest, but it was dismantled in the 1960s. The former trackbed has long been used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders but during April and May it is being upgraded to form part of the National Cycle Route.

The walk described here does not use the old railway but it does cross it at two points, so it's just possible that it might be affected by the works.

If so, any diversion is likely to be minor and should be signposted. However, if you feel you need more details, you can ring forester Richard Boles on 01299 266302.

6 directions

If you arrive at Callow Hill by bus, get off at the top of the lane which leads to Cross Bank and Lye Head. If you arrive by car, reach the same point by walking through the car park and taking a path along the edge of the forest (towards Bewdley) until you have to join the road.

The Cross Bank/Lye Head lane is almost opposite, a little to the left.

Walk down the lane then turn first right towards Cross Bank. Take the first path on the left, a hedged green lane which soon bends right. After a while, it becomes less well-defined but is still easily followed to Bine Lane.

Turn right, then left at a T-junction. Go straight on at a crossroads, then along Dark Lane until you join a bridleway on the right. Follow it to another road and turn right, then left on a path by Valley View Lodge.

Turn left at a junction, cross a stile and then turn right through Woodward's Coppice. When you reach a T-junction turn right to the road (A456). Cross, turn left and then first right on Buckeridge Lane.

Go straight on at a crossroads. The lane descends steeply then levels and bends left, at which point you can join a path on the right. Go a few paces to meet a track, then turn left and soon fork left on another path, cross a stile and walk through a group of oaks before turning right on a rising track.

At a waymarked post, go diagonally left uphill, aiming for a stile in the far hedge, well to the left of a group of caravans. Go to the road (A4117) at Far Forest. Turn right past the Forest Stores and join Plough Lane opposite the Plough Inn.

Turn left on a footpath soon after Cleestones into a field then continues straight on to a road junction. Take Sugars Lane opposite. The lane eventually forks - go to the right, pass Round Hill Farm and keep going as the lane becomes a footpath.

Turn left by a lovely stone cottage - it might be wise to keep dogs on leads here, because it's home to several cats and some very excitable dogs. The path crosses the old railway and descends to a small stream. Cross at a footbridge or just step over it.

A well-trodden path rises through the forest and you'll soon see Dowles Brook below on your left. Watch for an easily-missed path descending to the brook. Cross at a footbridge and turn right on a bridleway.

Cross back over the brook when you come to another bridge, climb to a cycleway and turn right. Keep climbing to a junction marked by a signpost, where the cycleway crosses the old railway. Go on a little way, until you can take a path on the left.

The path runs parallel with the old railway for a while before curving right and then left. A little further on, take a fainter path which branches right through beechwoods. Keep straight on at a junction by a tower hide. The path leads back to the cycleway, where you turn left to follow the signs to the visitor centre.

FACTFILE

Start: Wyre Forest Visitor Centre at Callow Hill, on A456 west of Bewdley; grid reference SO750740.

Length: 7 miles/11km.

Maps: OS Explorer 218, OS Landranger 138.

Terrain: gently undulating, with forest paths, field paths and quiet lanes.

Stiles: 10.

Parking: car park at visitor centre.

Public transport: bus or train to Kidderminster then 192/292 to the visitor centre, daily; Traveline 0870 608 2608.

Refreshments: caf at visitor centre, shop and pub at Far Forest.

DISCLAIMER

This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be correct at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss or injury, however caused.