Worcestershire Walking Bewdley Hiking Wyre Forest in the Heart of England UK

Worcestershire Walking Bewdley Hiking Wyre Forest in the Heart Of England was about 8 miles in distance.

The initial section of this hike was about 0.75 miles beside the River Severn.

The majority of the rest of the hike was through the charming Wyre Forest woodlands, which was one of the few forests around the Midlands that survived felling to fuel the local Black Country iron industries.

Splendid views across the Severn valley and adjacent hills were enjoyed from some of the higher points along the route.

Even though fairly long, this hike was relatively easy with only a couple of moderate inclines.

Although mostly dry, there were a few muddy sections along some of the covered woodland tracks.

For a more detailed description of the local area go here: Bewdley Local Information

• Landranger 138 OS Map - Kidderminster and Wyre Forest - 1:50,000 Scale
• Explorer 218 OS Map - Wyre Forest and Kidderminster - 1:25,000 Scale
• Worcestershire Walking Guides

Wyre Forest Bewdley Route Description

Worcestershire Walking Bewdley Hiking Wyre Forest in the Heart Of England was a pleasant start to a week of hiking. The terrain was relatively flat and fairly easy to traverse. The forest sections were slightly undulating and there were a few moderate inclines and descents.

The route was circular in an anti-clockwise direction with five legs. We started on the northern side of Bewdley Bridge on Load Street. The first leg was a pleasant flat stretch, firstly along Severn Side North, the old quayside, and then along the banks of the River Severn. This was part of the Worcestershire Way for about three quarters of a mile in a north westerly direction.

On the second leg we headed westward beside Dowles Brook along a delightful, narrow, steep-sided and thickly wooded valley. On the way we passed by Knowles Mill where we took a snack break.The third leg turned south through Shelf Held Coppice and other woodlands as far as St John’s Farm.

The fourth leg had us heading in an anti-clockwise semi-circular zig-zag route eastwards. We passed via Long Bank to the south west of Bewdley; walked along Church Lane and skirted Wharton Park Golf and Country Club and passing near to the Frank Chapman Outdoor Education Centre. This leg emerged above and headed downhill into the grounds of St Leonard’s Church at Ribbesford. The final fifth leg headed north along the Coffin Route, emerging from the back streets of Bewdley and passing St. Anne’s Church back to Bewdley Bridge.

I undertook this hike at the end of June 2011 with my partner Anne whilst on a Heart Of England hiking holiday. We walked from our holiday accommodation in Bewdley to the starting location on the northern side of the bridge. However, if you are driving, there are a few pay and display car parks available in the town.