Walking in Worcestershire

Like many English counties Worcestershire boasts a fascinating diversity of countryside and provides opportunities for enjoyable walking in many places. There are the glorious Malvern Hills, providing an impressive south western border to the county with their distinctive nine mile ridge profile. In the North West is the Wyre Forest, the largest area of continuous woodland in the county and, due to its age and diversity, an interesting location for walking.

The Severn, one of England's great rivers, enters the county near Bewdley, in the North West, and flows southwards to leave near Tewkesbury in the south west. The Severn Valley is steep and wooded in the north, widening out to a broad flood plain of pasture land in the south, offering some lovely riverside walks along the Severn Way. The North West corner of the county, west of the River Severn, is a peaceful area of undulating farmland, intimate valleys and small villages ideal for relaxing walking. The River Teme, from Tenbury Wells to its junction with the Severn south of Worcester, also has a quiet rural valley ideal for leisurely walks. In the south east Bredon Hill provides bracing walks, with fine views across the Severn Valley to the Malvern Hills and delightful villages to explore. Even further east at Broadway the county offers a taste of the Cotswolds and a walk up the dramatic escarpment to Broadway Tower.

Knightwick - Knightwick, a tiny peaceful village set by the side of the River Teme, was first mentioned in a Saxon charter where the name 'cnihts-wic' implies that it was once a dairy farm run by a group of men. The houses fringe the side of the village street, which descends to cross the river in the midst of attractive Worcestershire countryside. This is a village which time seems to have passed by and which appears to be surrounded by woodland. The Talbot hotel is on a corner almost opposite the church and there is a nearby footbridge over the Teme which is a regular starting place for walks in the area.

OS Maps: Explorer™ 204

A Walk from Knightwick [SO 733561]
This pleasant walk starts by meandering over the footbridge and along a lane to meet and cross the busy A44 road. Opposite, a short lane walk (signed to Alfrick) takes you onto a fine track on the Worcestershire Way which begins on the right just past a dismantled railway line. This track leads through attractive woodland along the edge of hills with occasional lovely views to the right and delightful areas of fern amongst the trees. The route then changes direction, heading west and descending gently towards Highfields Farm. From here a lane heading north takes you back to Knightwick. About 3.5 miles.
Best Pub for this walk
Talbot, Knightwick Tel: 01886 821235 (Good Pub Guide)
This late 14th century coaching inn set on the banks of the River Teme and looking out over rolling wooded hills, is an imposing sight in the tiny village of Knightwick. Combining the past with the present, the cosy bar and oak panelled rooms provide an ideal setting for a lovely meal. The lounge bar opens onto a terrace and arbour with roses and clematis which makes a nice spot for a summer drink and snack. Bar meals are available and there is also a restaurant serving a menu including ingredients from the pub's own organic garden.
This walk is fully described in the guidebook 'Pub Strolls in Worcestershire' by Roger Noyce

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