North Worcestershire Path

This long distance path runs east to west across the north of Worcestershire from Kingsford Country Park on the southern side of Kinver Edge to Majors Green near Wythall. The whole route is well waymarked using coloured arrows and a pine cone symbol. The route is part of the Worcestershire CC network and was originally conceived as a walk linking country parks in the north of the county. The route also links with the Worcestershire Way and the Staffordshire Way which both meet at Kinver Edge.

At Kingsford the route starts on the famous sandstone ridge of Kinver Edge. From here it crosses the valley of the River Stour passing through a typical mixed farming landscape, sometimes yellow with oilseed rape and then green with the lush pastures needed for milk production. Continuing through some beautiful countryside it rises onto the Clent Hills, after passing through historic Hagley, giving unrivalled views across the county. A similar vista can be seen at Waseley Hills Country Park where landscape features have been shaped by the actions of rabbits as well as man. After the popular Lickey Hills on the southern tip of the Birmingham conurbation the path skirts Upper Brittell reservoir, famous for the wildfowl which winter there. Shortly after passing the reservoir the route enters a landscape rich in pastures often used to graze cattle and horses before reaching its final destination at Majors Green.

This may be the end of the official North Worcestershire Path, but John Roberts has created a twenty mile long continuation which takes the walk on to the more interesting destination of Kenilworth with its spectacular castle. This section is referred to as the 'Midland Link' because it links with the Heart of England Way at Baddesley Clinton and the Centenary Way at Kenilworth. It provides a glorious passage though some of the best parts of Warwickshire including Wythall, Earlswood Lakes, Tanworth in Arden, Umberslade, Lapworth, Kingswood Canal Junction and Baddesley Clinton before setting off for Kenilworth.

Although the official start of the North Worcestershire Path is Kingsford Country Park there are no facilities here except for a car park and toilets about half a mile away. A more practical starting point with facilities and better communications is Kinver Village (SO 834846). You may also have concerns about leaving a car at Kingsford Country Park overnight.

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