After our disrupted week walking the Wayfarer’s Way we are off in the caravan for a few days to stay at Rails End Nursery CL in Ashton under Hill. This site is not too far from Goodhleigh Hill CL on the other side of Bredon Hill, in the past we have found that staying close to somewhere we have previously visited opens up a whole new range of walks.
It is our first time on this site. Everything was straightforward from booking through to receiving the helpful directions to ensure easy access. It was also good to meet Andrew ,the site owner, on arrival who showed us where everything was and gave some useful tips on local footpaths.
It doesn’t take long to set up and after a cup of tea I am ready to head out for a short walk. I leave the site by the main driveway passing the glasshouses that used to grow tomatoes commercially but these days are let to a couple of people growing garden plants. At Back Lane I turn right and walk into the village.
Turning left at the end of the lane I see the village cross. It is thought that prior to the village church being built in 1627 this cross was used as a preaching place by the monks from nearby Beckford Priory.
I now turn right and head through the village passing the Star Inn, village school and playing field. On reaching Cotton’s Lane I turn left and head steadily uphill.
This lane goes uphill out of the village and I ignore a couple of paths to the right and stay on the tarmac driveway with some fine views.
After passing some farm buildings I go through a gate and continue uphill on a track.
At a junction of paths my route is to the left through a gate, but first I take a diversion following the path to the right to continue uphill and then I briefly leave the path to head across the grassland to bag the Ordnance Survey Holcomb Nap trig pillar. This is the 373rd trig I have bagged.
The trees to the north of the trig block out any view in that direction, but to the south it is open and there are far reaching vistas.
From the trig I retrace my steps to the junction of paths, this time going through the gate to follow the waymarked route through sheep pasture.
After going through another pasture field I reach a junction with the Wychavon Way trail. Here I turn left to follow the Wychavon Way downhill.
The Wychavon Way is a 40-mile route through the Worcestershire countryside between Droitwich Spa and Broadway. The symbol on the waymarkers signifies Bredon Hill above the River Avon.
This well-walked footpath is easy to follow over a series of stiles heading downhill towards Ashton under Hill. It is always welcome when stiles have a dog gate. It makes life a lot easier if I don’t have to lift a 26 kilo Crosby over every stile.
Nearing the village I keep with the Wychavon Way waymarkers bringing me to field above St Barbara’s church. The drizzle that has been with me since Holcomb Nap has finally ceased and visibility has improved.
The path now leads through the churchyard of St Barbara’s church. This church was built in the 12th century and apparently retains many interesting features. Before we leave we are sure to pop in and have a look around. The dedication to St Barbara is unusual, apparently there are very few other churches in the Country with such a dedication. It is said that St Barbara lived before the 7th century and was the daughter of a pagan man who killed her for her Christian beliefs. As he beheaded her a bolt of lightning struck him and he was also killed.
From the church I pass the village cross and then retrace my route back to Rails End CL. This little loop has covered just over three miles and has been a good introduction to the area. Time now to plan a longer walk for tomorrow.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
After yesterday’s exploits with flooded brooks Lynnie has decided that a wander into Pershore is more attractive than the proposition of venturing far today. I have decided to walk from the caravan site again and plan to do a variation on a walk I did during our last stay at Goodleigh Hill CL.
Leaving by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill and continue until I reach a road junction where I turn left and follow the lane out of the village on the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way.
Soon the lane turns into a farm track and the route continues between fields with the snow still covering the top of Bredon Hill in front of me.
After passing junctions with two other paths the map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field, however, clearly a route around the edge of the field is well walked so rather than damage crops I follow the field margin to reach a footbridge over a stream.
The path now goes to the right and then left around the edge of a recently ploughed field and then turns to the right to walk a grassy path besides the site of a former golf course currently being turned into a mobile home park.
After going through a kissing gate the path descends to the River Avon where I turn left to head along a broad grassy path beside the river. The river level is still very high, but hopefully there will be no more rain today.
After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton. At a junction with a road I turn left and walk along the pavement to pass the village War Memorial.
I ignore a road on the left which leads back to Pershore and continue a few hundred yards to where the road bends sharp to the left, here I go through a gate in front of me and follow a path across fields towards Little Comberton.
As I near the village I cross an old ridge and furrow field which is being grazed by sheep. Ridge and furrow fields are a consequence of ploughing with non-reversible ploughs on the same strip of land each year. They are found on land that was ploughed in the Middle Ages, but has not been ploughed since then. It is always a treat to come across one on a walk.
The footpath heads diagonally across the field and enters the village by a stile. This leads to a path between properties and then reaches a road in the village where I turn right towards a crossroads where there is a village information area. This logs the history of the village and serves as a reminder that communities had a whole range of services that no longer exist. The list includes a dairy, bakery, laundry, forge, cheesemaker, post office, shops, petrol station as well as the village policeman and district nurse.
I continue my walk by turning into Manor Lane.
After passing the church I turn left along the pavement and then take a footpath on the right leading into a field.
St Peter’s Church dates back to the 12th century and over the years there have been many additions to the original structure. In 1871 the then rector Reverend William Parker paid for a clock to be installed in the tower which still chimes the hours. In 1886 major restorations were undertaken to create the church as it now stands.
I follow the well-used footpath alongside fields heading east toward Bricklehampton,. Away to my right I get a glimpse of Bricklehampton Hall behind trees. This is an interesting Italianate house built in 1848 which, has now been converted into a care home.
Arriving in Bricklehampton I turn right along a road to reach St Michael’s church and take a footpath through the churchyard. This Norman church was restored in 1875. It has started to drizzle so I decide to press on rather than take a look inside.
Apparently Bricklehampton lays claim to having the longest village name in England that does not repeat any letters.
From the back of the churchyard the path heads east across a field and then alongside horse paddocks to reach a minor road. At the road I turn left and head north to pass Lower Field Barn. As the road bends sharp left at Lower End I take a bridleway on the right.
I stay with this track until I reach a footpath on the left that follows a broad path between fields heading in the direction of Cropvale Farm.
After crossing a bridge the path turns to the left and heads north towards Cropthorne and I soon pass a fine old barn.
Staying with the waymarked route I continue through fields with a stream to my left. This footpath leads to the B4084 which I cross and turn right and then almost immediately take a footpath on the left which goes besides Rowlings Nurseries.
The path goes over a field and then crosses a footbridge and then at a junction of paths I continue north to enter Cropthorne where I turn right along the road and soon pass Holland House which is a Christian retreat.
Further up the road I pass St Michael’s Church. I have previously visited this church which has a number of interesting features, but today Crosby and I are both wet and muddy so I decide not to go in.
From the church I turn left into Neigh Lane which is signposted to Fladbury. I follow this road out of the village and then downhill to reach a junction where I turn left and cross the River Avon.
On the far side of the bridge I join a permissive path on the right crossing meadows besides the river, heading to Fladbury Mill.
The flood waters in the meadow mean I have to take a circuitous route to reach a gate in the corner of the field close to the mill.
The oldest part of Fladbury Mill dates to 1650 when Fladbury Lock and weir was built to make the River Avon navigable. In 1888 electric turbines were installed in the mill which used the power of the river to provide electricity to some houses in the village. By 1900 two turbines were installed and these provided enough electricity for homes and street lighting.
The mill is now in the ownership of the Society for Protected Buildings (SPAB) , it was donated to them in 2021 in a bequest from the then owner David Wynn.
I turn right along the road and pass the mill and then take a brief diversion to look across the flooded river towards Cropthorne Mill. This mill was built in the early 18th century and operated as a mill until the 1930’s.
Continuing through the village I pass the Anchor pub and the Fladbury Pie Shop which is opposite the 1340 St John the Baptist church.
I then pass the Social Club and almost immediately take a footpath on the left leading down Coach Drive. This passes houses and then allotments and follows a concrete driveway heading towards Spring Hill Farm. I’m on the Shakespeare’s Avon Way an eighty-eight mile long distance path following the river Avon from its source at Naseby to its confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury.
As the path nears Spring Hill Farm I go to the right past farm buildings and then west to cross a minor road. The waymarked route heads towards a static caravan park. The path is clearly signed and passes caravans dotted around disused gravel pits.
Staying with the waymarkers for Shakespeare’s Avon Way I continue on to skirt around a sewage works and then Lower End Farm, ignoring other footpaths, to reach Wyre Piddle.
The path joins a road where I turn left and wander through the village passing the Anchor Inn to reach the village medieval cross.
I go left at the cross and follow the lane past the small church of St Ann.
The lane heads out of the village, going downhill past the entrance to Wyre Boatyard and then reaching Wyre Mill, this old corn mill dates from the early 1800’s and originally had three wheels. It is now the base of Wyre Mill Club a social club for locals and visiting caravanners and boaters.
After passing the mill and the entrance to a caravan and camping site the path continues on to follow a footpath across meadows heading towards Pershore.
I have a number of options on reaching the edge of Pershore and choose to walk around past the entrance of Pershore Football Club and then wander through a car park besides Asda supermarket to join the High Street where I turn left and continue along the road through the town and then across the River Avon before turning right to return to Goodleigh Hill CL.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
After the snow a couple of days ago we have had overnight rain, but today’s forecast is pretty good so hopefully the wet weather gear can stay in our rucksacks. We have done a number of walks in the local area on previous trips to Goodleigh Hill CL, but so far have not explored much to the north of Pershore. Today I have plotted a route visiting a couple of the local villages we have not visited.
We leave the caravan site and follow the pavement towards Pershore. Just after crossing the River Avon we turn left on a footpath and go down steps to enter a meadow. It is noticeable how much higher the river is today compared to late yesterday afternoon.
We have joined the route of the Millennium Way. This 100-mile long distance path goes between Pershore and Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire and we follow this section beside the River Avon heading in a westerly direction.
After passing a copse and crossing a bridge over a stream we ignore a footpath on the right, instead continuing by the river.
At the next junction of paths by a footbridge over a stream, the Millennium Way turns to the right, we continue alongside the river on the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk, a five-mile circular walk around Pershore.
After crossing a couple of footbridges the waymarked path turns to the right heading towards houses sat above the A4104. Reaching the road we go through a kissing gate and turn left to walk on the wide roadside verge and then cross with care at a way-marker to head into Tiddesley Wood.
We follow the Pershore Bridges Walk way-markers through the woods. This area of woodland was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey. In the 1950’s the Forestry Commission took ownership and used it a as commercial woodland and planted coniferous trees. Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust they are clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.
The route is a clear track and easy to follow. Reaching a crossing of way-marked footpaths we turn left leaving the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk and rejoining the Millennium Way which heads steadily downhill.
At a crossing of footpaths I had intended to go straight on to cross Bow Brook. However, the route looks flooded and on closer inspection there is no safe way of crossing.
A quick look at the map shows there is a relatively straightforward alternative route which will soon have us back on our intended path. So we take a footpath over a stile and head north along the edge of the woodland.
We stay with this path through an orchard of neglected plum trees and at a junction of footpaths on the northern edge of the woods we turn left over a stile and then continue north through another orchard towards a minor road.
At the road we turn left crossing Besford Bridge and then almost immediately cross a stile on the left to follow a footpath heading uphill across fields.
We stay with the path to reach another minor road which we cross to join a grassy track heading west.
At the end of the track we continue straight on across a field and then at the hedge line reach a junction of paths and turn right rejoining the Millennium Way. We now follow this clear path across fields towards a minor road.
At the road we turn left, staying with the Millennium Way along the road for just under half a mile before turning right on a footpath to keep with the Millennium Way as it crosses fields.
This path brings us to another minor road which we cross and take a footpath leading into Croome Perry Wood. This is a well-used path along the edge of the woodland.
The path leads to the edge of the village of Wadborough. We continue straight on through the village passing the Masons Arms. A couple of hundred yards after the pub we take a footpath over a stile on the right.
There is a choice of paths, our route is the path keeping the hedge line close to our right. After crossing another stile we continue past a horse’s paddock to reach yet another stile.
We now turn right along a minor road and then just before reaching houses on the left take a footpath going along the edge of a field behind the houses.
We are still on the route of the Millennium Way and keep with this path as it skirts around the edge of the field and then heads north towards Hawbridge.
In Hawbridge we turn left along the road and pass a closed down restaurant and then take a footpath through an old metal kissing gate on the right. The path heads across a field with chickens roaming free and then crosses a stile to go down steps to reach the B4084. We cross the road with care and take a footpath opposite which leads into an area of shrub.
The path then crosses a field to reach trees, there are several paths here, we choose one that goes beside a stream.
At a junction of paths near the north edge of the woods we turn right crossing the stream and then follow a well-worn muddy path along the edge of the woods.
After going through a gate we go east along the edge of a field heading towards Windmill Farm. The path goes on a track between farm buildings stabling horses to reach a lane where we continue straight on.
At a junction with the B4084 we turn right and before reaching Thorndon Farm take a footpath on the left leading into a field. We head east to reach a crossing of paths where we turn south towards Drakes Broughton.
After crossing a footbridge we are tempted to continue straight on along a well-worn route, however the map shows the footpath goes to the left besides a stream so we follow this route and then cross another stream to keep along the edge of a couple more fields to reach Drakes Broughton.
In the village we turn right and soon pass the Old Oak pub. Perhaps it’s just me, but the modern signage on an old pub does nothing to entice me through the door.
At a junction beside the church of St Barnabus we turn left into Walcot Lane.
We now head out of the village along the lane. After passing the last house on the right we take a footpath through a kissing gate beside a barn to enter a field.
After crossing a couple of fields we reach a lane and turn left soon passing Broughton Farm. The lane starts to head downhill and at the entrance to Bow Brook Farm we turn into the driveway and take a footpath on the right which goes through a gate and heads east through sheep pasture.
After going through a gate our route should descend to cross Bow Brook at Gig Bridge. However once again our route is blocked by the flooded brook.
Luckily an alternative route is available, so we turn left and follow the flooded river northward.
Just as I am feeling confident that this route is going to be fine we encounter a stretch where the river has flooded the path. Fortunately there is a fence along the edge of the field which we are able to use to keep above the water line.
The path then goes through another gate and heads uphill to reach a minor road at Walcot Farm. We now turn right and follow the lane past the farm and continue to reach a ford across Bow Brook. I am relieved to find there is a footbridge beside the ford which allows us a safe crossing.
Nearing what should be the ford we see a van which has been caught in the flood water. We assume the water has risen significantly since the van got stuck as it would have been foolhardy to try and go through water this deep.
Later I read this ford is notorious for people getting stuck and needing to be rescued and in 2007 a County Court Judge lost his life whilst attempting to drive through the ford.
Despite the potential hazards of this location it does look spectacular on a day like today.
After crossing the brook we continue up the road to the edge of Pershore. At a junction we turn right to head back into the centre of the town. Our diversion to gain access across the river means we are just over a mile from where I had planned to enter the town, but at least we have kept our feet dry.
Back at the caravan we reflect on what has been an interesting walk. The planned route was just under twelve miles, but with all the diversions we have walked a couple of extra miles!
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
A good book has captured Lynnie’s attention so Crosby and I are venturing out on our own today. It is an essential part of our packing to ensure the caravan contains a sufficient number of books to open a small library. Both of us have a bit of a book habit and can’t be trusted to walk out of a charity shop without having acquired more reading material. The idea of an undisturbed day to read is, therefore, ideal as far as Lynnie is concerned.
I am walking from the site with a rough idea of a circuit but no clear route planned. I refer to days like this as “jamming about”, I just go where the mood takes me. As long as I’ve a flask of tea and some lunch there is no need for a strict route.
Leaving the site by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill and continue until I reach a road junction where I turn left and follow the lane out of the village on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way.
Soon the lane turns into a farm track and the route continues between fields with the snow covered Bredon Hill in front of me.
After passing junctions with two other paths the map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field, however it is clear the route around the edge of the field is well walked so rather than damage crops I follow the field margin to reach a footbridge over a stream.
The path now goes to the right and then left around the edge of a recently ploughed field and then turns to the right to walk a grassy path besides the site of a former golf course currently being turned into a mobile home park.
After going through a kissing gate the path descends to the River Avon where I turn left and head along a broad grassy path besides the river.
After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton. At a junction with a road I turn right to walk into the village and then fork right by a telephone box to continue through this attractive village.
At a way-marker for a footpath to Nafford I turn right following the path to a wooden gate which I go through and continue downhill.
I am still on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, this is an eighty-eight mile long distance trail following the River Avon from its source at Nasby in Northamptonshire to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.
At the foot of the hill I go through another gate and then follow the path as it turns to the right and heads through a field of sheep pasture.
After another gate into a field I get fine views over the River Avon.
Keeping the fence line close to my left I continue through the field and then descend to reach a footbridge over a stream. Over the bridge I cross a field to a gate and another field. The path heads towards Nafford House and then after going through a kissing gate reaches a minor road.
I keep straight on to pass Nafford House and then take a footpath on the right heading downhill to reach the River Avon at the sluice gates.
Crossing the sluice gates I reach Nafford Lock which makes the River Avon navigable at this point. According to the Avon Navigation Trust’s website it was back in 1636 when William Sandys of Fladbury came up with a plan to make the river navigable from Tewkesbury to Stratford. In the 1830’s the Worcester and Birmingham Canal company leased the river, but like many canal companies suffered from increased competition from railways.
By World War II the route was barely navigable but in 1950 restoration commenced and by 1962 the Lower Avon Navigation was reopened to Evesham and then in 1974 it reopened all the way to Stratford.
Crossing on a swing bridge I continue to the weir over the Avon.
After crossing the weir I had intended to turn left and follow the footpath towards Birlingham, however, I spot a permissive path way-marker and follow this to the right heading towards the river. The permissive path then enters a field beside the river.
This path is not marked on the map so I am unsure where it will lead me. But then as luck would have it I meet a chap walking in the opposite direction who explains that the path follows the river for a few miles and then heads back to Birlingham via Woodfield Farm. Comfortable in this knowledge I continue along the path.
This is pleasant walking with nobody else about as I follow the frequent way-markers.
The river is very tranquil and there are cracking views of it as the path heads north.
After crossing a footbridge over a stream, with a plaque saying it’s “Baker’s Bridge” I decide to stop for lunch in a spinney which has a great outlook over the river.
I am soon heading along the river on the opposite side of the bank from where I was walking earlier as I headed to Great Comberton.
The land in this area is mainly used for growing vegetables and there are extensive irrigation systems which use water pumped from the river. To facilitate the extraction of the water, pump houses sit close to the river.
I stay with the river until reaching a fence into a field, here the permissive path goes left towards Woodfield Farm which has a number of static caravans, presumably used by agricultural workers.
After passing the farm I reach a road where I turn right and walk along it heading west. I ignore a minor road on the left and carry on to a T-junction turning right and then almost immediately take a footpath on the left, initially through trees, to reach an open area and then continue through a field.
The path joins a driveway passing properties and then continues along a track.
Near the end of the track I take a footpath on the right way-marked to Upper End.
This path leads along the hedge line of a field to reach a minor road where I cross and continue on the hedge-lined footpath besides a property. At a kissing gate the path enters an old orchard, Rough Hill Orchard, and turns left with good views across to the River Avon.
Rough Hill Orchard is owned by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and contains 30 old apple trees, 65 young apple trees and 25 plum trees. Apparently on this site nineteen nationally scarce species insects have been recorded.
Initiatives like this are great for the environment and educating people on the importance of maintaining habitats for flora and fauna.
The path leads to an information board beside a gate. Here I leave the orchard and cross the busy A4104 with care and follow a path into Tiddesley Wood.
This area of woodland was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey. In the 1950’s the Forestry Commission took ownership and planted coniferous trees making it a commercial woodland. Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust they are in the process of clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.
The path leads through the trees to reach a track where I turn right and head down to reach the A4104 again. I cross and take a way-marked footpath on the far side turning left to walk along the grassy verge to reach a kissing gate leading into a field where I head towards the River Avon.
At the river I turn left and follow a path beside it heading back towards Pershore.
It has started to rain, but luckily I don’t have far to go. After walking besides fields the path goes along the edge of a copse and then reaches open land. I keep by the river and climb steps at the end of Pershore Bridge to the road where I turn right across the bridge.
At a road junction I turn right and walk the short distance back to the pedestrian entrance to the caravan site.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
When we arrived at Goodleigh Hill CL yesterday it was a cracking afternoon, but overnight the weather has changed and the predicted cold wintery spell has arrived. I had planned for us to walk on the Malvern Hills today, however the fall of snow in the early hours has put Lynnie off. So instead we are going to walk from the caravan and head onto Bredon Hill.
We walked to the top of Bredon Hill on our first stay at this site, but today’s route to and from the summit will bit different. Leaving the site by the pedestrian access we walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill. As the road levels we take a footpath on the right beside a post box. The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.
This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and Broadway. We go through the field with the hedge to our right to reach a kissing gate. We now follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham.
The path leads to a minor road where we turn left and walk through the village. At a junction of roads we continue straight on.
At the end of the lane we turn left, still on the route of the Wychavon Way and follow the farm track which passes glasshouses at Sandilands. After passing a barn which is being converted into a home we reach a junction of paths. Here we turn right still on the route of the Wychavon Way. The map shows the footpath going diagonally across a field but there is a permissive path around the field edge which we choose instead. When possible I prefer to take a route that avoids damaging crops.
The permitted path turns left at the corner of the field and soon rejoins the main footpath continuing along the edge of the field. We reach a point where the footpath goes through bushes, when we walked this path last year the path was overgrown and impassable, so I continue along the edge of the field towards glass houses and then turn right to follow a track downhill to rejoin the main footpath which goes over a footbridge into a field.
Over the bridge we turn to the right and the path soon turns besides the River Avon and we continue along with the river on our right.
Through a gate we keep going along a broad grassy path besides the river.
After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton. At a junction with a road we turn right to walk into the village and then fork right by a telephone box to continue through this attractive village.
At a way-marker for a footpath to Nafford we turn right following the path to a wooden gate which we go through and continue downhill.
We are now on the route of the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, this is an eighty-eight mile long distance trail following the River Avon from its source at Nasby in Northamptonshire to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.
At the foot of the hill we go through another gate and then follow the path as it turns to the right and heads through a field of sheep pasture.
After another gate into a field we get fine views over the River Avon.
Keeping the fence line close to our left we continue through the field and then descend to reach a footbridge over a stream. Over the bridge we cross a field to a gate and another field. The path heads towards Nafford House and then after going through a kissing gate reaches a minor road.
We turn left along the road to reach a junction where we turn left and then within fifty metres take a minor road on the right, Woollas Hill, going towards Woollas Hall. After passing Woollas Hall Farm we reach a gate by a cattle grid, here the footpath continues on the tarmac drive still heading towards Woollas Hall.
At a crossing of paths we leave the tarmac driveway going over a stile and continuing uphill on a grass path. We have now rejoined the Wychavon Way and it has started to snow.
We reach a gate besides a cattle grid and continue along a track until we reach a junction, here the footpath goes to the right into a field and the route is well waymarked as it ascends the hill.
After going through a gate the track heads uphill towards trees.
We go through another gate and quickly reach a junction of paths where we turn left and follow a broad path in the shelter of trees.
Leaving the trees we are exposed to the full force of the wind and snow. It is suddenly a bit bleak and the visibility is significantly reduced. We go through a gate and continue to Parsons’ Tower.
The tower was built in the mid 18th century for John Parsons, he was the local MP and squire at nearby Kemerton Court, apparently he intended to use it as a summer house so he could enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside.
The tower sits on the edge of an Iron Age hillfort known as Kemerton Camp, we are unable to see any of the fort because of the poor visibility.
Our route continues in a north easterly direction to reach a toposcope, I recall from our last visit enjoying some good views, however we can’t even see Parsons’ Tower from here.
From the toposcope we continue in a north easterly direction to reach a stone wall and then continue on the Wychavon Way with the wall to our left.
After passing through a gate we continue along to reach a junction of paths where we fork left staying with the Wychavon Way as it descends to a crossing of paths at which point we turn left to follow a path heading north downhill towards the edge of Doctor’s Wood.
The path leads to a pasture field which we cross to reach Comberton Wood.
In the woods the route descends steeply on a path, which has been well used by horses, and then reaches a track where we go right. Soon the track leaves the trees and heads downhill between fields.
We stay with the track at a crossing of paths and then at the next junction of paths turn left on a bridleway with a well-hidden fingerpost pointing towards Great Comberton.
We keep with the bridleway to Great Comberton, it is easy to follow, passing through a couple of fields to join a track into the village.
In the village we turn right at a junction and reach the telephone box and then go right before taking the left into Quay Lane leading us back towards the River Avon at Comberton Quay.
We are now on the route we covered earlier in the walk and turn right to walk along the grassy area besides the river. This time at a junction of paths we turn right to walk beside the site of a former golf course which is being turned into a mobile home park.
We go through a kissing gate and follow the grassy path besides the fence line and then reach a recently ploughed field. The path is waymarked and continues on the muddy margin with the field edge on our left to reach a footbridge over a stream.
After the bridge the map shows the footpath crossing a field, but it is clear from the worn route that locals use the field margin, so we turn right and then at a hedge line turn left and continue uphill to reach a track.
Staying with this track, which is the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way we head back to Pensham Hill. At a road junction we turn right and continue along to reach the pedestrian entrance to Goodleigh Hill CL.
Our walk has covered just over eleven miles and despite the wintery conditions and poor visibility on Bredon Hill it has been a very enjoyable bit of out.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
For various reasons I have delayed making plans for our caravan travel this year which makes me feel a bit twitchy. I like to have things in the diary and know where we are going to travel during the year. I find making last minute bookings stressful and there is invariably limited availability on the more popular CL’s. Since the growth of CL Bookings, an initiative set up by a group of CL owners booking is a bit easier and increasingly it is my first point of reference when looking for a site.
A few years ago we had an unfortunate incident on a CL in early April. There had been heavy rain and whilst trying to pitch we got stuck in soft ground. After plenty of chastisement from the CL owner we were pulled out by tractor. Ever since when booking trips at this time of the year we ensure there is hard standing available.
Goodleigh Hill CL near Pershore is, therefore, perfect for a winter trip. Easy access, fully serviced hard standing pitches and some great walking locally. So I was pleased to find Emily and Matthew, the site owners, had availability at short notice. We have been here a couple of time before so it did not take long to get set up and then lace up the boots for a quick walk.
Leaving the site by the pedestrian access Lynnie and I walk down to the road and then turn left heading uphill into Pensham Hill. As the road levels out we take a footpath on the right beside a post box. The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.
This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and Broadway. We go through the field with the hedge to our right to reach a kissing gate. To our left there is a fine view of Bredon Hill. We walked up there on a previous visit and another jaunt up the hill is on my list of walks for this week.
We now follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham. The path leads to a minor road where we turn left and walk through the village. At a junction of roads we continue straight on.
At the end of the lane we turn left, still on the route of the Wychavon Way and follow the farm track which passes glasshouses at Sandilands.
After passing a barn which is being converted into a home we reach a junction of paths. Here we continue straight on, leaving the Wychavon Way, and head towards Pensham Fields Farm.
The agriculture in this area is mainly vegetables and besides the path there are a number of irrigation taps used with the network of pipes to water the fields.
The track leads through properties to reach barns in the farmyard. There are no way-markers but the OS map clearly shows that we turn left after the first barn and then go between barns. It always surprises me that farmers don’t erect clear signage when they have footpaths leading through farmyards.
Leaving the barns the track sweeps to the left and then to the right and continues between fields towards trees in the distance.
At the trees we turn left on a track which soon turns into a road heading towards Pensham Hill.
In Pensham Hill we turn right and follow the road through the village until we reach the path back into Goodleigh Hill CL. This little stroll has covered three miles and has given us a chance to stretch the legs after our car journey. The forecast for tomorrow shows snow so I may have to adjust my plans for walking on the Malvern Hills.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
This is the final day of our stay at Goodleigh Hill CL, tomorrow we will be heading back home after a nineteen night tour. We have done some cracking walking in the Brecon Beacons, on the Malvern Hills and over the last few days in the Vale of Evesham. We have bagged a few new Ordnance Survey trig points on this trip and there is still a chance to get another today.
The starting point for our walk is the parking area on the edge of Kempsey Common (Grid Ref: SO865482). From the car park we head onto the common besides a gate in front of us.
We follow a broad clearing heading east along the edge of the common. The gorse is in bloom and the air is full of that familiar coconut scent it produces.
As the path levels we turn to the right and head diagonally across to reach the fence line still heading east and soon spot the Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar which sits just on the far side of the fence on the edge of a field in Park Farm. This is the 312th trig I have bagged.
Our walk continues along the edge of the common, we ignore a footpath off to the right and keep heading towards a farm on the edge of the common.
We had planned to take a path on the right heading alongside Pirton Gorse, however, the field is occupied by frisky young cattle so we decide it would be more sensible to avoid walking through them with the dog. Instead we continue on the common and after passing a couple of fields on the right we reach a kissing gate. Here we leave the common, turning right to head uphill through fields of pasture to reach Worcester Road where we turn right and pass Kites Farm. Soon after passing the farm buildings we turn left onto a bridleway that heads downhill towards Swanbrook Farm.
The bridleway leads to a junction of footpaths and a minor road, we turn right and head along the road towards Pirton. At a junction we turn left onto Hill Road and walk past a farmyard. We ignore a footpath on the right going over a stile, instead we take one a few hundred yards further on which goes through a kissing gate and then heads south along the field edge.
We stay with the path as it crosses a stream and then continues along the edge of the next field. This brings us to a junction of paths. We take the one that heads diagonally uphill across a field towards a house.
After going through a kissing gate we turn right to walk a short distance along the road to reach St Peter’s Church.
Parts of this church date from the 12th century with the tower and chancel being of 14th century origin. All around the exterior of the church there is evidence of work that has been done over the centuries to maintain the structure.
We had hoped to pop inside to look at the internal features, however like so many churches we have visited in this area it is locked.
Resuming our walk we go back along the road to the kissing gate but this time take a footpath that heads straight downhill and then continues in the same westerly direction through another field. This brings us into a field with two footpaths heading diagonally across it heading towards Pirton Court. We take the right fork as this path can be seen clearly through the rapeseed. At a junction of paths in the field we turn left still aiming for Pirton Court.
The path leads to a stile which we cross and go through a small orchard.
After passing the trees we follow the waymarkers through a five bar gate on the right and then continue along the edge of the next field to pass a house and reach a minor road. Here we turn right and then very soon reach a junction where we turn left and pass the entrance to Pirton Court.
We continue along the road for a short distance and then take a footpath on the left which heads across arable fields towards Lickmoor Coppice.
The route is clearly waymarked through the trees and leads to a footpath onto the National Trust Land of Croome Park.
The footpath crosses fields to reach a minor road which we cross and continue on National Trust land soon passing a pond on our left.
It is now a short ascent to reach the church of St Mary Magdalene.
This church was built in 1763 replacing a 13th century church that had stood nearer to the main house but was in the way of the redevelopment planned by the 6th Earl of Coventry. This replacement is a striking building with several monuments, taken from the old church, to various previous Earls and Barons of Coventry.
The monument to the 1st Earl is missing as the 2nd Earl disapproved of his father’s second marriage to a servant. Therefore he had his memorial placed in St Mary’s Church at Elmley Castle. We visited that church on our stay in this area in November.
Standing at the foot of the church you have a good view of Croome Court. Parts of the house date back to the 1640’s. Changes were made to the original building by the 4th Earl of Coventry, but the major works which resulted in the current structure were undertaken by the 6th Earl of Coventry after he inherited the estate in 1751.
In 1948 the house and parkland were purchased by the Roman Catholic Church and it was run as St Joseph’s Special School. It was then purchased in 1979 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and became its UK headquarters and training college.
From 1984 onwards various organisations owned the property and operated it as a training centre, restaurant, apartments, hotel and golf course. It was purchased by a charity, the Croome Heritage Trust, and it is now managed by the National Trust.
From the church we follow the footpath at the rear of the church which leads to a minor road where we turn right and walk along to reach the main entrance to the grounds an impressive London Arch designed in 1770 by Robert Adams.
Just after the arch we take a footpath on the right initially heading along a concrete track and then continuing along a grass track. It is a cracking afternoon, but surprisingly quiet and we don’t see anyone else.
We take a slight diversion from the path to look at the Park Seat which is known as the Owls Nest and was designed by Robert Adams in 1770 as a viewing point to look over the parkland.
Back on the footpath we soon turn right to head downhill towards a weir at the southern end of a lake.
The path now heads across fields towards Westfield Farm with good views of Croome Court away to our right.
At a junction of pats besides the farm we head north along a track which goes past a cattle grid and then runs alongside woodland. At a junction of tracks we go straight on along a footpath to enter a field. The path heads diagonally through the crops towards High Green.
On reaching a road we turn left to pass houses and then take a footpath on the right. It is poorly waymarked, but leads to the farmyard of High Green Farm keeping to the right of the farm buildings and then heads north across an arable field.
At a minor road we turn left and follow the road towards the M5, just before reaching the M5 we take a footpath on the right initially going down a concrete driveway towards a gate. To our left is a telecommunications mast.
The path now heads north running parallel to the M5, the road is not visible but there is plenty of noise from the traffic. Away to the right on top of Rabbit Bank is Pirton Castle, despite its name it is not actually a castle, but a folly designed by James Wyatt in 1797 as a gothic ruin.
At a junction of footpaths we stay alongside the motorway, the footpath on the right leads up to the folly. In normal circumstances we would pop up and have a look, however, we want to get back to the caravan to start packing up for our journey home so decide to leave the castle for another visit.
The path leads into a pasture field below Park Farm. After going through a gate we take the footpath that continues besides the motorway and soon passes a pond.
Gingerly we go over a cattle grid as the gate besides it is padlocked, this is difficult with a dog. After cursing the inconsiderate approach of the farmer we reach a junction of paths. We turn right taking a bridleway heading east onto open access land on Kempsey Common.
We keep the boundary of the access land to our right and continue steadily uphill to reach the point we were at earlier when heading towards the trig pillar. From here we follow the path back to the car park.
Our walk has covered 10 miles and it has been a good end to our trip away. It is time to get back and start packing for an early start in the morning.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
Today we are walking from the caravan again, this time heading out over a route we did last November, but this time we are doing it the other way around with a couple of variations and an additional section alongside the River Avon.
We leave the caravan site and follow the pavement towards Pershore. Just after crossing the River Avon we turn left on a footpath joining the route of the Millennium Way, this 100-mile long distance path goes between Pershore and Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire.
There are a network of tracks across the meadows but we stick with the Millennium Way which hugs the side of the river heading in a westerly direction.
After passing besides a copse and crossing a bridge over a stream we ignore a footpath on the right, instead continuing beside the river.
At the next junction of paths besides a footbridge over a stream, the Millennium Way turns to the right, we continue besides the river on the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk this is a five-mile circular walk around Pershore.
After crossing a couple of footbridges the waymarked path turns to the right to head towards houses sat above the A4104.
After going through a kissing gate we turn left and walk on the wide roadside verge and then cross with care at a waymarker to head into Tiddesley Wood.
We follow the Pershore Bridges Walk waymarkers through the woods. This area of woodland was once an enclosed deer park owned by the Abbots of Pershore Abbey. In the 1950’s the Forestry Commission took ownership and used it a as commercial woodland and planted coniferous trees. Now in the ownership of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust there is a process of clearing the remaining coniferous trees and replacing them with traditional deciduous woodland.
The route is a clear track and easy to follow. Reaching a crossing of way-marked footpaths we turn left leaving the route of the Pershore Bridges Walk and rejoining the Millennium Way which heads steadily downhill on a wide ride leading to a bridge over Bow Brook.
After crossing the bridge at a fork in the path we leave the Millennium Way and take a path on the left which heads diagonally across a field.
The map shows the path leaving the field and entering an area of shrubland. In November we walked though that shrub area and there was no clear path, I had hoped that it might have been cleared but sadly it is still overgrown and unclear, so we continue along the edge of the field to reach a gateway where we turn left along a minor road and then after just over a hundred yards we take a footpath on the right. The fingerpost here appears to have been a casualty to hedge cutting.
The footpath follows a track between arable fields heading towards Besford Court. At a junction of paths we carry straight on into the grounds of Besford Court. The original timber framed building was constructed here around 1500. In 1910 the estate was purchased by Major George Noble who went about reconstructing the building into its current mode under the guidance of architect Albert Randall Wells.
Apparently work stopped in 1912 when the Noble’s separated and they were divorced in 1916. The following year Noble’s wife married his architect. The house was never completed or lived in and was sold in its incomplete state and became known as Besford Court Hospital and it was apparently described in the New Catholic Dictionary as a “welfare home for mentally-defective Catholic children, restricted to feeble minded boys aged from seven to twenty-one”.
In 2001 the school closed and even twenty-years later men are coming forward to describe the abuse they suffered at the hands of those entrusted with their welfare. Following the closure of the school the building was converted into apartments.
We follow the footpath waymarkers which pass a fine arch and then at a junction of paths turn right to walk with a hedge on our right and soon pass a football pitch on our left.
After a stile we cross a minor road and go through a kissing gate into a field. There are a network of paths crossing this field. It has recently been sown and the pathways are not clear but we opt for one in a south-westerly direction diagonally across the field towards a property in the village of Besford.
After crossing a stile we continue along the side of a paddock and then cross a wooden fence and then immediately go through a gate. It is unclear what purpose the fence serves other than to make it more difficult for walkers to get through.
On the road, cussing about inconsiderate landowners, we turn left and reach St Peter’s Church. This 14th century church is apparently unique as it has the only timber nave in England. The chancel was rebuilt in stone in the 19th century.
According to the village’s website the interior of the church has important monuments, a pre-reformation rood screen and Jacobean alter rails. Unfortunately the door is locked so we cannot go in to view them. I find it hard to understand the policy of some diocese, you would think that people might want to gain access to a church outside of the times it’s open for services.
We go back to the road and turn right and then almost immediately take a waymarked footpath down a track leading to a property. As the track reaches the house the footpath turns right and goes through a gate the path now forks and we keep to the left to follow the fence line of the property and then enter another field where we go right keeping the hedge on our right and then at the corner of the field go left, still with the fence on our right.
At the next the point when the fence turns to the right we head diagonally downhill across the field towards a gate. After passing through the gate we turn left along a minor road and walk towards houses. After about four hundred yards, on reaching houses on the left we take a footpath on the right which goes besides fields and heads towards Defford. There are good views across the fields towards the Malvern Hills.
After passing a playing field we go through a gate and reach Defford. Now we go along the road towards St James Church which has Norman origins and underwent a major restoration in the 19th century. This is another locked church so we have no idea what it might look like inside.
Leaving the church we turn left and walk through the village. On reaching a junction we turn right into Crown Lane and follow this to reach the A4104. We cross the road and turn left in front of Defford Garage and then almost immediately take a footpath on the right which goes over a stile besides a gate.
This path goes downhill by a field and then through a wooded area to reach a bridge over a stream. We then go uphill to reach a gate and pass through a field following the path down between hedges to reach a stile into a paddock. Crossing the paddock, whilst trying to avoid the inquisitive horses, we reach another stile onto a road. We cross and enter open access land where we turn right and follow a well-worn path through the meadow towards Eckington Bridge.
Apparently the first bridge constructed across the river here was built in 1440. The current red sandstone bridge dates back to the 1720’s.
From the bridge we turn to the left and take a clear path that heads diagonally across the meadows in the direction of Birlingham. To our right in the distance is the tower on Bredon Hill, a spot we visited last November.
On the far side of the open access land we join the Shakespeare’s Avon Way, an eighty-eight mile long distance path following the river Avon from its source at Naseby to ins confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury. We now follow this route around fields to reach a minor road where we turn right and then almost immediately take a left on a footpath through a wooden gate. This path goes close to properties and then emerges on a road at a junction. We head straight across and stay with the road as it turns into a track heading towards Nafford.
We go through a kissing gate and then across Berwick Brook.
The route continues to a weir on the River Avon.
After crossing the weir we continue on the path to reach Nafford Lock which makes the River Avon navigable at this point.
After crossing the lock we reach the sluice gates on the Avon.
We now head uphill on a track to reach a minor road where we turn left. As the road bends to the right we go through a kissing gate to follow a footpath across a field on the Shakespeare’s Avon Way. There are great views across the river from here.
After crossing a footbridge the path continues into the next field and passes a fine dead tree.
At a gate we carry on through a further field, the route then goes to the left through a gate and heads uphill to reach another gate which leads to a road in Great Comberton. Here we turn left and follow the road through this attractive village.
We continue through the village and then take a footpath on the left shortly before reaching the village War Memorial. This track leads steadily downhill back towards the River Avon where a couple of barges are moored and their occupants are enjoying the spring sunshine in a clearing.
We now go to the right and pass through a gate to follow a broad grassy track with the river to our left.
At a fork in the track just before reaching woodland we go right heading uphill on the route of the Shakespeare Avon Way. This passes a field which looks as if it is being prepared as a static caravan park.
After going through another gate we carry on following the path as it skirts the edge of a field and then crosses a footbridge.
On the far side of the field the map shows the route going through the crops, however, it is clear that folk walk the perimeter of the field so we follow their example and turn right and then left around the field to join a track which leads towards Pensham Hill.
The track soon becomes a tarmac lane leading into Pensham Hill where we turn right and follow the road to the private path leading back up to the caravan site at Goodleigh Hill CL.
Our wander in this part of the Vale of Evesham has covered just over eleven and a half miles. We are heading into Pershore to eat this evening so the timing is just right for us to get spruced up before we go.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
Today is one of those days when Crosby and I are heading out on our own. Lynnie has decided to spend a few hours wandering around Pershore so I am free to walk as far as I please. I don’t fancy driving anywhere so after a quick scan of the map I decide to head out from the caravan.
Leaving the site by the pedestrian access I walk down to the road and the turn left and head uphill into Pensham Hill. As the road levels out I take a footpath on the right beside a post box. The path follows a driveway and then goes through a gate to enter a field.
This is the route of the Wychavon Way, a forty-mile long distance route between Droitwich Spa and the Cotswold village of Broadway. I go through the field with the hedge to my right to reach a kissing gate and then follow a clear path across fields heading towards Home Farm in Pensham.
On reaching a road in the village I turn left and continue on this towards Pensham Farm. The road then becomes a track and passes glass houses and barns. Shortly after the last barn the footpath turns to the right, here the footpath goes diagonally across a field but there is a permissive path around the field edge which I choose instead. If possible I prefer to take a route that avoids damaging crops.
The permitted path turns left at the corner of the field and soon rejoins the main footpath continuing along the edge of the field. I reach a point where the footpath goes through bushes, when I last walked the path in the opposite direction the path was overgrown and impassable, things have not improved so I continue along the edge of the field towards glass houses and then turn right to follow a track downhill to rejoin the main footpath which goes over a footbridge into a field.
Over the bridge I turn to the right and the path soon turns besides the River Avon and I continue along with the river on my right.
Through a gate I keep going along a broad grassy path besides the river, in front of me is a good view of Bredon Hill, Lynnie and I walked up there on a cold day last November but it is not on my list of planned walks this trip.
After going through another gate the footpath turns away from the river and heads up a lane towards Great Comberton. At a junction with a road I turn right and walk into the village and then fork left by a telephone box, now being used as a book swap, and walk along Church Street. I soon reach a junction with Russell Street and follow this tarmac lane which passes houses and then becomes a track as it heads out of the village.
I stay with this track as it becomes a footpath leading through fields heading east. At a junction of footpaths besides a gate I continue straight on along a hedge-lined path to take a track where I turn right following it for a few hundred yards to reach a footpath on the left. This path goes east across the field with the fence-line on the left hand side.
In the corner of the field I cross a stream on a footbridge and then continue along the waymarked path heading through fields towards Elmley Castle.
At a junction of paths besides a barn I turn right, this leads to a lane where I turn left and walk into the attractive village.
On reaching the village pub, The Queen Elizabeth, I turn left. This 16th century pub apparently derives its name from the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Elmley Castle in August 1575. One side of the pub sign shows the date 20th August 1575, and the pub’s website says they like to think that the Queen stayed at the inn. Even if it can’t be proven it is a good marketing ploy.
Just after the pub I turn right into a narrow lane which soon reaches the village cricket field.
To avoid the narrow lane I walk besides the cricket pitch and then rejoin the road by the entrance to the field car park. I now have a section on the road, but it broadens out and there is very little traffic. I ignore a footpath on the left and a couple of others on the right and carry on besides the road until I reach a footpath sign which points to a path on the left crossing a stile besides a gate into a paddock area, this is marked on the map as Netherton Fields. The path goes beside the paddock and then along the edge of woodland.
Emerging from the trees I follow the path heading north to reach barns at Elms Farm where there is an abandoned old lorry.
I follow the track around the barns and then pass a gate and continue on the farm driveway to reach a road where I turn right and then very soon take a left along a lane signposted to Netherton.
The lane goes by cottages and continues on past the old barns of Chapel Farm.
At a crossing of footpaths I carry on northwards along a track to a gateway. Through this I keep north and at the next gateway enter a field of cattle, thankfully they show no interest in Crosby and I as we make our way between them and my heart rate returns to normal when we are safely through the gate on the far side of the field.
The next gate reaches a junction of paths and I turn left staying on the Wychavon Way and keeping left when the path forks. The route continues along a hedge-lined track.
At a footpath on the right I turn to follow a broad path between fields heading in the direction of Cropvale Farm.
After crossing a bridge the path turns to the left and heads north towards Cropthorne and I soon pass a fine old barn.
Staying with the waymarked route I continue through fields with a stream to my left. This footpath leads to the B4084 which I cross and turn left along the pavement for a hundred yards before turning right at a junction down Brooks Lane. This lane takes me into Cropthorne and I stay with it as it bends to the right and crosses a stream before heading uphill to the village church.
The church of St Michael has an interesting interior with fragments of an ancient wall painting.
There are also some interesting memorials one of which is Francis Dingley (died 1624) and his wife Elizabeth Bigg. The inscription states they were married for 50 years and had eleven sons and seven daughters.
Leaving the churchyard I turn left and continue through the village to a junction where I turn left into Neigh Lane which is signposted to Fladbury. I follow this road out of the village and then downhill to reach a junction where I turn left and cross the River Avon.
On the far side of the bridge I join a permissive path on the right crossing meadows besides the river, heading to Fladbury Mill.
The path leads to a road besides Fladbury Mill, here I turn right and walk into the village passing the Anchor pub and the Fladbury Pie Shop which is opposite the St John the Baptist church, built in 1340.
I continue through the village past the Social Club and then almost immediately after take a footpath on the left leading down Coach Drive, this passes houses and then allotments and follows a concrete driveway heading towards Spring Hill Farm. This is the route of Shakespeare’s Avon Way an eighty-eight mile long distance path following the river Avon from its source at Naseby to its confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury.
As the path nears Spring Hill Farm I go to the right and follow the route as it passes farm buildings and then heads west to cross a minor road and then the waymarked route heads towards a static caravan park. The route through the park is clearly waymarked and passes the caravans dotted around disused gravel pits.
Staying with the waymarkers for Shakespeare’s Avon Way I continue on to skirt around a sewage works and then Lower End Farm and then carry on, ignoring other footpaths, to reach Wyre Piddle.
The path joins a road where I turn left and wander through the village passing the Anchor Inn to reach the village medieval cross.
I go left at the cross and follow the lane past the small church of St Ann.
The lane heads out of the village, going downhill passing the entrance to Wyre Boatyard and then reaching Wyre Mill, this old corn mill dates from the early 1800’s and originally had three wheels. It is now the base of Wyre Mill Club a social club for locals and visiting caravanners and boaters.
After passing the mill and the entrance to a caravan and camping site the path continues on to follow a footpath across meadows heading towards Pershore.
I have a number of options on reaching the edge of Pershore and choose to walk around past the entrance of Pershore Football Club and then wander through a car park besides Asda supermarket and join the High Street where I turn left and continue along the road through the town and then across the River Avon before turning right to return to Goodleigh Hill CL.
My walk has covered fifteen miles and there have been plenty of interesting things to see along the way.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
After our walk at the southern end of the Malvern Hills yesterday we have decided to explore the northern end today. When planning this trip I had not realised it was the Royal Horticultural Malvern Flower Show this week. This means it is best to avoid heading anywhere near the County Show Ground at the weekend.
In November we walked part of today’s route, but on that occasion we started close to Malvern. Today we decide to start our walk, like yesterday, from the British Camp car park (WR13 6DW). Leaving the car park we cross the busy road and look at the decorations around the Wynds Point Spout.
Well dressing is a long standing tradition in these parts. Apparently the first recorded event took place back in 1870 and continued for a number of years before dying out. The idea was reintroduced in 1993 and this year over 55 of the 130 spring and well sites on the hills are being decorated by local school children.
As we head up the hill towards the junction of the A449 and B4232 we are passed by a familiar car. It is our neighbours from across the lane back home, they are heading to the flower show. We knew they were in the area but it is an odd coincidence that our paths should cross.
At the junction with the B4232 we turn right and walk besides the hotel. We are going to head up to join the ridge at Wynds Point, there are a number of options and we take one that gradually ascends through an area of Bluebells in front of some benches.
At a junction of paths we go to the right and make a short steep ascent to reach the top of the ridge. This is not the last of the uphill walking, but it has taken us to a point where we can see either side of the hills and the clear route in front of us.
It is our intention to walk along all the summits on this northern section of the ridge and then pick a less strenuous route for our return to the car park. So we follow the broad path as it heads north towards Black Hill. To our right we look over the County Showground with all the marquees set up for the flower show.
After going over Black Hill the next summit looming in front of us is Pinnacle Hill.
The path we are taking along the ridge follows the route of the Shire Ditch, this forms the boundary between Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Apparently in the 13th century, the Earl of Gloucester was granted the hunting rights to the east of the Malvern Hills, but he kept popping over to the west side onto land owned by the Bishop of Herefordshire and was accused of trespass. After a hearing which the Bishop won, the Earl fortified the shire ditch so that his livestock could not stray to the west.
Staying with the clear path we go over Jubilee Hill and Perseverance Hill and then start to descend into Upper Wyche. Here the Wyche Spring Well has also been dressed.
From the bench besides the well we cross the road to join Beacon Road which heads uphill to pass a car park and then continues upwards as a pathway.
The path leads us to a stone structure with waymarkers, it shows the location as Gold Mine. Apparently back in the reign of Elizabeth I small quantities of gold were extracted from these hills though subsequent efforts to strike it rich have proved fruitless.
Now on the ridge we head north over Summer Hill towards the Worcestershire Beacon which has a trig point besides it. We bagged the trig last November and had been here previously many years ago in our pre caravanning days. That time we stayed at a quirky bed and breakfast, it was prior to online booking and at a time when we would turn up in a town and drive around looking for somewhere to stay. We had some great times and stayed in some interesting places the likes of which would not survive in the current world of online reviews for everything.
The Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point in Worcestershire and it has a toposcope erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign.
When we walk up hills I frequently tell Lynnie there will be a cafe on the top, of course this is rarely the case and today is no exception. However, there was a cafe up here for many years until in burnt down in 1987. When it came to rebuilding it the Malvern Hills Conservators were refused planning permission and they sought to amend the Malvern Hills Bill which was going through parliamentary process. After a visit by members of the House of Lords Select Committee it was determined there were enough alternative facilities in the area and there was no need for a cafe.
Personally I think a cafe here would detract from the beauty of the location, but of course Lynnie would argue the provision of ice cream on top of a hill would be an asset, indeed an essential requirement.
There is an extensive network of paths here so it is difficult to describe with accuracy our route, we are heading to St Ann’s Well via Green Valley.
The path we take goes around Sugarloaf Hill and then goes right to descend into Green Valley where we come across another dressed well.
Now it is just a case of following the waymarkers as the path heads downhill towards St Ann’s Well.
The water supply at St Ann’s Well is located in a building dating back to 1813 and has a very elaborate carved water Sicilian marble water spout which was donated by the local landowner, Lady Emily Foley, in 1892.
The water here is said to have special healing qualities and was a very popular source of the pure water flowing from the hills. The popularity of the site resulted in the addition of an octagonal building in 1841.
It is a fine building but in 1963 the Malvern Hills Conservators thought it might be a good idea to demolish the Victorian buildings. Clearly they forgot the conservation element of their role, thankfully common sense prevailed and the historic building continues to operate as a cafe. To Lynnie’s delight she is able to acquire an ice cream just before the cafe closes for the day.
From the cafe we join a path heading south which follows the contour line through trees.
The path leads us to the edge of a quarry on the eastern side of Summer Hill.
From the quarry the path gradually ascends to return to the Gold Mine route marker. From here we return to Upper Wyche on the track we walked earlier. After crossing the road we take the path at the side of the fine bus shelter besides the public toilets.
After ascending to the ridge we take a path that skirts around the summit of Perseverance Hill and then I head over Jubilee Hill whilst Lynnie takes a path around the side.
At Pinnacle Hill we both decide to take the path that goes around rather than over the summit and do the same when we get to Black Hill. There are plenty of options for our descent, we take a path down towards a car park and then walk alongside the B4232 to return to our starting point in the British Camp car park.
Our walk has covered almost 9 miles, there has been a lot of ascent and fortunately we have been blessed with a clear day to appreciate the stunning views.
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access. Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.
