When you think of the West Midlands, the first things that might come to mind are its distinct accent, car manufacturing, and brass working. However, nestled right in the heart of this region lies a hidden gem of stunning countryside – Clent Hills. Despite being featured in a previous post on "Top National Trust Spots to Visit This Spring," Clent Hills often goes unnoticed and deserves far more attention than it receives.
In order to showcase the greatness of this place, I embarked on a walk through its picturesque landscapes. Clent Hills offers an extensive network of footpaths, easily accessible trails, and bridleways that provide breathtaking views of the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills, and Welsh Borders.
Situated just outside Birmingham in Romsley, Worcestershire, Clent Hills can be reached in several ways, but the most convenient option is by car. However, if you prefer alternative transportation, here are some other options:
Address: Near Romsley, Worcestershire
On Foot: Clent Hills is located on the north of Worcestershire Way, a 27-mile walking route running from Kinver to Major Green. The North Worcestershire Path passes through Clent Hill and Walton Hill, connecting the Wasley Hills on Hagley. There are footpaths that connect you from...
By Train: Hagley train station is 3½ miles away, Stourbridge Town train station is 5 miles away, and Bromsgrove train station is 10 miles away.
By Road: The Clent Hills are situated between the villages of Clent and Romsley. They are signposted off the A491, southeast of Hagley, approximately 6 miles from J4 of the M5. Please note that for sat navs, enter B62 0NL as the address, as the given contact address is located in Waseley Hills, not Clent Hills.
By Bus: There is a bus stop 20 minutes' walk from Nimmings Wood car park, up a steep hill, on bus route 192 between Birmingham, Halesowen, Hagley, and Kidderminster. You can alight at Hagley. Additionally, there is a bus stop ½ mile from Clent village, on bus route 318 between Stourbridge, Hagley, and Bromsgrove.
Before you embark on your journey, here are some general tips. Clent Hills offers a myriad of walking trails to enjoy, including a section of the North Worcestershire Way. While off-road cyclists are welcome on the bridleways and byways, the terrain is more suitable for mountain bikers than families, so please take this into account.
Once you arrive, you'll find a cafe on-site with attached toilets. The car park and the National Trust scanner are located outside the cafe at the Nimmings Wood car park. Moreover, there are visitor information panels scattered throughout Clent Hills to help you navigate the area. If you need assistance, walk leaflets are available at the cafe in Nimmings Wood car park.
The landscape and views of Clent Hills are truly mesmerizing, even on cloudy days. When I arrived, it had been raining, but the sun eventually emerged to brighten up the day, allowing me to revel in the breathtaking scenery.
The trails in Clent Hills are not overly strenuous, and there are various routes that interconnect, offering different experiences. Along the way, you'll stumble upon hidden treasures that add an extra element of charm. If you're searching for a family-friendly destination where kids won't complain too much, I highly recommend visiting Clent Hills.
One thing I regretted missing was the blooming bluebells, which typically grace the area from April to mid-May. I might return just to witness this natural spectacle. Bluebells can be found in various spots, but one of the best locations is the valley behind Four Stones, where the sides are adorned with a vibrant blue carpet. For a more adventurous experience, you can venture off the beaten track and explore the bluebell woods at Walton Hill, where a log is surrounded by this beautiful bloom.
Clent Hills holds a deep passion for its bluebells, and this is reflected in the volunteers who organize guided bluebell walks. These walks span approximately 6 miles and take place on Sunday, April 29th and May 9th, starting at around 10 am and concluding at 1 pm. Although these walks are not free, they only cost £2, which is a fair price. You can simply turn up on the day without the need for prior booking.
To avoid revealing too much and spoiling the surprises that await, I'll refrain from delving into further details. However, I must emphasize that Clent Hills is a place that should be on everyone's list, whether you're a dedicated rambler, a family seeking adventure, a solo walker, or someone eager to reconnect with nature. If you found any of this information helpful or if you've visited Clent Hills yourself and think we missed something, please leave a comment below. Thank you for taking the time to read this post about Clent Hills, and happy exploring!
