A few words about





What is the Worcestershire Trail? It is a long distance route that follows the spirit if not the exact line of Worcestershire's county border. I devised a route in 2004 (subsequently revised about twenty times), but did nothing more. On New Year's Day 2006, I resolved to put theory into practice.

What is the purpose of the Worcestershire Trail?
Most of the existing long routes that pass through the county do so, roughly in a north-south direction, such as the Severn Way, the Wychavon Way and the meandering Monarch's Way. The North Worcestershire Path follows the northern border and the Worcestershire Way, linking Malvern and Bewdley, forms only part of the western boundary. But there is no recognised route along the east, south and north-west perimeters - and nothing at all in the Teme Valley.

The Worcestershire Trail aims to rectify that and create a new long distance route that, where practical, follows the border.

A written and photographic record will be maintained of observations and pertinent details of the walk. When completed, the Trail may be submitted to the County Council as the basis of a new long distance path, wholly contained within the county. It is hoped that the Worcestershire Trail will become an attraction for walkers from other areas.  

The Trail will also seek to identify and celebrate items of local distinctiveness - these are topics that help to identify areas, villages and / or activities that if not unique, may be regarded as sufficiently different or unusual to distinguish one place from the rest.

How long is the Trail? The planned route of the Worcestershire Trail measures 300 kilometres or as near as makes no difference. The distance of each leg will vary between 13 and 18 kms (8 - 11 miles).


Why do you describe the route as 'planned'? Although the route is planned along official rights of way, the Trail has not been walked in its entirety. Consequently, amendments may have to be made 'on the trail'.

How do we go?  Each leg of the Trail will be undertaken as a linear walk. This means that we shall need two cars. Each leg will be restricted to four walkers including myself. Larger numbers will require additional vehicles, which may create additional logistic problems.

What is the route of the Trail? The Trail will be walked in a clockwise direction and has already started from Hagley (which just happens to be 12 on the clock!)

The route proceeds along the North Worcestershire Path and then drops down to Redditch (needle industry). From there, the route heads south through Inkberrow (The Old Bull link with the Archers), the Lenches, the Vale of Evesham (asparagus) and on to Broadway.