The gentle flows of canals and rivers can provide the ideal backdrop for a relaxing stroll through the Worcestershire countryside.
Explore the county’s riverside towns and picturesque nature on foot.
Kidderminster to Cookley
Taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes, this moderately challenging route takes in some of the best of North Worcestershire’s waterways. Walkers can start from the canal towpaths of Cookley with visitors quickly transported into the idyllic countryside. The Lock Inn provides the perfect pitstop after 1.5 miles of following the canal, serving plenty of lunch options and local ales.
Once refreshed from the Lock’s tasty delights, follow the canal over the footbridge and head towards the town of Kidderminster. Along the route, you will see signs of Kidderminster’s industrial past, including a crane which helped transport the goods of the town’s carpet industry.
The route has been recently benefitted by improvement works from Worcestershire County Council.
Things to note:
Parking is limited around the Cookley area. Plenty of parking is available in Kidderminster if you wish to do the route in reserve.
Worcester Canal Walk
The Worcester to Birmingham Canal offers the opportunity for a stroll to take in the charm of the city’s industrial past as narrowboats drift lazily by. Walkers can choose the length of walk with experienced hikers maybe wanting to explore as far as Tibberton, which is the location of a great canal-side pub, called the The Bridge Inn. We would recommend starting from Diglis Basin.
For those seeking a shorter walk, you can always head back into Diglis Basin to refresh with a G&T from Piston Distillery or a seafood dish from The Anchor Inn.
Hanbury Canal Walk
A circular walk passing the iconic Hanbury Hall is a pleasant walk once again highlighting Worcestershire’s beautiful green spaces and nature. This 7-mile canal walk features hedge-lined fields, historic buildings and parkland. Simply follow the Hanbury Circular Walk ‘lock gates’ symbol and direction arrows and you won’t get lost. Start from Gateway Park, Droitwich.
Pub stops include the Eagle and Sun serving excellent pub grub.
This route has been recently been benefitted from improvement works from Worcestershire County Council.
Eckington Riverside Walk
Meandering along the tranquil banks of the River Avon, visitors will be greeted with nature and the sounds of the moving river. Eckington Wharf is a pleasant place to linger for a while, enjoying the view up river towards Bredon Hill. The wharf is also the ideal starting point for a delightful and undemanding walk which takes you alongside the river to Strensham Lock before returning through Eckington village.
The dedicated picnic area provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a traditional riverside picnic with impressive surroundings.
Stourport Basins
The Stourport Canal Basins are made up of five historic basins, home to nearly 100 narrow boats. The basin and surrounding canal paths create the ideal destination for leisurely walks.
For those who are seeking a walk where you just admire the views then this may be just for you! There are plenty of parking nearby and visitors can enjoy also enjoy the summer-time Theme Park and riverside attractions.
Bewdley to Arley
A scenic but challenging route which is popular for hikers and dog walkers. This 8-mile route offers some of the finest stretches of the River Severn with marked paths and viewpoints.
Your halfway point is Arley Village, where you are able to find a pub, The Harbour Inn and a traditional Arley riverside tearoom. This circular route will then guide walkers back alongside the river towards your starting point of Bewdley.
Please respect the countryside code and keep dogs on leads near livestock.
Practical Tips
- Always wear sensible footwear
- Please note that during the winter months, some of the rivers may be high. Check ahead before travelling
