As you pass Easthams Farm look out for the Honey Brook, a tributary of the River Stour. This picturesque little stream follows Shortly after passing Easthams Farm the the route for a short distance before its course takes it towards the route skirts close to a group of ‘rock town of . houses’ carved into a sandstone cliff. Their low doorways are still clearly visible even though they have not been inhabited since 1949.

To

Habberley Valley Circular Walk

To Kidderminster

visitor centre (summer only) visitor information point car parking (free)

An easy to follow waymarked public road walk through a distinctive corner of public bridleway . public footpath

Countryside Code main route (walk clockwise) Use alternatives to your car whenever possible. When you do use a car, park responsibly, avoiding verges, link route (walk both ways) gateways and passing places. Keep to public rights of way and designated areas of public field boundaries access when crossing farmland. To Use appropriate gates and stiles to cross field boundaries. pond or open water Close all gates that you have opened. Avoid damaging or disturbing wildlife, including plants and trees. The area in and around Habberley Valley Local Nature woodland Keep dogs under close control and always clean up after them. Reserve is rich in wildlife. It is home to green Guard against all risk of fire. woodpeckers, summer flowering heather and a wide streams Make no unnecessary noise. variety of insects. As you follow the route look out for public telephone Take your litter home and dispose of it responsibly. yellowhammers singing their ‘wheezing’ song, ancient Support local businesses and services. hedgerow oaks, and even the occasional hare if you are panoramic viewpoint Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work. lucky! Above all else enjoy your walk and don’t forget to

Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Worcestershire County Council licence No. LA 09073L/00/03 tell your friends about it too! Worcestershire County Council Countryside Service HABBERLEY VALLEY LOCAL NATURE RESERVE HABBERLEY VALLEY CIRCULAR WALK Habberley Valley demonstrates the countryside of A wonderful walk exploring the lovely, peaceful Worcestershire at its finest. Buzzards can be seen soaring countryside beyond Habberley Valley Local Nature overhead whilst green tiger beetles scurry about their Reserve. The walk takes you through a section business on the ground. Each season reveals new wild of Habberley Valley and on through plants, yew and holly trees over the winter, bluebells in pastures, woods, alongside a stream and the spring, carpets of wavy hair grass in summer and an over a hill, with time to enjoy the views. amazing display of mushrooms and toadstools in the 21/2 miles (11/2 - 2 hours) autumn. ...and you won’t get lost ~ just follow the waymarks! Magnificent, heather capped, sandstone outcrops tower WALK FACTFILE above all this wildlife Location: On the B4190 to Bewdley road creating a beautiful backdrop. Open grassland Star/ Finish: Habberley Valley Local Nature Reserve plains and rich woodlands Car Park (free) or link paths to/from Ferndale Estate make Habberley Valley the (Coningsby Drive),Bridgnorth Road (via Sandy Lane), perfect place to enjoy the Habberley Road (via High Habberley) countryside, picnic and relax. Length: 21/2 miles (approx. 11/2 - 2hrs) WALKING THE WAY 33/4 miles with one of the link paths TO HEALTH (approx. 2 - 21/2 hrs) bilberry Walking is a form of exercise that is free, fun, suitable for all ages and a Maps: O S Explorer 218 ~ & Kidderminster great way for families and friends to get OS Landranger 138 ~ Kidderminster & Wyre fit together. Forest. Just 30 minutes a day of brisk walking, on a regular basis, can Terrain: Undulating pasture, tracks, woodland, with one, have a positive effect on your health and quality of life. It is steep, ascent with steps and one, fairly steep descent. also an ideal way to explore your local countryside. One or two sections may be muddy after rain- wear suitable boots and clothing FURTHER INFORMATION There is a Visitor Centre (summer only) at Habberley Valley Stiles: No stiles, 6 gates Local Nature Reserve and an Information Board at the car park. PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION For more information about Habberley Valley and other Local Nature Reserves within the district, contact: Wyre For up-to-date bus timetable information, call 01905 765765 Forest District Council Ranger Service, telephone: 01562 for a printed timetable or visit 732971. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables For general journey planning advice call Traveline on 0870 For more information about access to the countryside and 6082608 or visit www.traveline.org other walks, or if you encounter any problems on this walk contact: Worcestershire County Council Countryside Service, telephone the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765. web: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside e-mail: [email protected] supported supported by

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, neither Worcestershire County Council nor Council can accept any responsibility for any errors, omissions, accident or injury, nor for any actions taken, as a result of the information presented

Find out more online at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside