The best walks and hikes in the West Midlands Region

Adventuring along the Welsh border

Walks in the West Midlands are so varied that you’ll always be able to choose a trail that suits your mood, ability and the weather. Shropshire and Herefordshire are the two counties in the region that border Wales to the west. The trails you can explore here include the exquisite paths along the Wye Valley AONB where you’ll have forest cover and the blissful River Wye running alongside. Trails following the river just south of Ross-on-Wye are some of the most beautiful in the area and you’ll find pubs, villages and deep woodlands along the way. 

Set into a phenomenal landscape for walking, the stunning town of Ludlow is worth strolling through with its extraordinary historic buildings. On the edge of the Shropshire Hills AONB, you’ve got an immense trail system laid out right before you. This upland region is eye-catching with its large, rounded hills, many adorned by a pretty mix of forest and moorland.

The highest hill in the area is Brown Clee and if you climb it on a clear day, you might be lucky enough to glimpse Snowdonia and the Brecons in the far distance. Even if the horizon is hazy, this 1,771-foot (540 m) summit gives you sweeping views of the nearby countryside. 

Roaming in the Malverns

The Malvern Hills AONB is undoubtedly the place to go for some of the best hiking trails in the West Midlands for stunning views. Climbing the Herefordshire Beacon on a clear day is guaranteed to provide unbelievable views of the surrounding landscape, far and wide. This Iron Age hill fort is cherished by local and visiting hikers all year round for its supreme vistas. There are some lovely wooded trails immediately below the beacon to explore as well. 

Just to the north, you can hike the higher Worcestershire Beacon too which has similarly astounding views and plentiful trails to surrounding summits and woodlands. 

Notable historic sites in the West Midlands

Being England, the West Midlands has so many historic sites that you’ll be tripping over them. If you fancy eating your sandwiches in the grounds of a castle, Kenilworth, Warwick, Stafford and Ludlow are just a few excellent examples. 

Your hikes in the West Midlands can even take you to Roman towns, like Wall in Staffordshire. Wroxeter, one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, is a highlight amongst routes on the outskirts of Shrewsbury and a brilliant place to explore with children. Continue your walk at the nearby woodlands and climb the Wrekin, a hill with splendid views.