Walton Hill Summit

Walton Hill is the highest point in the Clent Hills, a gorgeous range that’s easily accessible from the population centres of the West Midlands. Despite its height advantage, Walton Hill is quieter than neighbouring Clent Hill and is a wonderful place to unwind and get that bit closer to nature.

It’s an important habitat for rare insects and supports breeding birds too. Perhaps the best time of year to visit is autumn, when the hues turn earthy and golden and the trails are more serene.

An extensive panorama from the highest point in the Clent Hills

With miles and miles of footpaths and bridleways criss-crossing these hills, there are many possible ways to discover Walton Hill. Trails ascend from the north, south and southwest, with an approach from a car park on Walton Hill Road offering the most straightforward access. The North Worcestershire Path, a 37-mile (60km) long-distance trail, visits the top on its journey from Bewdley to Major’s Green.

It’s easy to plan a route that takes in the popular Clent Hill too, while those wishing to visit all the range’s summits will want to visit Calcot Hill too, a high point on Walton Hill’s southern spur.

As it is the highest point for over 20 miles (32 km) in all directions, Walton Hill boasts an extensive panorama. On most days you can spy Shropshire’s Clee Hills and the Wreckin, as well as Worcestershire’s Malvern Hills. Meanwhile, if it’s clear the views even stretch as far as the Peak District beyond the urban sprawl of the West Midlands and Wales’ Black Mountains to the southwest.