Just as turkey and fried potatoes are a British Christmas tradition, so is a long walk.
After all that eating, drinking and lounging on the sofa, a long, relaxing walk in the fresh air is a must for most families during the Christmas season.
It’s a chance to burn off all the calories we’ve ingested and also to stretch our legs.
We tried boxes of festive chocolate chip cookies from all the major stores – and there was a clear winner
We are fortunate to have an abundance of beautiful places to stroll through Birmingham, the Black Country and Worcestershire.
Here you will find natural beauty and tranquility – and maybe even some winter sun.
So put on your walking shoes (or rubber boots), grab a bottle with a hot drink and some snacks, and head to the front door.
Here are 11 of our favorite walks in Worcestershire, Birmingham and the Black Country.
Sandwell Valley
Salters Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG
Perfectly positioned for both Brummies, Worcestershire and Black Country residents.
Sandwell Valley is a natural oasis in the middle of a network of motorways and built-up areas.
RSPB Sandwell Valley Conservation Area
(Image: Andy Purcell / RSPB Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve)
There are 660 acres of forest and farmland to explore in Sandwell Valley Country Park.
It also has an RSPB reserve, adventure playground, and bike path. Many of the hiking trails are paved and accessible to everyone.
The Sandwell Council suggests four different routes through the park, including a Health Walk route.
Woodgate Valley Country Park
Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3DS
This Bartley Green and Quinton landscaped park has retained its original rural charm and is home to the Woodgate Valley Urban Farm.
The walk from Harborne Road to Woodgate Valley Country Park
(Image: GRAHAM YOUNG)
You can take the dog or the children for a leisurely 2 km walk through the park, perhaps following the Bourn stream that runs through the middle of the park.
It’s an ideal place to get away from the city noise and traffic, and without being too strenuous, it will send you off into 2022.
Worcester Woods Country Park
Take off from Wildwood Drive, Worcester WR5 2LG
There are 30 acres of forest to explore in the park, located a short distance from Junction 6 of the M5 and close to Worcester city center.
One of the many trails you can take through the picturesque Worcester Woods
(Image: Graham Young)
It is ideal for the whole family as it is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and there are no barriers or fences to overcome.
There’s the Woodland Trail through the ancient Nunnery Wood Local Nature Reserve, a pond, gnarled old trees, and an abundance of wildlife. Also try the Meadow Trail through Hornhill Meadows Local Nature Reserve and the orchard.
After you’ve finished your walk, head to the cafe area, which has outdoor seating (in case of lockdown restrictions) as well as a children’s playground.
Sutton Park
Park Road, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YT
Sutton Park is the crown jewel of the parks of Birmingham and covers an area of over 2,000 hectares.
One of the entrances to Sutton Park
(Image: Google)
Located in Sutton Coldfield, it is the seventh largest urban park in Europe.
There are many hiking routes, each of which is different in length.
And there are plenty of places to eat or drink after the walk.
Hartlebury Common
Take off from Hartlebury Road, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 9JB
Hartlebury Common, near Stourport-on-Severn, is a lovely place to visit all year round and a perfect place for a refreshing stroll in December.
Hartlebury Common in winter
Although most of its flora and fauna are dormant at this time of year, it is still well worth a visit.
It is Worcestershire’s largest heathland and also an area of particular scientific interest so there is something beautiful to see even in the dead of winter.
Abberley Hill
Start from the Manor Arms Pub, Abberley Village, Worcestershire, WR6 6BN
You can take a circular, marked walk along the “Clock Tower Icon” for breathtaking views from Abberley Hill, which stretches across the ridge to the Abberley School clock tower.
On the five-mile walk, you’ll pass forests, fields, and dirt tracks as you pace up and down – be warned that it can be quite steep in places. Also check out the Norman Church in Abberley Village.
Clent Hills
The car park is in Nimmings Wood (by the cafe) on Hagley Wood Lane, B62 0NL
In the quaint village of Clent and just 10 miles from Birmingham city center are the breathtaking Clent Hills.
Walkers on Clent Hills
It is owned and administered by the National Trust. There are miles of walking paths, bridle paths and easily accessible walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and the Welsh border.
If you can try to the top to see the four stones added by Lord Lyttleton of Hagley Hall in the 18th century.
There are many routes to choose from and even a wheelchair accessible path to the summit.
Habberley Valley
Take off from Habberley Road, Kidderminster DY11 5RH
Very popular with the locals, this is a great place to stroll and is a stones throw from Kidderminster but feels like a world away.
Habberley Valley, near Kidderminster
Follow the Habberley Valley symbol on the marked trail to pass through forests, pastures, and interesting rock formations with beautiful views that will reward your efforts too. There is a small, free car park.
Loop through Hanbury
Take off from Gateway Park, Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa, Droitwich WR9 7DUR
This lovely walk takes you along the Droitwich Canal, which dates back to 1771. You will pass a lock and several docks for narrow boats, and you will travel over a bridge and along the Birmingham-Worcester Canal.
On this 7-mile loop, keep an eye out for the Eagle and Sun Pub and a pretty lock keeper’s cottage as you wander the canal, hedge-lined fields, historic buildings, and parkland.
Be warned, it is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs as there are many gates and fences.
Wyrewald
Start at Callow Hill, near Bewdley DY14 9XQ
There’s plenty to do in the Wyre Forest, which has a play area, Go Ape Adventure Center, visitor center, and a cozy cafe with a wood-burning stove. Hot chocolates “the works” are served here, as well as warming soups and sandwiches – you can find the opening times in advance.
Wyre Forest is an ideal place for an exciting winter walk
Within the forest there are many hiking trails that range from easy strolls suitable for pushchairs to more adventurous hikes. Keep an eye out for deer as you venture deeper into the forest.
Chaddesley Woods National Nature Reserve
Bromsgrove, DY10 4NX
Located between Bromsgrove and Chaddesley Corbett, there are extensive routes and walking trails through Worcestershire’s second largest wooded area.
The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust dates back to at least the 13th century and manages the site. It is believed that parts of the site have been forested since the Ice Age 6-10,000 years ago.
This is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs and can get very muddy in the winter months.
Pepperwood
Dordale Road, Bromsgrove, B61 9JX
Just a short drive from Chaddesley Woods is beautiful Pepper Wood.
Hikers can enjoy an ancient forest here that the Woodland Trust bought in the early 1980s.
It’s a site of particular scientific interest (SSSI) and people can explore a good network of rides and marked trails.
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