Worcestershire – River Valleys, Hills, and Orchard Country

Meadows, wooded slopes, and gentle ridgelines between the Severn and the Cotswolds

Worcestershire is a county of broad river valleys, low hills, woodland, and farmland in the Midlands. Walking routes cross the Malvern Hills National Landscape in the west and extend into the Cotswolds National Landscape along the eastern edge, while long-distance paths including the Worcestershire Way and the Severn Way link places such as Worcester, Malvern, Bewdley, Evesham, and Broadway across gently rolling ground shaped by ridges, orchards, and floodplain meadows.

Much of the terrain is firm and moderately varied underfoot. Field paths, bridleways, riverside tracks, and woodland trails allow steady progress through countryside that alternates between open farmland and enclosed slopes. Gradients are generally gentle, with short climbs onto hilltops and easier walking along the Severn Valley.

The landscape shifts between areas. The Malvern Hills rise sharply above surrounding farmland, providing open ridge walking and wide views, while the Severn Valley offers flatter riverside routes between historic towns. To the east, the land becomes softer and more agricultural toward the edge of the Cotswolds, with hedged fields, orchards, and quiet lanes.

Towns and villages are spaced regularly across the county, creating natural stopping points and making it straightforward to link shorter walks into longer point-to-point routes.

Trails and Routes Through Worcestershire

Worcestershire Way

A long-distance route running north–south across the county from Bewdley to the Malvern Hills through woodland, farmland, and small villages.

Severn Way

Riverside walking following the River Severn through Worcester, Upton-upon-Severn, and Bewdley along floodplain paths and embankments.

Geopark Way

A regional trail linking the Malvern Hills with surrounding countryside and geological landmarks.

Cotswold Way (Worcestershire edge)

High ground walking along the escarpment near Broadway and the county boundary with Gloucestershire.

Walking Character

River meadows and floodplain paths
Low hills and wooded ridgelines
Orchard farmland and hedged fields
Riverside and canal-side walking
Market towns and villages at regular intervals
Generally gentle terrain suited to steady days on foot

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Worcestershire located?

Worcestershire lies in the Midlands of England, bordered by Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire.

What defines walking in Worcestershire?

River valleys, low hills, and farmland create varied but generally gentle terrain with a mix of ridge, woodland, and riverside routes.

Are there long-distance trails here?

Yes. The Worcestershire Way, Severn Way, and sections of the Geopark Way and Cotswold Way pass through the county.

Is the terrain steep?

Mostly rolling rather than steep, with short climbs in the Malvern Hills and easier walking along the Severn Valley.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers the best conditions, particularly when riverside paths and farmland tracks are dry.