Abberley – Abberley Hill – Shavers End - Abberley

David James

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This short walk is ideal for families. As a summer evening walk, it is a lovely prelude to a drink and a meal at the friendly Manor Arms Inn; on a winter afternoon, the absence of foliage permits views from the wooded ridge of Abberley Hill. Although the route climbs initially to the Abberley Hill ridge, the ascent is not arduous, as the route goes diagonally across the contours.

For those interested in flora and fauna, there is much on offer in this area. The Silurian limestone of the Abberley Hills supports a variety of plants, including the rock-rose, carline thistle, wild thyme and dyer's greenweed. At least eight species of orchid, including the common spotted, bee, butterfly and pyramidal, thrive on the alkaline soils. As part of the Wyre Forest, this area is one of the most important areas of semi-ancient woodland in the country. The disused quarries that the route passes at Shavers End are part of quarry restoration carried out by the geological trusts such as The Malvern Hills Geopark. Sites are managed for the mutual benefit of both geology and wildlife. The exposed rock surfaces of the quarries support lichens and bryophytes and also provide refuge for birds and bats. Recent bird of prey sightings include red kite and short-eared owl.

England - Central England - Worcestershire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

11/27/2017 - Ian Mapp

Looked for a short local walk, with a pub that offered a Sunday lunch. This was perfect! The walk was fantastic - great views and not too muddy. Need to pay attention in the sheep fields under Bank Farm. Even with the GPS file, we took a few wrong turns. Manor Arms is a fine ending to any walk. Good to see it back up and running. Some photos at my blog - http://mappiman.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/261117-abberley-circular.html Thanks for another great walk.

7/10/2011 - Walkingworld Administrator

Our thanks to David James for his updates and all new photos (without snow) for this walk. July 2011. Adrian (Admin)

7/10/2011 - David James

The directions between waymarks 14 and 17 have been clarified; thanks, Roger. The route between waymarks 16 and 17 has also now been checked and I can confirm that it is a right of way and a public footpath. There should be no locked gates, as these are the spring-catch, public footpath, Council-maintained type.

6/20/2011 - Roger Walker

Enjoyed the walk though some stiles were hard to find and not in good condition. We'd hoped to fit in a visit to Whitley Court but the walk took longer than we'd planned.