Upper Arley - Eymore Woods - Trimpley Reservoir - Upper Arley

David James

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This is a short, charming and undemanding walk with plenty of visual incident and in those respects, ideal for families. It takes you through three stages, starting with a walk along a road to open farmland, then across a stream through woodlands and finally, a stroll by Trimpley Reservoir and the bank of the River Severn. An added interest is the steam railway, which you cross on emerging from the woods.

The lake and reservoir offer sightings for wild birds. During autumn and spring, gulls, waders and terns pause here on migration. Other birds you might see are ospreys, as they migrate from Scotland to North Africa in the autumn, also kingfishers, grey herons and ducks, including goosanders at the right time of the year. Eymore Wood shelters a variety of birdlife, including pheasants, cuckoos and woodpeckers.

If you have time, visit the church and castle. From some small pieces of Norman ornament built into the south nave wall at its eastern end, the church of St Peter is thought to date originally from the 12th Century. It was enlarged around 1325 and again in the 16th Century. Arley Castle stands on high ground to the east of the church and was built of sandstone in the Gothic style by Lord Mountnorris in 1844. The only ancient feature remaining is a part of the Old Hall, formerly the dower house of the Lytteltons of Hagley, now forming the south wing.

Walkers can fortify themselves with an ice cream in Upper Arley before setting out and then seek refreshment in the pub across the river on their return. Near the top of the rise is the steam railway station, providing plenty of interest. The Severn Valley Railway service connects with the main line station at Kidderminster and a timetable is available on their website.

September 2008: the footbridge after Waymark 4 has been washed away owing to recent floods. However, the stream is fordable by means of bricks and stones that have been placed at the crossing point.

England - Central England - Worcestershire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Pub, Public Transport, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

5/10/2015 - Dave and Sam Asbury

Nice walk, would be happy if it was one of mine. Pub across the river is okay but doesn't accept card - cash only. It might pay to get the SVR timetable so you can time you train track crossing for photos. Benches available at the reservoir. GPS track here http://goo.gl/IUWv6j

8/10/2013 - karl noon

Great short walk, plenty to offer, will do again The bridge in waymark 4 has been restored.

3/31/2012 - Peter Farmer

Really enjoyed this walk, for a short walk it has lots to offer. Nice tea room at beginning/end. River, reservoir, woods, hills, steam railway, arboretum nearby. Put it on my favourites.