Bewdley – Trimpley – Bewdley

David James

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The walk starts in the riverside town of Bewdley. After crossing the river-bridge, the route takes you across the tracks of Severn Valley Railway, a standard-gauge railway line running a regular steam-hauled passenger service between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. A short climb takes you into quiet lanes and a path through meadows, to the hills above the river valley.

Another short climb to the top of the hills takes you across fields to Bite Farm, with its collection of pygmy goats. From here, a downhill walk along the forestry road leads to a path through lovely woodlands, where you should look out for woodpeckers. Sightings of woodcocks have also been reported here, along with siskins and crossbills. A descent through these woods takes you to Trimpley Lake and Reservoir. This is an ideal spot to watch out for kingfishers, grey herons, a variety of ducks including goosanders and even rare ospreys as they migrate from Scotland to North Africa in the autumn. Those who are prepared to wait at the track crossing overlooking the lake will be rewarded by the passing of a steam locomotive and period carriages.

From the lake, a short track takes you down to the banks of the River Severn. Water birds along these reaches include mute swans, moorhens, mallards and for the more observant, kingfishers. Kestrels hover overhead. The river now supports almost every species of British freshwater fish – including salmon – prey for otters and increasingly, mink. The river presents a changing pattern of colour, luminosity and shape as its surface responds to the weather and light conditions. A level and gentle stroll along the banks takes you over water meadows back to the river-bridge at Bewdley. Ice cream can be bought at a corner shop on the west end of the bridge and there are friendly tea shops in the town. For those who need stronger refreshment, there are pubs on the riverside and in the town.

For those who wish to extend the walk, it joins the route for the Arley – Trimpley Walk 4220.

England - Central England - Worcestershire - Countryside

Features

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

10/11/2011 - David James

Thank you, Michael. Glad you enjoyed the walk. The helpful minor correction you pointed out has been incorporated into the instructions.

10/10/2011 - Michael Corfield

Excellent walk. Lovely views and lots of interest. We picnicked in the field immediately after waypoint 13, but there are lots of benches by the reservoir that would be good also. Quite a lot of stiles that would be difficult if you had a big dog - but no problem for our little Cocker !

3/22/2008 - karl noon

Great walk with plenty of variety and some great views. Good paths and directions. Did this walk on the first day that the Severn Valley Railway re-opened after last years storms closed the railway due major line damage. Its worth hanging around at the crossing in section 16 so you can get a good close up of the steam engines. Highly recommended will do again.