Mike Goodfellow-Smith – författare

Worcestershire is a county of gentle rolling countryside, winding rivers and distinctive hill ranges that rise above fertile lowlands. Bordered in part by the Malvern Hills, the Clent Hills, the Lickey Hills and the Cotswolds, and threaded by the Rivers Severn and Avon as well as historic canals, it offers some of Englands most rewarding easy-going walking. From orchard country and hop fields to cathedral cities and quiet market towns, Worcestershire blends natural beauty with layers of history. Walking in Worcestershire brings together 31 carefully chosen routes that explore the very best of the county. The guide includes 28 day walks from 4 to 17 miles, suitable for a wide range of abilities, plus three multi-day long-distance trails for those seeking a greater challenge. Walkers can follow stretches of the Worcestershire Way, explore sections of the North Worcestershire Path and Wychavon Way, or enjoy scenic towpaths along the Birmingham Canal. With bases such as Malvern, Upton, Worcester, Bewdley, Pershore and Evesham, Walking in Worcestershire makes it easy to plan rewarding outings with excellent accommodation and transport links close at hand. Designed for all seasons, Walking in Worcestershire showcases landscapes that change beautifully throughout the year. Spring orchards burst into blossom and woodlands are carpeted with bluebells; summer meadows hum with wildlife; autumn paints the hills in copper and gold; and winter offers crisp, clear views from the Malverns and firm footing along canal towpaths when lower fields may be muddy. Alongside natural beauty, the routes in Walking in Worcestershire pass through historic towns such as Worcester and Evesham, notable for battles that shaped the nation, and visit abbeys, priories and churches that reflect the countys rich heritage. Most of the 28 day walks in Walking in Worcestershire are circular, making them straightforward to organise, while several linear options are included with convenient transport links. The three longer routes range from 49 to 60 miles and can be completed in up to four days each. These include: A four-day canal journey from Worcester to central Birmingham, with suggested overnight stops in Droitwich, Bromsgrove and Alvechurch The two-day North Worcestershire Path from Majors Green to Bewdley The two-day Worcestershire Way from Bewdley to Great Malvern Each stage of these longer walks in Walking in Worcestershire can also be tackled as an individual day walk, with accommodation suggestions provided to help you tailor your itinerary. This guidebook includes: 28 varied day walks featured in Walking in Worcestershire, ranging from 4 to 17 miles and designed to suit beginners, regular walkers and those seeking more challenging hill routes Three multi-day challenge hikes in Walking in Worcestershire (4960 miles), complete with accommodation guidance and options for combining stages into longer adventures Clear, step-by-step route descriptions throughout Walking in Worcestershire, supported by 1:50,000 OS maps, ascent and descent figures, terrain notes and practical route warnings Comprehensive coverage of Worcestershires key walking areas, including the Malvern Hills, Clent Hills, Lickey Hills, the Cotswolds and the Severn and Avon valleys Public transport information for each walk in Walking in Worcestershire, plus guidance on road access and base locations in towns such as Malvern, Worcester and Evesham Downloadable GPX files for all routes in Walking in Worcestershire, providing a reliable digital navigation option alongside the printed mapping Whether youre looking for gentle riverside strolls, panoramic ridge walks, wildlife-rich meadows or rewarding multi-day challenges, Walking in Worcestershire offers everything you need to explore the beauty, culture and character of this distinctive English county in any season.