11 perfect winter walks in the West Midlands to catch some fresh air
Keen ramblers and nature lovers can enjoy these 11 winter walks in the West Midlands, offering space to breathe and clear your head.
So put your walking boots on and enjoy a breath of fresh air and peace away from the rush of the festive season.
We have put together a list of the most beautiful areas in our region to take a walk.
Take a look below and you can suggest some others in the comments section if your favourite walk isn't included.
1) Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich
Salter’s Lane, West Bromwich B71 4BG
A firm favourite with many who travel from far and wide to enjoy its acres of woods and farmland, lakes, walking trails and bike tracks.
Sandwell Valley also boasts a huge playground. As well as that, there are golf courses, paved walking routes, food and drink vendors, and an RSPB nature reserve, so you may catch a glimpse of some feathered friends.
2) Kinver Edge, near Stourbridge
Warden's Lodge, Comber Road, Kinver, Staffordshire DY7 6HU
The beautiful village of Kinver is just five minutes' drive away from Stourbridge, and famous for its high sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking the rock houses. Visitors can park up then climb to the top of Kinver Edge to take in views that stretch all the way across the Midlands and beyond.
Enjoy one of the walking trails; the circular heathland trail walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Start at the old Warden's Lodge, then follow the red arrows that waymark the route through rare heathland up to sweeping vistas.
The Rock House café, run by National Trust, serves everything from light bites to sandwiches and soup to warm you up in the cold weather.
3) Clent Hills, Hagley
Hagley, Stourbridge B62 0NL
It has good car parking (National Trust charges apply), a café and natural playground too, and the walk to the top of hills is fairly accessible.
The easy access path from Nimmings Wood car park (Hagley Wood Lane) will be the best route if you have a pushchair or wheelchair, this path is also red sandstone (compacted gravel).
From the top you can enjoy stunning panoramic views stretching out to the Welsh borders, taking in the Cotswolds and the Shropshire Hills on the way.
4) Uffmoor Wood
Off Uffmoor Lane, near Halesowen, B62 0NG
Experience this 4.2-km circular trail near Halesowen. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of an hour to complete.
This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
The best times to visit this trail are January through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
5) Lickey Hills Circular
Warren Lane, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8ER
Explore this 4.7-km circular trail near Birmingham. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of one hour 17 minutes to complete.
This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead.
6) Woodgate Valley Country Park Circular
Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3DS
Check out this 5.3-km circular trail near Halesowen. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of one hour 16 minutes to complete.
This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
7) Cotwall End Valley, Dudley
The Alley, Dudley DY3 2UL
This picturesque park is home to walk trails, pools, brooks and natural springs.
Go for a stroll through the woodland and enjoy the surroundings, before heading to Brockswood sanctuary and meet the animals.
More information can be found at dudley.gov.uk.
8) Bunkers Hill, Stourbridge
Kinver, Stourbridge DY7 6PQ
Bunkers Hill in Stourbridge is over 100 acres of beautiful woodlands, treating visitors to views of Kinver Edge to the west and countryside stretching towards Stourbridge and Birmingham to the east.
There are a number of trails and terrains for all - perfect for a winter walk.
9) Merrion's Wood, Walsall
Birmingham Road / Skip Lane, Walsall, B43 7AN
Near the town centre is a 20 acre secret garden made of oak and beech woodland.
The main path leads to a woodland pool and bridge as well as a playing field for picnics and games.
10) Alder Coppice Woods
Northway, Dudley DY3 3RF
The local nature reserve is 25 acres of ancient woodland between Northway and Pennwood Farm in Sedgley.
Within the woodland there are three way marked pathways, yellow, red and blue which represents short, medium and long routes.
The paths are mostly wood chipped and well maintained, and seats are dotted about the wood in the form of upturned tree trunks and benches.
The woodland has a range of wildlife such as woodpeckers, Muntjack and Roe deer, foxes and badgers.
11) Baggeridge Country Park, South Staffordshire
Baggeridge Country Park, Gospel End, Sedgley, DY3 4HB
The 152-acre Green Flag Park lies just on the edge of the Black Country and has so much to offer - a tea room, miniature railway, children's play area, challenge academy (High Ropes), walking trails – both independent and instructor led - and toilets.
