With sunshine forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend, it’s the perfect excuse to swap the sofa for fresh air and discover some of the West Midlands’ most beautiful woodland walks - all with a well-earned café stop nearby.
From peaceful forest trails to scenic country parks, there are plenty of easy-to-reach spots for families, walkers and dog owners travelling from the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire.
See our gallery for inspiration on where to head this sunny Bank Holiday weekend.
5. Woodgate Valley Country Park
This 450-acre park features woodland, meadows and small ponds — a nice escape within the city. The café here is noted for breakfasts, cakes and a relaxed stop after your walk. | Ket Sang Tai - stock.adobe.com
6. Waseley Hills Country Park, Rubery
A mix of hills and woodland, offering sweeping views and woodland trails that feel more rural. There's a café in a timber-framed barn on site, ideal for a post-walk drink or slice of cake. | JoeE Jackson - stock.adobe.com
7. Cannock Chase Forest
Although just beyond Birmingham, this forest is worth the short drive for expansive woodland walks, varied terrain and plenty of nature. There is a café (or café-style facility) at the forest visitor centre serving refreshments. | Birmingham 2022
8. Pepper Wood
Walkers explore Gorsy Piece at Pepper Wood. Pepper Wood is an ancient and hugely valuable community woodland, home to rare plants and a rather special kind of caddisfly. | Mark Zytinski/Woodland Trust