Barntgreen/Lickey Hills circular walk 5.5mls approx, allow 2 1/2-3hrs or 3 1/2-4hrs if doing the extra walk. (Dog suitable)

This short walk visits the North Eastern corner of Worcestershire and the delightful Lickey Hills. Starting from the popular Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre it makes use of well defined footpaths and bridlepaths, making for a straightforward outing requiring minimal navigational skills. Refreshments are available at the Visitor Centre and in Barnt Green.

The start point is the free car park at the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre, grid reference SO997753. There is usually ample space, but weekend afternoons and Bank Holidays will find the place filled with “Brummies” enjoying the area. From the upper car park follow the North Worcestershire Path (pine cone symbol) over the brow of Cofton Hill and down towards Cofton Hackett. The North Worcestershire Path (NWP) takes a well sign-posted turn left in the woods down some steps to the road below. Cross carefully and continue directly down a private drive (right of way) and through a gate into a wheat field (still the NWP). 

Walk straight ahead through the field untill you come to a tarmac path. Turn right  along the tarmac path until reaching the road and then turn left. Continue along the road past the, Jesus Fellowship Church and under the railway bridge. If time is on your side it may be worth your while stopping for a few minutes to visit the church and take in the peace and solitude. Take the first road on your right and continue past the two pools, (these two pools are part of the River Arrow). At the end of the second pool you need to turn right and take the signposted bridlepath. From this point you can turn left and take the very short 100yd walk to Bittell Reservoir and, maybe take time for a spot of light refreshment before continuing on your way. At the end of the bridlepath you will come out onto Bittell Farm Road. Follow the NWP by turning right into the field. Continue on in a straight line until reaching a gate.

Go through the gate and continue straight  ahaead into the playing field. Keep to the right hand edge of the field and you will see a small gap in the headgerow containing a stile. Go over the stile and into the car park area of Barnt Green Sports Club and out onto Margesson Drive. On reaching the main road turn right and then turn left at the mini roundabout and walk into the quaint village of Barnt Green. Here you can grab a Coffee and lunch from one of the cafe's.  After your lunch head for the /train station and cross over the iron footbridge onto Fiery Hill Road. Cross the road and you should see the entrance to the Lickey Hills Country Park. Follow the path up the hill walking alongside Cherry Hill Drive. Cross over Cherry Hill Road and back into the Country Park. Follow the broad pathway (which is a steady climb but, not strenuous) all the way back to the Visitors Centre.

If you enjoyed this walk you might want to try doing it in the opposite direction which will always give you a sense that you are doing a different walk entirely.

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In addition to this walk and if you are feeling enegetic you can add another 1.5mls on to your route.

From opposite the entrance to the Barnt Green Sailing Club there is an iron gate and a public footpath signpost. Go over the stile and head diagonally across the field and into another field and then turn left. Keep to the left edge of the field all the way to the top where you will see in front of you a small copse. In the left hand corner of the copse there is an entrance that you need to go through. Once inside the copse follow the path to the left until you reach the top of the copse. At the top go through the wooded gate out into the field bearing diagonally across the field with a row of house on your left, this row of house are on Nuthurst Road, West Heath.

Walk across the field where you should be able to see a Triangulation Point. walk to this point and take in the views back to Bittell Reservoir which I am sure you will not be disappointed in. With Bittell Reservoir in front of you walk on across the field to a gate. Keep to the left in this field untill you reach the corner where you should find a stile, go over the stile and follow the field around the edge with the hedgerow on your right. After approx 100yds there is a gap in the hedge with an old fence. Go over the fence and at the end of the small field turn left and head towards the farm buildings and follow the road back to the entrance of the Barnt Green Sailing Club. This will have added the extra 1.5mls to your walk.

If you enjoyed this walk then please give it a rating, many thanks