The Clent Hills is less than 8 miles west of Birmingham City Centre and yet is unknown to many of the city’s residents.  The area comprises 400 acres of National Trust woodland and heathland which rises to over 1000ft giving views over Malvern, Kinver, Wenlock Edge and the Black Mountains of Wales. The area is criss-crossed with footpaths and bridleways which have been marked out using coloured posts to aid navigation.  There are several suitable car parks with easy access to the marked out circular routes and easy access to local eateries.

History of Clent Hills
The Clent Hills has been common land since the 13th century. However it wasn’t until the 19th century that a guide to the Clent Hills was published causing the popularity of the area to boom.  Whilst the Clent village was quiet during the week, it was ‘invaded’ by hordes of tourists at the weekends. Tourists flooded in to enjoy the fresh air, fairground and donkey rides and local taverns.

Visitors even enjoyed dry tobogganing.  However this activity caused severe erosion to the hills and by 1882 a ranger was employed to keep control of the activities.  By the 1950s dry tobogganing was banned to protect the landscape and many trees were planted on the slopes.

Hints and Tips
For a guide to walking the marked trails of the Clent Hill and more on their history and wildlife pick up a leaflet from the information point at Nimmings Wood National Trust Car Park.
For a nice pint try the child friendly Hill Tavern in Adam’s Hill, which is conviently located around half way round the 4 mile Adams Hill Circuit which can start from the Nimmings Wood Car Park.