Bewdley - Ribbesford circular walk

Bewdley, Worcs, is very popular as a tourist destination. But this walk shows some of the less well-known aspects.
It is really easy to do, as it's well signposted, with no stiles (I know some people don't like stiles), and it's only just over two miles long - so there's no excuse for not doing it!
Starting from Gardner's Meadow Car Park, by the river, there were lots of fishermen out, even though it was raining.

The path is clear, and there are plenty of wayside flowers.

A bee investigating some comfrey

This was taken from under the Bewdley bypass itself.  

A passing lorry: from down it's here mostly hidden by greenery.

The sandstone cliffs on the opposite bank

The signs are easy to follow: this is the Ribbesford Circular walk.

Tranquil swans

 More sandstone

A memorial bench with a beautiful view (the view above)

 Wild flowers everywhere

This is the only difficult bit of the route: I couldn't see a sign, but you definitely need to turn left towards the white sign shown here (it goes to Ribbesford Church)  

A small glimpse of the fabulous Ribbesford House - a listed building, but not open to the public.

The wooded lane to the church

St Leonard's Church, Ribbesford

An unusual porch

The church has Norman origins. This weathered stone may have been carved in the 12th century when the church was built (it is not a gargoyle - they are waterspouts)

Other old buildings in the little hamlet of Ribbesford

And then, this surprisingly modern house, which contrasts with everything else there.

Back under the road

I sheltered from the rain for a  bit - but it wasn't cold, so I decided to continue

Quite large hills, so close to a river

Down the path, and back to Bewdley

The right-hand part of the Georgian house used to be painted a most distinctive blue and green. Now it's back to ordinary white

But it has some history: the blue plaque reveals that Captain Smith-Clark was born here - chief engineer at Alvis. Alvis was a Coventry-based car manufacturer 1919 to 1967

Past the Quaker Meeting House, which I'd not noticed before

And back to the car park, where I noticed the map. Might have been better to see it before I started, really.

So that's it. The walk can be done in less than an hour, but there's lots to look at, so allow longer. Could be done on a summer night, finishing in one of Bewdley's many eating places. To see more from Bewdley, click here
Today's walk. Park at the car park by the river, and follow the signs marked Ribbesford Circuit. 2 miles in total