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

Arley Circular - a winter favourite revisited in summer

This is a great winter walk, but it's also fantastic in summer. 
Easy to follow, as it's well-signed throughout.
Starting at Upper Arley, on the River Severn

The pedestrian bridge shows how wide the river is at this point. 

But you stay on the Upper Arley side... 

 ...with lovely views of the river...

 ...and the occasional passing train.

Victoria Railway Bridge 

Riverside comfrey 

Trimpley reservoir

Another train came past

...and disappeared in a cloud of smoke 

We were taken by the grammar of this sign, and we did notice there was no parking here 

The path continues thriving crops of wheat (brown earth when I last came past)

And on, past cattle lazing in the sunshine

 Though some were more curious

The drive to Arley Arboretum (with a great tea shop, if you are planning to do this walk)

Interesting castellations in Arley Park 

This is such a good walk. There's some climbing, so you know you've done it! 4 miles, and easy to follow. Can easily be done on a summer's evening, as I did (but the cafes are shut!)
Click here to see the winter version of this walk
Today's walk; 4 mile circular, and signposted, following pictures of a ferryman's blue boat. Start either by the riverside at Upper Arley (good cafe there). or from the Arboretum (finishing at the cafe there). Or park the other side of the river, and walk across the pedestrian bridge.

Kinver gets ready

Kinver Country Fayre is a fantastic village event, with lots of local stalls, trade stands, a procession, plus extra entertainment on the field - this year including jousting!
I walked through the village around 10 am looking at preparations for the official opening at 11.

Home furnishings, ...

Crockery

The British Legion

Fresh-baked bread,...

Accessories 

Two Morris Dancers stop for a friendly chat.

Sweet stall

Good job it wasn't too windy!

One of many food stalls

The queue at the cash machine!

Acorns Hospice stall, and the WI's cakes

Good prizes at the Rotary's Lucky Dip

Everyone gets involved

One of the floats, waiting for its occupants

The High Street has to be closed

They were trying to push-start this old motorbike, ready for the procession.

More old bikes.

Someone's had a good go with the chrome polish.

Those sidecars always look great fun.

More old bikes: those upright number plates on the mudguards must have been lethal, back in the "olden days".

The Medieval Mill Cave was recently subject to some rockfalls, but it's all renovated now. 

Used for stabling horses, I believe.

The event itself was attended by many thousands of people from all over the Black Country. Were you one? It was incredibly successful: make a note to yourself to attend next year - a great place to take Dad on Fathers' Day. The High Street is free and there was a nominal charge (£5) to see the attractions on the field: worth every penny! (The jousting is normally at places like Warwick Castle and the Three Counties Show - where admission is many times more than this!)