Worcester Walking and Cycling Guide
From the cathedral to the canal
The cathedral city of Worcester is found in the heart of Worcestershire and offers lovely walks around its historic streets, along the River Severn, and the Worcester and Birmingham canal. As you follow walking routes through the city you pass timber framed black and white buildings, the beautiful Guildhall, and you’ll catch snippets of the cathedral above the city.
If you fancy a change of scenery you can easily reach more of the natural landscapes from here. Head to the Malvern Hills and hike up the Worcestershire Beacon for fabulous views. To the north the Wyre Forest beckons and there are plenty of opportunities to explore canal basins nearby. If you’re looking for a walk which you can turn into a trip to the pub for a Sunday roast, explore Bredon Hill and its surrounding villages.
Suggested Worcester Walks
Discover Worcester and the surrounding landscapes on foot and linger as you take in the views from the high points, stopping off to visit historic attractions within the city.
City Centre Sightseeing:
Start your time in Worcester by following a circular route around the city. You’ll pass some of the top locations along the way. Firstly, starting at the cathedral, take some time to explore this wonderful building. It is a fantastic introduction to this historic city. From here head right along the main road down to the Museum of Royal Worcester. This museum showcases an important time in this city’s establishment.
You are now a stones throw from The Commandery, a former Royalist headquarters on the edge of the canal. Take a break in the garden where you can listen to stories from the past at the benches. Heading back the way you came, take a right along one of the oldest streets in the city. During your walk you’ll pass the Tudor House Museum and Greyfriars House and Garden, two timber framed buildings which show a glimpse of their history. From here, take a left then a right along the high street to see the Guildhall. Open six days a week you can pop in to see the grand Assembly Room.
Turn back the way you came and take the first right to reach St Andrew’s Spire sitting in a small garden. Follow this road before taking a right along The Butts. You will pass through a car park before arriving at the racecourse on the other side. Continuing to the right you pass both the university art building and Infirmary Museum along to the high street. Finally, to the right you reach the city Art Gallery and Museum and continuing on you find yourselves at the centre of Worcester.
Malvern Hills:
For a more strenuous walk, the Malverns can be tackled along various different routes. The entire length of the Malverns is a 5 mile walk. You can reach the highest point, the Worcestershire Beacon, in an hour and a half from the Beacon Road car park.
Bredon Hill:
Discover Bredon Hill by following a circular route from The Queen Elizabeth Inn at Elmley Castle. There is a steep initial climb up before the trail levels out. The route is around 6 miles taking approximately 3 hours and you are rewarded by stunning views and an iron-age hill fort at the summit.
Worcester Cycling Routes
Explore the riverside views in Worcester as you follow the cycleways or head further afield and discover the Wyre Forest.
Within Worcester a gentle route you can follow takes you along the banks of the River Severn. Starting from the northern tip of the racecourse follow the riverside path until you reach Sabrina bridge. Cross here to continue south and you will reach the swan sanctuary park. The trail follows the path of the river until you reach the Diglis Weir. Cross here at Diglis bridge and begin your return journey.
Outside Worcester, the Wyre Forest is a fantastic spot for both walking and cycling. There are a number of routes which have been compiled by the Wyre Forest Cycle group and are easy to follow.
Worcester Cycle Hire
To the north of the Wyre Forest just outside Buttonoak, Bewdley Outdoor Bike Hire offer a range of children’s and adult bikes with a choice of hire time.