Avon Valley Circular Walks

The Pershore Bridges Circular Walk is 5 miles long, and follows the tranquil river before climbing through the ancient woodland nature reserve of Tiddesley Woods, and back through pasture, and the river path. As you walk though Tiddesley Woods, the atmosphere changes from the dark, still coniferous area, into a lighter, broadleaved area buzzing with colour and life. A magnificent 10-metre wide coppice stool in the woods is a superb example of how this traditional management practice prolongs the life of a tree almost indefinitely.  Spring flowers including Bluebells, Primrose and Dogs Mercury flourish, and you will be graced with the presence of butterflies and dragonflies throughout the summer.  As you turn for home, from the high vantage point of the pastures above the town, there are fine views of Pershore Abbey and the surrounding countryside.

Eckington Wharf Circular Walk is 3 ½ miles long, and passes several interesting historic aspects along the way.   As you stroll through the meadows, a World War II pillbox stands on the far bank, a reminder of when it was considered necessary to protect the river against possible invasion. Where the railway crosses the river remains of a Roman settlement were found. A colourful boatyard spills over on the far bank. Strensham church sits high on a slope looking down on the Avon and all who pass by. At Strensham Lock admire the colourful cruisers and narrowboats on the moorings or negotiating the lock gates, which are in constant action during the summer. Leaving the river, the quiet lane takes you into Eckington village up a gentle hill. Look out for the attractive church with some fine Norman stonework. All in all, an appealing walk with plenty of stimulation along the way.

All along the river on both walks you will see plenty of willow trees, many of them pollarded, cut at head height so they produce strong branches all from the same height. Willows are very characteristic riverside trees, as they like the damp conditions and can withstand flooding. Shoots grow out from broken and fallen branches, making fine contorted shapes in the trees. Wetland plants that are prominent along these riverbanks include Yellow Flag Iris, Water Plantain, Bulrushes and Watermint. You will certainly see mute swan, Moorhen and Mallard along the river, and with a bit of luck a Kingfisher or Heron, and perhaps waders such as Redshank, Curlew, and Snipe.

The River Avon starts life as a small stream at Naseby in Northamptonshire, and joins the River Severn at Tewkesbury. The river does break its banks and flood the surrounding countryside in places. This is controlled to a degree, by allowing certain areas to flood to take pressure off other areas. It is essential to keep these floodplain areas free from further development, so that water has somewhere safe to go after extreme weather.  These routes may occasionally be obstructed by floodwater.

Route information:

Pershore Bridges Circular Walk 5 miles / 8km, approx 2 ½ - 3 hrs. Grid reference: 953451

Eckington Wharf Circular Walk 3 ½ miles / 5.7km, approx 2hrs. Grid reference: 923423

OS Maps:

OS Landranger map 150, Explorer map 190

Request free Avon Valley Circular Walks leaflets

Download Eckington Wharf Circular Walk leaflet  (968.70 KB) (PDF)

Download Pershore Bridges Circular Walk Leaflet  (1.16 MB) (PDF)

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