With Christmas Day now less than a week away and schools across the region breaking up for the holidays, many residents are planning their festive celebrations. For those seeking a refreshing escape from the festivities, a brisk winter walk can be the perfect tonic for the soul.
A long, meandering stroll is an ideal way to clear the mind or work off some of the calories from a hearty Christmas meal. If you're wondering where to head for your festive constitutional, we've compiled a list of some of the best-rated trails in the West Midlands, according to popular walking app AllTrails.
Sutton Park Circular: A Spacious Festive Stroll
This highly-regarded route in Sutton Coldfield boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 415 reviews. AllTrails classifies it as a moderate walk. The trail covers 10.9km with an elevation gain of 224m, taking an estimated 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.
The walk begins at the car park near Bracebridge Pool. It then guides you through surrounding woodland and across open parkland, passing Longmoor Pool and Holly Hurst. The route visits the visitor centre by Town Gate before leading you through more woodland past Blackfoot Pool, eventually returning to the start.
Kinver Edge Circular: Heathland and Rock Dwellings
Scoring an impressive 4.7 out of 5 from 1,146 reviews, the Kinver Edge Circular is another moderate trail. It is 6.4km long with 201m of elevation gain, typically taking 2 to 2.5 hours.
Starting from the Kingsford Lane car park, the path takes you across Kinver Edge. This area is noted for its sweeping views, rich heathland wildlife, and the fascinating rock houses, which are dwellings carved directly into the sandstone.
The Bulls Head and Earlswood Lakes: A Gentle Festive Loop
Ideal for those seeking a less strenuous option, this circular trail is rated 4.3 out of 5 from 406 reviews and labelled as easy. It stretches for 6.8km with 175m of ascent, requiring roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
This pleasant walk begins at The Bulls Head pub in Earlswood, near Solihull, on the border between the West Midlands and Warwickshire. It offers a tranquil loop around the scenic Earlswood Lakes.
Walton Hill to Four Stones: Panoramic Vistas
For walkers craving spectacular views, this moderate circular route has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 372 reviews. It covers 8.2km with 240m of elevation gain, with an estimated completion time of 2.5 to 3 hours.
The trail takes you up Walton Hill and to the Four Stones of Clent Hill in Worcestershire. From these vantage points, you are rewarded with spectacular views over Birmingham, Kidderminster, and the surrounding countryside, making it a memorable festive outing.
These four trails offer a fantastic way for West Midlands residents to embrace the outdoors this Christmas Day. Whether you seek woodland, water, heathland, or high vistas, there's a route to suit every walker looking to build up an appetite or walk off the Christmas pudding.
