Barrow Hill

The walk up Barrow Hill rewards you with proper views across Worcestershire - on a clear day you can see all the way to the Malvern Hills, which makes the climb worthwhile. It's not a particularly high summit, but the moorland and bracken at the top have a wild feel that surprises people who expect the West Midlands to be entirely built-up. The route itself is straightforward, a steady trudge rather than technically demanding, so families with reasonable fitness can manage it without drama. Most people allow two to three hours for the full outing, including time at the top to catch your breath and admire the landscape. Worth doing early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds on summer weekends. Kidderminster sits just a few miles away, so you could easily combine this with a wander around town or grab lunch beforehand. If you're based at one of the nearby camping spots - Wolverley Camping and Caravanning Club Site is particularly well-placed - Barrow Hill makes an excellent half-day excursion that doesn't require driving far. The ground can be boggy after rain, so proper walking boots are essential. Kids tend to enjoy the scramble up more than the views, to be honest, but once they've summited there's usually enough space to let them run about safely. Walkers who've tackled the Malverns will find this a gentler proposition, though no less rewarding on a good weather day.