Bewdley Walks
The Worcestershire town of Bewdley is in a great location for exploring the popular Wyre Forest where there are miles of fine woodland trails to try. There's also lovely riverside paths along the River Severn and the nearby Ribbesford Woods.
This walk uses a section of the Severn Way to take you to the Blackstone Riverside Park, just to the south of the town.
The walk starts on Bewdley Bridge and follows the waymarked path south for about 1 mile on the river's eastern side. You then cross to the western side to visit the Blackstone Riverside Park where there is a picnic area and some nice trails to try. The route then returns to Bewdley on the other side of the river.
To continue your walking in the area head south along the river to visit Stourport. There's nice trails to follow around Hartlebury Common and along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal which starts in the town.
If you head north along the river to Dowles you can pick up the Geopark Way and head west into the expansive Wyre Forest. There's nice trails along the Dowles Brook to Knowles Mill and Chamberline Wood.
Bewdley is the start point for the Worcestershire Way and North Worcestershire Path long distance footpaths. The former runs all the way to Great Malvern in the Malvern Hills, while the latter will take you to Shirley, in the West Midlands, through four beautiful country parks.
Bewdley Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Bewdley Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Bewdley OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Bewdley Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Near to the start of the walk around Bewdley Bridge you'll find the Mug House Inn. This riverside inn has a sun terrace and restaurant overlooking the River Severn. It's a fine place to enjoy a meal on a pleasant summer day. You can find the pub just north of the bridge at 12-13 Severn Side N with a postcode of DY12 2EE for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The river paths make for a pleasant walk with your dog. There's also some decent woodland trails in Ribbesford woods just to the south of the park. The Mug House mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For an alternative circular route try the Ribbesford Circular Walk. This waymarked trail takes you around the park and into the countryside just to the south west of the town.
Just to the west you'll find the small market town of Cleobury Mortimer as you pass into Shropshire. It's a picturesque town with nice walks through the valley of the River Rea to try.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Worcestershire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Bewdley bridge. Bewdley grew up around this strategic crossing of the River Severn, becoming a major inland port. Thomas Telford designed the current bridge. It was built in 1798 by Shrewsbury-based contractor John Simpson for £9,000. There is, I believe, still a right of navigation to powered craft as far upstream as this bridge.
Bewdley Bridge and River Severn looking south
Severnside South looking towards Bewdley Bridge. The Royal Mail like to call this street Severn Side South but the common local usage is normally Severnside South
Blackstone Riverside Park entrance. Although Blackstone Rock is actually on the other side of the River Severn, the countryside park known as Blackstone Riverside Park is on this side of the river. The riverside footpath from Bewdley enters the Park here by the welcome noticeboard. The river is on the left, but hidden by the vegetation. Just behind the camera is the Bewdley Bypass Bridge.
Blackstone Rock, a geologically significant site just south of the town. This striking outcrop of sandstone is located next to the River Severn, with springs bubbling up underneath creating a cave. In medieval times up until the eighteenth century, these were inhabited by hermits
Wild flowers along the River Severn
Ornamental Pond in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens. These gardens are located in the town on the western side of the river. The site is a nice place for a stroll with pretty ponds and gardens set within a conservation area. You can find the gardens on the High St at DY12 2DW.
The Mug House Inn, 12 Severnside North. This old inn dates from sometime between the late 1790's and the 1820's. It has a wonderful view from the front of the River Severn. There are chairs & tables adjacent to the river for the use of patrons. The inn is now one of just two remaining in this road and still has its original name. Mug House being a 17th century term for an alehouse allowed to sell ale, porter, wine & spirits. The inn has its own website which also covers the adjoining "Angry Chef Restaurant" which is in common ownership with the inn and externally decorated in the same style.