Shropshire & Staffordshire

Woodland trail

Bench with views from Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire. High sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking dramatic red sandstone rock houses. — Explore the historic landscape at Kinver Hillfort | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

This woodland walk is perfect for families, with natural woodland play areas along the way leading to far-reaching views from the hillfort. Finish off with a visit to the Rock Houses.

Near to

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Start point

Compton Road lay-by parking, SO 83575 83631

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.1 (km: 1.76)

Duration 45 mins to 1 hour

Dog friendly***

*Majority of walk follows a gentle slope. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**The trail ends with steep steps. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs should be kept under close control. For further details, see section marked Facilities.

Look out for orange waymarkers

There are orange waymarker arrows to help guide you along the trail.

Address
Rock Houses, Compton Road, Kinver, Staffs. DY7 6DL
Directions via Google Maps
By road
From Stourbridge take the A458 towards Stourton, then the A449 to Kinver. In Kinver village follow signs to the Holy Austin Rock Houses, and park on the free lay-by parking. There is a signed overflow car park around the corner, you can also pick up the woodland walk from here by crossing the road and following the orange arrow waymarkers.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Compton Road lay-by parking, SO 83575 83631
Stage 1
From the noticeboard, turn right across the sandy area and take the uphill path into the woods, waymarked with an orange arrow.
Stage 2
At the crossroads, you will find tree stumps, fallen logs and some den-building materials. Continue along the central path, following the orange markers, to find more natural play in the woods.
Stage 3
Pass through the gate and turn left to enter the Iron Age hillfort. From here you can enjoy far-reaching views across several counties, and use the toposcope to work out which hills and towns you can see.
Iron Age hillfort
This hillfort dates back to at least the Iron Age, and has impressive ramparts and an outer ditch along the south-west and south-east sides. The remaining sides enjoy the natural defences of steep banks, and views across three counties. The hillfort sits on a historic county border and would have been an important trading post as well as having a defensive role. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and kept deliberately clear of vegetation to protect and showcase the dramatic ramparts.
Stage 4
From the corner of the hillfort you will see a sign directing you down to the Rock Houses. Go down the steps and bear left, it is a short 10-minute walk to these unique homes carved straight into the sandstone rock. There is also a tea-room and toilets. From here it is a couple of minutes back to the car park.
End point
Compton Road noticeboard, SO 83575 83631
Trail map
Woodland walk at Kinver Edge | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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A visitor in the distance seen through a rock doorway exploring the red rock formations at Kinver Edge

Trail

Centenary trail

Discover two very different Rock Houses on this trail - one restored and another hidden in the trees - as you walk through woodland and heathland habitats.

A longhorn cattle on the heath at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Trail

Heathland trail

An easy circular walk through rare heathland habitat at Kinver Edge, with plenty of opportunities for taking in the views and spotting wildlife along the way.