SO7280 : Geopark Way climbing a steep hill near Kinlet, Shrops
taken 5 years ago, near to Kinlet, Shropshire, England
The Geopark Way is a long distance footpath (ldp) designed to highlight geology, landscape and associated heritage by linking geological sites in the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark. It starts in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, and passes through Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire before arriving at its final destination Gloucester Cathedral.
This ldp is far less known than many and as some of it travels along ridge-tops some climbing is involved. Facilities are few and far between and in many places other walkers are rarely seen, so it is best to be prepared for emergencies and not to travel if the weather is uncertain. Signposting is patchy and maps are essential. North of Kinlet (as of early 2019) some stiles were partly collapsed and very difficult to pass over. These have been reported. The same situation may possibly be found elsewhere. Unfortunately the majority of the footpath is totally unsuitable for wheelchair users, and other people with limited mobility are likely to experience difficulty with some of the stiles. The path extends for 109 miles (175 km approx).
A Trail Guidebook is published by the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust, and there is a simplified geological map published by the British Geological Survey. (This doesn’t replace the need for Ordnance Survey maps). Also a short Visitor Guide gives useful information about accommodation and eating places.