Clent Hills: The Best Views Within Half an Hour of Himley

There are few places in the Midlands where you can stand on a hilltop and see the Malverns, the Wrekin, the Shropshire Hills and the edge of Birmingham all at once. Clent Hills is one of them — and it is barely a twenty-minute drive from Himley Country Hotel.

Why Clent Hills

Managed by the National Trust, the Clent Hills are a pair of modest summits — Clent Hill and Adams Hill — rising to around 300 metres above sea level. What they lack in height they more than make up for in views. On a clear day the panorama stretches across Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the southern fringe of Birmingham. It is one of those rare spots where the urban and rural Midlands meet, and the result is surprisingly beautiful.

The hills are covered in a mix of grassland, heather and scattered trees, giving them a wilder feel than most local parks. Skylarks nest here in spring and summer, and the sunsets — particularly from the bench near the toposcope on Clent Hill — are genuinely outstanding.

Walking Routes

The most popular route starts from the Nimmings car park, climbs steadily through woodland to the summit of Clent Hill, crosses the saddle to Adams Hill and returns via a lower path. It takes roughly an hour and a half at a comfortable pace, with one moderately steep section near the start.

For a shorter walk, the circuit from the same car park to the Clent Hill summit and back takes around forty-five minutes. The paths are well-trodden but can be muddy after rain, so boots are advisable from October to April.

The climb is gentle enough that most people manage it easily, and the reward at the top — that enormous, quiet view — makes every step worthwhile.

The Four Stones

Near the summit of Clent Hill you will find the Four Stones — a group of rough-hewn pillars placed there in the 18th century, supposedly to mark an ancient meeting point. They have become something of a local landmark and make a good focal point for photographs, particularly with the hills rolling away behind them.

After the Walk

The village of Clent sits at the foot of the hills and has two excellent pubs: The Bell and Cross and The Vine Inn, both serving well-kept ales and hearty food. On weekends the Nimmings car park can fill up by mid-morning, so an early start or a weekday visit is recommended.

If you only have time for one walk during your stay at Himley Country Hotel, make it the Clent Hills. The views alone are worth the drive, and on a fine evening there is nowhere better to watch the sun go down over the Midlands.