The Clent Hills are a popular destination for residents of Birmingham who want to escape into the countryside and enjoy long walks and panoramic views from the Clent range of hills, which eventually join up with the Lickey Hills.
The Clent Hills are located to the south-west of Birmingham near Stourbridge and Halesowen, with the nearest motorway access at M5 Junction 3. This area was once part of the ancient Mercian Forest, and in the Domesday Book the hills are referred to as “Klinter”.
A large area of the hills, including Clent Hill and Walton Hill, is protected by the National Trust. The heathland provides a safe haven for fallow deer, buzzards, and other wildlife, while the wider area is rich in woodland and natural heath. On clear days, visitors can enjoy views across the Shropshire Hills, the Cotswolds, and the Welsh borders.
This is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide variety of walks and bridleways ranging from gentle strolls to more arduous hill climbs. The standing stones, arranged in a circle, may conjure images of druids and Celts from ancient times, but in reality they were originally part of the Hagley Hall Estate and are not authentic.
Broadcaster Adrian Chiles chose the Clent Hills as his favourite hidden tourist attraction on the BBC website. Walton Hill rises to just over 316 metres, with Clent Hill close behind at 309 metres.
For more photographs of the Clent Hills click here or view them on YouTube.
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