Stonehenge. It may be thousands of years old, but, as anyone who’s visited will attest, there’s much to see beyond these epic ancient rocks. Just flat, arid ground. In many ways, Birmingham’s popular hiking spot, Clent Hills, is the complete opposite—with incredible panoramic views and an underwhelming stone circle at its heart.
Climb to the top of Clent Hill, the most popular in the Clent Hills range (alongside Wychbury Hill and Walton Hill), and you’ll find a not-so-ancient stone circle. Far from megalithic, The Four Stones, as they’re creatively called, are four, well, stones, erected in the 1770s for the entertainment of the locals.
Placed there by the eccentric landowner, Lord Lyttelton of the nearby Hagley Hall, you can only assume it was to mark the very best viewpoint—with sights stretching as far from the Wrekin to the Cotswolds, and even the Welsh Black Mountains. You see, this is what makes Clent Hills truly special, not some knock-off Stonehenge…
What is there to do at Clent Hills?
Beyond four rocks and endless vistas, Clent Hills is all about embracing the great outdoors—with miles of footpaths, bridleways and hiking trails to get stuck into. While Clent Hill can often be busy with bikers, hikers and horseback riders, the quieter Walton Hill is ideal for wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, stoats and deer.
Visit in May for a sweeping of bluebells through the woodland and in the valley, while personally, Clent Hills never looks better than on a crisp winter’s day stroll. Plus, get involved with the hi-tech treasure hunt, Geocaching, to hunt down hidden trinkets year-round. And grab hearty sandwiches from the Nimmings Wood cafe.
How do I get there from Birmingham?
Located near Stourbridge, the quickest way to get to Clent Hill from Birmingham is by car and should take 30 minutes. Take the A456 and turn off onto the Uffmoor Lane in Halesowen. Frustratingly, there’s no easy way by public transport, and it may take you the best part of two hours to get there via train and buses—it may be quicker to cycle!