We’re incredibly lucky in Kempsey. Not only do we live in a beautiful part of Worcestershire, but we also have around 60 miles of footpaths and bridleways weaving their way through the parish – offering something different in every direction you turn.
From riverside walks along the Severn and the Hams (our flood meadows), to green lanes, commons, arable fields and pastureland, there’s no shortage of places to explore. On a clear day, the views really come into their own – with the Malvern Hills stretching across the horizon, and glimpses of Bredon Hill, the Abberley Hills, the Clock Tower, and even the Clent Hills if the conditions are just right.
Walking Through History
Many of Kempsey’s paths are more than just routes – they’re links to the past. When you walk along the Roman Road or the Saltway, you’re quite literally following footsteps laid down hundreds of years ago.
Some paths once served a very practical purpose. Routes from the surrounding hamlets allowed people to walk into the village for work, worship, and even to follow funeral processions to St Mary’s Church. Land now crossed by the M5 motorway was once allotment ground, where villagers grew their own produce long before it became fashionable again. Materials such as sand from the area around Sandpits Lane (now Draycott Lane) and marl clay from Marlbank were once used locally for road building.
Keeping the Paths Open
There’s an ongoing programme of path clearance across the parish, supported by volunteers who do a brilliant job keeping routes usable and reporting issues. Kempsey’s volunteer Parish Paths Warden – often affectionately known as the Footpath Fairy – works alongside local lengsthmen to manage vegetation and flag problems with Worcestershire County Council.
If you spot an issue while out walking, these can be reported online via the county council website, or by contacting the Parish Council office.
Walks Around Kempsey
The book Walks Around Kempsey is still available and remains a lovely companion for exploring the area, although it was produced in the 1980s and some details are now out of date. The nine walks are beautifully described by the author Rachel Evans, and work is ongoing to reopen blocked paths so all routes can once again be enjoyed.
At present, three walks are fully accessible thanks to the work of the current Parish Paths Warden, Lesley Cox, with more to follow over time.
Enjoy the Countryside
The best way to help keep Kempsey’s paths open is simple: use them. Regular footfall helps prevent paths becoming overgrown and makes them easier to maintain. While you’re out, keep an eye out for the birds, insects, mammals and wildflowers that also call Kempsey home.
The Countryside Code
When exploring the parish, please help look after it:
- Respect the local community – your actions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods
- Leave gates and property as you find them and stick to marked paths
- Protect the natural environment – take litter home and leave no trace
- Keep dogs under effective control
- Plan ahead, follow local signs, and take care on country roads
Most of all, enjoy getting out and about. Kempsey’s footpaths and bridleways are one of the parish’s real treasures – and they’re there for everyone to enjoy.
