Welcome to Kempsey, where every footpath is a journey through time.
Not only are we surrounded by rolling hills, commons, and the beautiful River Severn, but we’re also walking in the literal footsteps of history. With over 60 miles of public footpaths and bridleways, Kempsey isn’t just a paradise for ramblers — it’s a living museum under open skies.
From Bronze Age to Bootprints
More than 3,000 years ago, long before our modern parish formed, Kempsey was already an ideal spot for settlement. Elevated, defensible, and rich in resources, the land where St Mary’s Church now stands offered early humans everything they needed — fresh water, food, and protection.
Evidence of Bronze and Iron Age life is scattered through our fields: an ancient cloak clasp, fragments of pottery, and even a bronze spearhead pulled from the Severn. These aren’t just museum pieces (although many can be found in Worcester Museum); they’re reminders that our everyday strolls once served as vital trade and travel routes for ancient peoples.
The Rise of Kemys Eye
The area took on real strategic significance when a Celtic chieftain named Kemys founded a settlement here. Surrounded by marshes, the river, and a protective earth wall (or ‘agger’), it became known as Kemys Eye — the root of the name we now know as Kempsey.
The Roman Road (and More)
When the Romans arrived, they knew a good location when they saw one. They built a military camp here to guard the Saltway and the ford across the river — critical connections between northern Britain and the southwest.
Artifacts like Roman coins, pottery, bricks stamped with legion names, and even a milestone to Emperor Augustushave been found right here in Kempsey. Imagine strolling one of our green lanes and unknowingly tracing the same route Roman legions once patrolled. Even remnants of a Roman bridge were discovered in the 1800s beneath the Severn — proof of Roman ingenuity and presence.
Walking Today – Nature and Heritage Side by Side
Today, you can walk those same ancient paths. Whether you’re ambling across the Hams flood meadows, skimming the edge of the river, or heading uphill for a panoramic view of the Malverns, Bredon Hill, or even the Clent Hills, Kempsey rewards every step with history and natural beauty.
Our Parish Paths Warden, Lesley Cox, is actively restoring and maintaining our trail network. Though some of the routes in the classic Walks Around Kempsey (by Rachel Evans) are a little dated, many are still accessible — and more are opening up over time.
So grab your boots, pack a flask, and walk with the past! Just remember:
- Stick to marked paths and leave gates as you find them.
- Keep dogs under control and be respectful to livestock and landowners.
- Leave no trace – carry your litter home and preserve the beauty we all enjoy.
Whether you’re walking for fitness, history, or just a breath of fresh air, Kempsey is the perfect place to stretch your legs and feed your curiosity.
