SO8382 : Staffordshire Way on Kinver Edge in Staffordshire
Moderate; steep and uneven sections

Kinver Edge

164m Elevation
75m Prominence
England Country
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SO8382 : Staffordshire Way on Kinver Edge in Staffordshire

Roger D Kidd Photo source

Overview

Kinver Edge

Kinver Edge’s recorded summit is 164 m, at the trig point SO 83267 83022. Its prominence is 75 m in DoBIH. The hillfort viewpoint and the Rock Houses are separate from this summit.

A summit circuit

The route card follows Countryfile’s complete Compton Road circuit via the hillfort, summit trig and Nanny’s Rock. Its published figures are 6.4 km, 215 m ascent and 2½ hours, graded moderate. The National Trust’s Centenary trail is another published 6.4 km estate circuit, with 2½–3 hours stated; its text does not explicitly confirm the exact trig visit. Do not mix the two sources’ statistics or assume every estate trail reaches the high point.

Geology and history

The red crags expose Permian Bridgnorth Sandstone, with younger Kidderminster Formation beds on the ridge. Historic England identifies the northern camp as an Iron Age hillfort; earlier origins remain uncertain. The toposcope and rock houses are attractions in the wider landscape, not substitutes for the recorded summit.

Visiting

The described walk uses Compton Road parking. Rock Houses admission and opening arrangements are separate from countryside access. The tea room and toilet involve steep steps. Confirm current transport, facilities and local signs before visiting.

Expect uneven ground and short steep climbs. Take extra care near Nanny’s Rock after rain, keep dogs controlled around cattle and follow seasonal restrictions. No general family, wheelchair or cave-safety guarantee is made by this route summary.

Explore routes near Kinver Edge

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Kinver Edge: Centenary woodland and hillfort circuit

6.3 km ~3h Moderate

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Kidderminster to Debdale Lock: Wolverley canal towpath walk

9.4 km ~3h Easy

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Kidderminster Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Severn Valley Country Park and Miners’ Bridge

3.8 km ~1h 45m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Kinver Edge trig and Nanny’s Rock circuit from Compton Road

Start at Compton Road parking by Holy Austin Rock Houses (SO835836). Follow the purple-marked woodland approach, then signs to the hillfort via the war memorial and gates. Pass the toposcope and ramparts, continuing along the Staffordshire Way to the 164 m summit trig. Descend through the purple-marked woodland junctions toward Vale’s Rock, then climb through gates to Nanny’s Rock. Follow the lower-ridge path, zigzag steeply uphill and take the Rock Houses signs back to the original Compton Road car park. Countryfile publishes 6.4 km, 215 m ascent and 2½ hours, graded moderate, for this full circuit. Take extra care at Nanny’s Rock after rain; interior visits are optional.

6.4 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

164m

538 ft

Prominence

75m

Coordinates

52.4449, -2.2476

SO832830

OS Map

138

Explorer: 218 219S

At the Summit

DoBIH records the summit as the trig point at SO 83267 83022, 164 m. The hillfort toposcope, Holy Austin Rock Houses and Nanny’s Rock are separate features.

Terrain & Geology

Woodland tracks sandy heath and ridge paths with uneven surfaces short steep slopes and kissing gates. The summit trig and the hillfort viewpoint are separate locations.

The Geological Conservation Review describes Kinver Edge’s red sandstone crags as the Permian Bridgnorth Sandstone Formation, deposited as wind-blown sand. Sandstones and pebbly beds of the Kidderminster Formation cap the ridge. The exact rock beneath the summit trig is not established here; the whole Edge should not be described as one Triassic sandstone unit.

Views & Scenery

Countryfile describes views from the hillfort viewpoint toward Dudley Castle, Sedgley Beacon and the Clee Hills. These are viewpoint-specific and depend on visibility.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The Staffordshire Place-Name Project traces Kinver to the early form Cynibre (736) and proposes a likely British origin, reconstructed as Cunobriga, meaning “dog’s hill”. This is a qualified scholarly interpretation, not the earlier “king’s ford” explanation.

Historical Significance

Historic England records Kinver camp as an Iron Age hillfort with a single defensive circuit, including a later Second World War Home Guard shelter. The National Trust treats an earlier origin as a possibility, not an established construction date. The Rock Houses are a separate part of the estate’s history.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

National Trust guidance identifies lay-by parking on Compton Road for the Rock Houses and on Comber Road for countryside walks. The described summit circuit starts at Compton Road, SO835836. Check current signs and availability.

Public Transport

National Trust guidance lists buses from Stourbridge and Kidderminster to Kinver and identifies Stourbridge as its rail approach. Operator routes, days and times have not been verified; check the current timetable and onward walk before travelling.

Nearby Facilities

The National Trust tea room and toilet are at the Rock Houses, reached by steep steps, rather than at the summit. Check opening times and admission arrangements before visiting; these facilities do not imply step-free access across the Edge.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven sandy paths, steep woodland slopes and kissing gates need care.
  • Countryfile warns of slippery conditions around Nanny’s Rock after rain. Rock-house interior visits are optional; follow current signs and do not climb the cliffs.
  • Grazing cattle may be present, including areas using virtual fencing. Keep dogs under control and observe seasonal lead restrictions and posted exclusions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Kinver Edge?

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Are there other walkers around Kinver Edge?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Kinver Edge search or of course create your own walk for Kinver Edge

Can I organise a walk to Kinver Edge?

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Kinver Edge?

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Location

Kinver Edge location map

Grid reference: SO832830

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