Clent Hills: Buzzard Trail and Four Stones

Start at the woodland exit beside the map board in Nimmings Wood car park, off Hagley Wood Lane. This 3.7 km circuit follows the National Trust’s Buzzard Trail around Clent Hill, with a short extra spur to the Four Stones. Allow about 90 minutes for the climbs and viewpoint stops.

Head uphill through Nimmings Plantation to the toposcope. The route then drops west into woodland, turns south along the hillside and climbs back through the Five Ways junction. Keep to the mapped tracks at the numerous forks. On the upper return leg, take the short out-and-back spur to the Four Stones before following the broader viewpoint path down to the car park. The western loop and the summit spur offer quite different views, so it is worth saving time for both.

Although the distances are modest, expect repeated slopes, uneven sandstone, roots and muddy patches after rain. Wear footwear with grip. Some tracks are shared with horses and cyclists; give other users room and keep clear of private estate paths beyond the signed hill routes. Cloud or mist can hide the views and make junctions harder to recognise.

There is a café and toilets at Nimmings Wood, subject to opening hours. Parking is charged for non-members; members must check in using the machine or the operator’s stated method. Check the posted closing time before setting out, as the car park is gated and seasonal hours vary. Keep dogs on leads in the parking and café areas, on the viewpoint path and around livestock.

Route reference: the National Trust’s Buzzard Trail and current Clent Hills visitor information. This version adds the short Four Stones spur; follow temporary notices on the day.