Pershore Bridges: River Avon and Tiddesley Wood circular walk

Start at Pershore Bridges Picnic Place car park, beside the old bridge on Bridge Street. Cross the medieval bridge on its pedestrian route, then cross the main road carefully to join the north-bank riverside footpath. Follow the Avon downstream through the riverside fields and across the small footbridges.

The waymarked circuit leaves the water for Defford Road. Follow the short roadside section shown by the council waymarks and cross carefully into Tiddesley Wood. Stay on the main woodland ride, then take the public footpath east towards the orchards and open pasture. This gentle climb gives a view back towards Pershore Abbey. Follow the marked field paths to Defford Road, use the pavement and return through Cornmore to the riverside path, retracing the final riverside stretch and old bridge to the car park.

Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the roughly five-mile circuit. Expect grass riverbank paths, field edges, gates, a flight of steps and a gradual woodland climb. Riverside ground can be muddy or flooded after rain. Check Environment Agency flood information before leaving and postpone the walk if the riverbank is inundated. There are road crossings, including the main road near the start and Defford Road; wait for a clear safe gap.

Tiddesley Wood is a nature reserve. Keep to the designated ride and public rights of way, keep dogs on a lead, avoid forestry operations and never enter the marked firing-range danger area. The picnic place is free to enter with 24-hour pedestrian and vehicle access and a parking height barrier. Its toilets are permanently closed; Pershore town has shops and places to eat. Route and access information checked against Worcestershire County Council's Pershore Bridges Circular Walk and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust's current Tiddesley Wood guidance.