Doors Closed in the Royal City
It was whilst completing the Rail Walk between Worcester and Droitwich that I noticed new way-marker posts.
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| Well Signed |
The Wild About Worcester Way is a 12-mile circular walking route created by the Worcester Environmental Group (WEG) in partnership with Worcester City Council and local conservation volunteers. Officially launched in May 2023, the path links together many of the city’s green and wild spaces – from Worcester Woods Country Park and Gheluvelt Park to Laugherne Brook Nature Reserve – creating a continuous wildlife corridor around the city. Designed to encourage people to explore local nature, boost wellbeing, and promote biodiversity, the trail is fully way-marked and highlights the best of Worcester’s riverside, parkland, and community conservation projects.
Of course I was going to walk it. But twelve miles? I can easily squeeze two day trips out of that and maybe investigate a few other things on my ever-growing list.
I start at the river bridge, finding the first marker at Pitchcroft - through parkland, canals and nature reserves.
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| Looking out across Pitchcroft to Worcester spires |
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| Worcester - Birmingham Canal |
The unspoiled, unchanged St Nicholas Church at Warndon is more or less half way and seems a fitting place to stop – austere inside and out, with an oak-timbered tower containing bells cast in the 1400s. The heptagonal font is rumoured to be fashioned from a hollowed-out Roman pillar.
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| A rare, unmodified original |
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| Sectioned Pews that wouldn't disgrace Belfast's Crown Liquor Stores |
The walking done, the 34 back to town.
My first port of call is the Guild Hall. A recent walk told the story of the only Worcestershire Policeman to be killed on active duty. His assailant, was hanged at Worcester Jail. Which resides in the basement of this building. I attempted to determine when the public could gain access. The Tourist Information Centre told me to go to opposite reception. The opposite reception told me to go to the TIC. Eventually, I was told about organised walks. One for another day.
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| Guildhall, low on information |
Pub time. The Cocky Anchor is a new micro pub, optimistically housed directly opposite the city's last remaining Wetherspoons. I've been before and it's OK - hard for me to justify the double price per pint. Plus, if I am in 'Spoons, I am looking at the lovely building, a former artists residence. If I am the cocky anchor, I am looking at thrifty daytime boozers and the ghost of Mappiman present and future.
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| The Sliver that is the Cocky Anchor |
So why attempt a return? Right at the top, there is a rooftop terrace, promising unparalleled views over the City. It comes with a list of caveats. Only open Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. You cannot take the cask from the downstairs bar. Five flights of stairs, health and safety fans.
So this - I'll go to Worcester's best Traditional. Always a wonderful selection of LocALE bitters in the Plough. Today, this includes a wonderful Cotswold Lion Top Tup.
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| Nowhere better in Worcester for the traditionalist |
I'll be back next week to see what other places I cannot get into.
Walk Details
Distance - 6 Miles
Geocaches - 2
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