At a glance
Where
10 miles south-west of Birmingham
Park
Nimmings, free for National Trust members
Paths
Pushchair and wheelchair friendly
Bluebells
Late April to May
This spring the Clent Hills burst into colour, with bluebells blanketing the slopes — easy to see why a million people visit every year.
It’s close to home, but somewhere I’d always overlooked. You can travel the world and never explore what’s on your own doorstep.
Sunset from the top
We went on a warm late-Sunday evening, about an hour before sunset. Nimmings car park closes at 5pm, so we parked on the road outside — do the same in the evening so you’re not locked in.
Take the path on the left from the car park, straight to the top. It’s a gentle incline with a little uneven ground, and pushchairs and wheelchairs manage fine.
The sun went down a deep red, casting pink and orange across the landscape. People had picnics, cameras, dogs — everyone taking in the last minutes of light. We could see the Malverns, Dudley Castle, Birmingham and mountains as far as Wales.
The bluebells by morning
I’d spotted glimpses of purple through the trees, so I went back early the next day with better light and almost nobody around.
On the way I pulled over at some woodland already carpeted in bluebells, and spent an hour in the rays of sun through the trees. From the top of the hill you only see hints of colour — it’s at the bottom that you realise how far they spread.
Good to know
Bluebell etiquette
- Don’t pick them Bluebells take 5 to 7 years to establish from bulb to flower.
- Stay on the paths Footfall damage takes years to recover.
- A rare sight The UK has almost half the world’s bluebells — they’re rare elsewhere.
After your walk
Food
The cafe at Nimmings
An amazing sausage and bacon sandwich on thick crusty bread.
Family
Toilets and a woodland playground
Right by the car park — great for children.
