Birmingham is an incredible city but it has a lot of built up area and sometimes, we need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Luckily there are some amazing hills and mountains to discover for walks and hikes nearby, many can be reached within an hour or two.
Whether you want to hike, walk, camp or cycle - these destinations will fulfil your desire. It just wonderful to reach the top of these summits where the views are beautiful! And, sometimes, just being in nature is enough to refresh our heart and soul.
Taking a stroll up these hills is not a Bear Grylls kind of adrenalin-packed adventure, but it is still one where you could test your body’s limits - but a little more calmly, at your own pace. These summits and peaks are also accessible for walking your dogs or spending a fun family time. They can be the stepping stones to introducing children to natural beauty around us.
So, if you are feeling inspired for a hike on a weekend, here are eight peaks and summits near Birmingham you can visit:
1. Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire
You can take a walk in the wildlife-rich heathland and enjoy the views across the Shropshire Hills, or simply play in the stream in the valley. You can also enjoy a wild swim in the reservoir with great views all around. (Photo - Geoff Pick / Carding Mill Valley from the Road By Burway Hill / CC BY-SA 2.0) | Geoff Pick / Carding Mill Valley from the Road By Burway Hill / CC BY-SA 2.0
2. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire/Herefordshire
The Malvern Hills have incredible cultural heritage. The most iconic of which are the two large hillforts – Midsummer Hill (owned by the National Trust) and, one of the best examples of a hillfort in Britain - British Camp. There is a lot to do here if you love hiking. (Picture: David Davies/PA Wire) | PA (Press Association) Photo: David Davies
3. The Wrekin, Shropshire
There is an Iron Age hill fort on the summit at the Wrekin in Telford. There is a variety of rocks ranging from differen ages and wildlife to enjoy out in the open air. (Photo -Roger Kidd / Shropshire cropfields and The Wrekin / CC BY-SA 2.0) | Roger Kidd / Shropshire cropfields and The Wrekin / CC BY-SA 2.0
4. Clent Hills, Worcester
Clent Hills is a stunning countryside haven in the heart of the busy Midlands. You can walk up to the Four Stones - which were built by Lord Lyttelton in the 1800s. (Photo credit: Pianoplonkers/Wikimedia Commons) | Pianoplonkers