10 of the best places to go for a walk in the West Midlands this summer weekend

The sun is set to be out across the West Midlands this weekend, so it’s the perfect time to get our walking boots on, clear your head and go out for a hike.

We have put together a list of the most beautiful areas in our region to take a walk and enjoy the sun.

Below are 10 of the best summer walks in the region.

Let us know in the comments if you can recommend any others - we’d love to know if there are any other local spots you think are worth a mention.

1) Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich

Salter’s Lane, West Bromwich B71 4BG

The country park is a firm favourite and people travel from far and wide to enjoy the 660 acres of woods and farmland, lakes, walking trails and bike tracks.

Sandwell Valley also boasts a huge playground which the little ones are sure to love - especially the hamster wheel. As well as that, there is a splash pad (open during the warmer school holidays), golf courses, paved walking routes, food and drink vendors, and an RSPB nature reserve, meaning your walk is likely to be filled with the sound of birdsong.

Look out for lapwings, grey herons, kingfishers, skylarks and goldfinches.

Parking is available at:

• Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre Main car park, Pavilion car park and overflow car parks - Lodge Hill Road, via Salter’s lane B71 4BG
• Dartmouth Park car park - Lodge Hill Road, via Salter’s lane B71 4BG.
• Forge Mill Farm & Lake car park - Forge Lane, B71 3SZ
• Swan Pool car park - Park Lane, B71 3SZ

2) Kinver Edge, near Stourbridge

Warden's Lodge, Comber Road, Kinver, Staffordshire DY7 6HU

The beautiful village of Kinver is just five minutes' drive away from Stourbridge, and famous for its high sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking the rock houses.

Visitors can park up then climb to the top of Kinver Edge to take in views that stretch all the way across the Midlands and beyond.

Enjoy one of the walking trails; the circular heathland trail walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Start at the old Warden's Lodge, then follow the red arrows that waymark the route through rare heathland up to sweeping vistas. 

The Rock House café, run by National Trust, serves everything from light bites to sandwiches and soup, all in a unique rock-cut setting. 

Parking is free lay-by parking on Compton Road for the Rock Houses that are also run by National Trust, or on Comber Road for the wider countryside of the Edge.

Sat Nav: Use postcode DY7 6DL to arrive at the Rock Houses

3) Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield

Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT

Sutton Park is one of the most diverse and stunning natural areas in the region.

There are dozens of paths and bridleways running across the park, making it easy to explore. 

Cycling and horse riding are allowed on the bridleways, and sailing and canoeing can be enjoyed on Powell's Pool with the Sutton Sailing Club. You can kayak and canoe at Blackroot Pool with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Canoe Club. 

There are a number of car parks in Sutton Park at Streetly Gate, Four Oaks Gate, Town Gate, Boldmere Gate, Banners Gate.

4) Cotwall End Valley, Dudley

The Alley, Dudley DY3 2UL

This picturesque park is home to walking trails, pools, brooks and natural springs.

Go for a stroll through the woodland and enjoy the green leaves, before heading to Brockswood sanctuary and meet the animals.

Free parking and toilets are available at the animal sanctuary at Catholic Ln, Sedgley, Dudley DY3 3YE.

More information can be found at dudley.gov.uk.

5) Bunkers Hill, Stourbridge

Kinver, Stourbridge DY7 6PQ

Bunkers Hill in Stourbridge is over 100 acres of beautiful woodlands, treating visitors to views of Kinver Edge to the west and countryside stretching towards Stourbridge and Birmingham to the east. 

There are a number of trails and terrains for all - perfect for a summer walk. 

Parking is available at the main entrance off Whittington Hall Lane. Find out more at woodlandtrust.org.uk. 

6) Merrion's Wood, Walsall

Birmingham Road / Skip Lane, Walsall, B43 7AN

Near the town centre is a 20 acre secret garden made of oak and beech woodland.

The main path leads to a woodland pool and bridge as well as a playing field for picnics and games.

There is parking on-site, and more information can be found at go.walsall.gov.uk.

7) Alder Coppice Woods

Northway, Dudley DY3 3RF

The local nature reserve is 25 acres of ancient woodland between Northway and Pennwood Farm in Sedgley.

Within the woodland there are three way marked pathways, yellow, red and blue which represents short, medium and long routes. 

The paths are mostly wood chipped and well maintained, and seats are dotted about the wood in the form of upturned tree trunks and benches.

The woodland has a range of wildlife such as woodpeckers, Muntjack and Roe deer, foxes and badgers, and the woods are packed with all sorts of wild flowers. 

There is no parking on the site. 

8) Highgate Common, near Wombourne

Highgate Common, Wombourne, Staffordshire, DY7 5BS

Highgate Common is a small remnant of an ancient lowland heath, a fantastic habitat for wildlife.

It is also home to some peculiar creepy crawlies. Walk along any of the sandy paths on Highgate Common and you'll see countless small holes - these holes are made by ground nesting solitary bees and wasps.

The Common is one of the best places in the country to spot these fascinating insects.

Parking is available at Highgate Common car park, Birches Coppice car park and Moddlers car park.

9) Clent Hills, Hagley 

Hagley, Stourbridge B62 0NL

The landscape across the Clent Hills is glorious to see.

It has good car parking (National Trust charges apply), a café and natural playground too, and the walk to the top of hills is fairly accessible. The easy access path from Nimmings Wood car park (Hagley Wood Lane) will be the best route if you have a pushchair or wheelchair, this path is also red sandstone (compacted gravel). 

From the top you can enjoy stunning panoramic views stretching out to the Welsh borders, taking in the Cotswolds and the Shropshire Hills on the way.

Parking charges apply at Nimmings Wood car park off Hagley Wood Lane, but free for National Trust members.

10) Baggeridge Country Park, South Staffordshire

Baggeridge Country Park, Gospel End, Sedgley, DY3 4HB  

The 152-acre Green Flag Park lies just on the edge of the Black Country and has so much to offer - a tea room, miniature railway, children's play area, challenge academy (High Ropes), walking trails and toilets. 

There is also a good network of surfaced paths allowing access around the park and to Himley Hall and Park. 

There is a car park on-site. More information can be found on the South Staffordshire Council's website.