4.6
(736)
4,679
hikers
307
hikes
Hiking around Netherton offers a variety of trails through the Worcestershire countryside, characterized by rolling hills, agricultural land, and historic villages. The region's prominent feature, Bredon Hill, provides elevated paths with expansive views over the surrounding landscape. Woodland sections and open fields are common along the hiking trails, connecting points of interest like Elmley Castle and Great Comberton.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
4.9
(87)
293
hikers
8.18km
02:25
230m
230m
Embark on the Elmley Castle & Bredon Hill loop, a moderate hiking route that takes you through varied landscapes. This 5.1-mile (8.2 km) journey, with its 761 feet (232 metres) of elevation gain, offers a rewarding experience that typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. You'll traverse open farmland and peaceful forest paths, leading to the ascent of Bredon Hill where panoramic views await. Look out for the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley stretching into the distance, with the picturesque Elmley Castle village providing a charming backdrop.
To make the most of your hike, proper walking footwear is highly recommended due to the varied terrain, which includes some fairly steep climbs. Parking is generally available in Elmley Castle, making it a convenient spot to begin and end your adventure. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the views from the summit.
This route is nestled within the beautiful Cotswolds National Landscape, offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty and history. As you explore, you'll encounter historical points of interest such as Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill and the unique Elephant Stone, also known as the Banbury Stone, adding a layer of intrigue to your outdoor excursion.
4.7
(24)
83
hikers
12.6km
03:36
280m
280m
Embark on the Great Comberton & Bredon Hill loop from Elmley Castle, a moderate hike spanning 7.8 miles (12.6 km) with an elevation gain of 923 feet (281 metres). This varied route takes about 3 hours and 36 minutes to complete, leading you through meadows, open countryside, and woodlands like Cames Coombe. As you ascend Bredon Hill, you will find a mix of footpaths, road sections, and potentially muddy or uneven ground. From the 981-foot (299-meter) summit, you can enjoy expansive views across Worcestershire to the Malvern Hills, south into the Cotswolds, and over the Vale of Evesham.
For your visit, the Queen Elizabeth pub in Elmley Castle serves as a convenient starting and ending point for this loop. Be prepared for varying path conditions, as some sections can be muddy, and the ascent up Bredon Hill may be steep in parts. The trail also includes plank bridges over ditches, and you might encounter brambles and nettles in some areas.
This trail is notable for its rich history and diverse landscape. Bredon Hill itself is a significant landmark, once an Iron Age hillfort known as Kemerton Camp and later a Roman encampment. At its summit, you will find Parsons Folly, an 18th-century Gothic tower also referred to as the Banbury Stone. The route showcases the beauty of the northern Cotswolds and Worcestershire countryside, combining rolling hills, open fields, woodlands, and charming villages.

5.0
(4)
6
hikers
8.76km
02:23
120m
120m
Hike the moderate Elmley Castle & Great Comberton loop, a 5.4-mile route through charming Cotswolds villages and rolling countryside.
5.0
(23)
84
hikers
9.24km
02:42
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
71
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Doors open on my visit (midday, Friday). Quite austere inside, with little decoration.
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When you reach the top of the climb you are rewarded with a fine view of the Cotswold Hills to the south.
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Pleasant views of Malvern and the surrounding areas from up there. The folly is ugly as sin but then it IS a folly so... yeah. Not a particularly difficult climb to get up there from either direction.
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The biggest Cotswold outlier, just short of a thousand feet high with magnificent views across the Avon and Severn valleys.
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Beautiful little village below Bredon hill, with a magnificent 800yr old Yew Tree in the church grounds.
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The climb up is unrelenting, but not too steep. Gives great views north to the Vale and beyond.
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Lovely village that is the starting point for several walks, good pub too!
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A quite impressive rock formation that really does look like an elephant lying down.
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There are over 300 hiking trails around Netherton, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The region is known for its rolling hills, historic villages, and scenic views.
Yes, Netherton offers a good selection of easy trails. Approximately half of the routes, around 159, are classified as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll through the countryside.
Hiking around Netherton primarily features rolling hills, agricultural land, and historic villages. You'll encounter woodland sections and open fields, with prominent features like Bredon Hill offering elevated paths and expansive views over the surrounding Worcestershire landscape.
Many of the trails around Netherton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Elmley Castle & Great Comberton loop is a popular 5.4-mile (8.8 km) option that takes you through village landscapes and open countryside.
While most trails are moderate, there are 10 routes classified as difficult for those seeking a greater challenge. These often involve more significant elevation changes, particularly on and around Bredon Hill, and cover longer distances. An example is the Elmley Castle village – Warren Wood loop from Elmley Castle, which is a longer 10.3-mile (16.7 km) route with over 360 meters of ascent.
The Netherton area is rich in historical and natural attractions. Along your hikes, you might encounter landmarks such as Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill, the historic St Mary's Church in Elmley Castle, or the unique Elephant Stone (Banbury Stone). Many trails also lead to the Bredon Hill Summit, offering panoramic views.
Absolutely. The trails that ascend Bredon Hill are renowned for their stunning viewpoints. The Elmley Castle & Bredon Hill loop, for instance, provides excellent vistas from the hill's slopes and summit, allowing you to see across the Worcestershire countryside.
The trails in Netherton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, including the charming villages, peaceful woodlands, and the rewarding panoramic views from Bredon Hill.
Yes, many trails are suitable for families, especially the easier routes that traverse flatter sections of the countryside or explore village surroundings. The varied terrain means you can find paths that are not too strenuous for younger hikers, offering a pleasant outdoor experience for all.
Most public footpaths and bridleways in the Netherton area are dog-friendly. However, please be mindful that you will often be walking through agricultural land with livestock, so it's essential to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, and to clean up after them.
While Netherton itself is a small village, some local bus services connect to nearby towns like Evesham or Pershore, from which you might be able to access trailheads. However, public transport options can be limited, so checking local bus schedules in advance is recommended. Many hikers prefer to drive to trail starting points.
Parking is often available in or near the villages that serve as trailheads, such as Elmley Castle or Great Comberton. Look for designated village car parks or consider parking responsibly on streets where permitted, being considerate of local residents. Some popular starting points for trails on Bredon Hill may also have small parking areas.
Yes, several of the historic villages in the Netherton area, such as Elmley Castle and Great Comberton, have traditional pubs that are popular stops for hikers. These establishments offer a chance to refuel and enjoy local hospitality, often with outdoor seating options.


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