Kinver Edge to The Rock Houses loop — Kingsford Forest Park

Embark on a moderate hike along the Kinver Edge to The Rock Houses loop, a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) journey with 457 feet (139 metres) of elevation gain that typically takes 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. You will traverse a high sandstone ridge, moving through colorful heathland and pockets of woodland. From the ridge, you can enjoy far-reaching views across several counties, including the Clent Hills and Shropshire Hills, before descending to the unique Kinver Rock Houses carved into the soft red sandstone.

When planning your visit, note that the Holy Austin Rock Houses are owned by the National Trust and are open to the public. These historic cave dwellings, inhabited as recently as the 1960s, now feature a tea-room and toilets, providing a convenient stop during your hike. The varied terrain includes natural earth, gravel, and some steep sections, so sure-footedness is beneficial.

This trail offers a rich blend of history and nature, highlighted by an ancient Iron Age hillfort with impressive ramparts on Kinver Edge. The area is renowned for having more rock dwellings than anywhere else in England, including Nanny's Rock, once home to a herbalist. The heathland is also a habitat for diverse wildlife, such as adders, common lizards, and various birds, with the wider Kingsford Forest Park offering opportunities for deeper woodland exploration.