Beat a path to the Vale for a hiker's heaven

The Vale of Evesham can boast some of the finest walks on offer and has even been labelled 'a walker's paradise'.

Although by no means bound to walking on their own turf, the Vale of Evesham group of the Ramblers' Association is rightly proud of its home patch, according to chairman Eric Davis.

"I get the feeling there are a lot more people walking these days than a few years ago," said Mr Davis, whose group boasts a membership of more than 200.

Bredon Hill is probably the area's signature walk, with the effort required to scale the peak more than justified by the views afforded from its vantage point.

Viewpoint

"It's a good walk to the top and a great viewpoint when you get there," said Mr Davis. "There are lots of footpaths and different routes to get to the top, so there is plenty of variety.

"You can see Gloucestershire and Worcestershire on a clear day and have views of the Clee Hills, the Clent Hills, towards Birmingham, and the Lickey Hills."

Another popular route in the Vale takes in the Lenches, a set of picturesque villages huddled against a backdrop of fruit trees, which blossom spectacularly in the spring.

"The Lenches is a really pretty part of the world with very pretty villages full of attractive houses and the blossom is an added draw," said Mr Davis.

But it is not just among the wandering fields of Evesham's agricultural base that walkers can sample the views. In the town itself and along the languidly winding River Avon, there is plenty on offer.

"There are some lovely river walks, one of which we often take along to Cleeve Prior," said Mr Davis. The number of riverside inns only adds to the attraction along this particular route. Of course pubs are an important feature of our routes," added Mr Davis. "But hopefully towards the end of walks!"

He added: "Even in Evesham town centre itself there is a lovely spot at Hampton Ferry and there is also the walk to the Jubilee Bridge at Fladbury and Charlton."

With so much to offer, Mr Davis is keen to encourage visitors to get out of the car and onto the footpaths, particularly the young.

"Rambling still seems to be predominantly the preserve of the over 40s but there are some youth sections, like the one at the Worcestershire group," he added.

"Evesham has so much to offer because on one side of the Vale you have the beautiful Worcestershire countryside and on the other you have the Cotswolds, which is a delightful place to ramble."

Blossom trails to be hiked all year

THE launch of three new Blossom Walks as part of the ever-popular Blossom Trail drew an impressive response this year, with guide packs selling out twice over at Evesham's Tourist Information Centre.

The Blossom Trail, which promises motorists a spectacular view of the Vale's fruit trees in bloom every spring, has been a perennial favourite, drawing visitors from all over the country for the past 20 years. But this year, Wychavon District Council decided to try to persuade drivers out from behind the wheel with three dedicated walks.

Tourism officer Angela Tidmarsh said the move was a popular one. "The Trail offers people a blossom experience and the walks served to further complement that," she said.

This year's late spring did little to dampen enthusiasm among ramblers who tried the three, four-and-a-half and six-mile routes.

"The blossom itself means the Trail and the walks are a very weather-dependant attraction but we have ensured there are plenty of other sights en route," added Angela. "Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Countryside Centre, Almonry Heritage Centre, several award-winning parks, the towns of Pershore and Evesham, Evesham Abbey and much more."

The Blossom Walks can be enjoyed year round as part of the sumptuous choice of rambles in Evesham and the Vale. The shortest is a three-mile jaunt around The Lenches. The mid-length walk encompasses Fladbury and these two can be combined for a longer stroll. The six-mile hike takes in Tiddesley Wood in Pershore.