Kinver Edge

Kinver Edge is a high heath and woodland escarpment just west of the village of Kinver, on the border between Staffordshire and Worcestershire in England. In a single outing you can combine a walk through rare heathland, views from the ridge and a visit to homes carved into the rock.

Where is Kinver Edge and how do you get there?

The ridge lies about four miles west of Stourbridge and four miles north of Kidderminster. It is looked after by the National Trust. You can leave a car at the car park on Compton Road or at the one on Kingsford Lane. One of the longer trails starts from a lay-by on Comber Road, so check where your chosen route begins before setting off.

What are the Holy Austin Rock Houses?

The main attraction is a set of dwellings cut into the sandstone, known as the Holy Austin Rock Houses. Families are reported to have lived in them until the 1960s. Today part of the site has been restored: one level has a visitor reception, while the upper level holds an unrestored dwelling and a tearoom. The upper level is reached by about 30 steps, or by a moderately steep path through the surrounding countryside.

Which walking trails are there?

Several routes of different lengths are available:

• Woodland trail – about 1.1 miles, taking 45 minutes to an hour. It finishes with steep steps, so it is not an entirely flat stroll.
• Heathland trail – about 4 miles, starting at the Comber Road lay-by. It crosses rare heathland habitat and continues to the Iron Age hillfort.
• Kinver Edge circular – about 4.2 miles, graded easy, starting at the National Trust car park on Compton Road. Some walkers say the steep climbs are tougher than the grading suggests, and that path junctions can be hard to follow.

Is it a good place for a family day out?

Yes, as long as you are ready for steps and inclines. The short woodland trail makes a pleasant walk, and if you have more time the longer routes take you across the heath and to the site of the old hillfort. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as paths run over uneven ground and along slopes.

When should you visit?

The heath looks different in every season, and the views from the edge of the ridge are at their best in clear weather. If you plan to combine the walk with the rock houses, check current opening times on the National Trust website, since the reception and tearoom keep their own schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kinver Edge in Staffordshire or Worcestershire? It sits on the border between the two counties. The village of Kinver is in Staffordshire, and the ridge runs along the dividing line.

Can you go inside the rock houses? Yes. You can visit the restored level with the reception and the unrestored dwelling above. Reaching the top means climbing about 30 steps or taking the path up.

How long does a walk take? The short woodland trail takes around an hour. The heathland trail and the circular route run to roughly four miles, so set aside a few hours for them.

Where can you park? At the car park on Compton Road or at the one on Kingsford Lane.

What is the highlight? The mix of three things: views from the escarpment, rare heathland, and homes cut into sandstone where people were living only a few decades ago.