Stourport Circular Walk

Located between the Rivers Severn and Stour, Stourport on Severn is an inland port. A system of locks joins the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to the River Severn at Stourport's basins. Stourport thrived during the late 18^th and early 19^thcenturies when it linked the Bristol Channel to the industrial Midlands further east.

Stourport's importance declined as the railways arrived. Today tourism provides the town's wealth, its seaside atmosphere, colourful canal basins and pleasant setting attracting many visitors.

In 1994, Wyre Forest District Council declared Burlish Top as a local nature reserve. It is a rare lowland heath and oak woodland habitat and is being managed for its wildlife. During the Second World War, this area accommodated the US Army's 297^th General Hospital, equipped with 1442 beds. A second 16 ward hospital unit was situated to the south-west between what is now the nature reserve and Burlish Crossing.

The disused railway bridge, which you pass beneath, is another piece in the jigsaw to understanding Stourport's industrial history.

The track, which has since been dismantled, followed the River Severn to Hartlebury. This was the original Severn Valley Railway. The line came from Shrewsbury, beyond Bridgnorth and extended south from Bewdley to Hartlebury, not to Kidderminster.

The Stourport Circular Walk has been developed by Wyre Forest District Council with support from Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Service.

Route Information:

Start and finish at Stourport on Severn Riverside car park (pay and display) or alternatively from Blackstone Picnic Site (Grid Reference: 796744). 6.5m / 10.5km, approx 4 hours.

Additional Facilities and Information:

• Free car parking at Blackstone Picnic Site and Burlish Top Nature Reserve
• Information boards at Burlish Top Nature Reserve
• Good public transport links
• GPS ref: DY13 8RB

OS Maps:

OS Explorer 218, OS Landranger 138.

Download Stourport Circular Walk leaflet