4.7
(7)
36
hikers
Abberley Circular Walk
03:19
11.2km
310m
Hiking
Embark on the Abberley Circular Walk, a difficult hiking route that takes you through a diverse landscape of quiet lanes, open fields, and dense woodlands filled with sweet chestnut and ancient yew trees. This 7.0-mile (11.2 km) journey challenges you with 1028 feet (313 metres) of elevation gain, requiring about 3 hours and 18 minutes to complete. As you ascend Abberley Hill, you'll be rewarded with splendid panoramic views stretching east over the valley of Dick Brook, and you can often spot the distinctive Abberley Clock Tower marking your progress.
Before you set out, be aware that this difficult route features several steep sections, especially as you climb Abberley Hill and approach the former quarry. Surfaces can become slippery and wet, particularly in these steeper areas and within the woodlands, so choose your footwear carefully and check weather conditions before you go. You will generally find parking available near the start point in Abberley village, making access straightforward for drivers.
This trail offers more than just a workout; it's an exploration within the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark, highlighting the region's unique geological heritage. You will pass by the former Shavers End Quarry, a site that provides insight into the area's rich past. The varied terrain and historical points of interest make this route a compelling choice for hikers seeking both a physical challenge and a connection to the landscape.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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3.20 km
Shavers End Quarry
Highlight • Viewpoint
The Lower Ludlow Shales Group is the lower of the two units and consists of a series of siltstones and bluish grey mudstones. These rocks can be best seen at the southern end of the quarry, as well as on the eastern banks of the quarry lakes. The Aymestry Limestone is a blue-grey, nodular argillaceous limestone and forms the main rock face that extends along the western side of the quarry. The limestone is shaly and impure and notably contains a thick band of bentonite.
Shavers End Quarry sits variably in the hinge zone and on the overturned limb of a large fold. The Lower Ludlow Shales and Aymestry Limestone at this locality are upside-down, suggested by the wrong-way-up orientation of fossils and other sedimentary structures. The age of folding has been the subject of much debate, with many different interpretations; it may have formed during the Variscan Orogeny (~300 million years ago); others suggested that folding occurred during the earlier Caledonian Orogeny (390 million years ago). However it is generally agreed that folding was instigated by thrust faulting on the East Malvern Fault system.
This site is part of the Community Earth Heritage Champions Project.
Tip by
5.25 km
View of Abberley Clock Tower from Abberley Hill
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
6.26 km
Ruins of St Michael's Church, Abberley
Highlight • Historical Site
The church and tower are built of sandstone ashlar, faced externally and internally, except that the chapel walls are partly covered internally with a thin coat of plaster. The tower, nave and western portion of the chancel date from the early 12th century; about a hundred years later the chancel was lengthened eastwards, while the south chapel was added c. 1260, and the south aisle towards the end of the same century. Very little seems to have been done to the fabric till modern times, with the exception of the buttressing of the north wall of the nave in the 14th century and the insertion of a window in this wall in the 15th century. By the middle of the 19th century the fabric had been allowed to fall into considerable disrepair, and was abandoned, a new church being erected in 1852 on a site about a quarter of a mile to the north-west. In 1908 the chancel and chapel were put into a state of repair, and are now used for services. The nave and aisle are roofless and in a very ruinous condition, the walls being overgrown with ivy, while, with the exception of the north and east walls, only the lower stage of the tower, now covered with a pent roof, remains.
The chancel has a three-light east window with original internal jambs and a wood frame of the early 19th century. The gable has been rebuilt in brickwork. At the north-east are two early 13thcentury lancets placed close together, forming twin lights; they have internal labels with head-stops, and stepped sills. To the west of these can be seen a straight joint in the walling, showing the junction between the work of the 12th century and that of the succeeding century. To the west of this again is an early 12th-century single-light window with a round head and stepped sill. High in the wall above can be seen the lines of two blocked clearstory windows. The easternmost window on the south side is a wide single light with a pointed head, plastered internally; this has evidently been formed out of twin lights similar to those on the north, the central jambs having been removed, probably in the late 16th century, while the outside has been rebuilt at a modern period in brick with rounded edges. About the middle of the wall is the east jamb of an early 12th-century light similar to that on the north. This was doubtless blocked in the 13th century, when the arch to the south chapel was pierced. This last is a low two-centred drop arch of two chamfered orders on the chancel side and plain on the side towards the chapel. The east respond has an impost moulding at the springing of the arch, enriched with the dog-tooth and having a king's head at the southern angle, while on the chancel side there is a small engaged round shaft with capital and base. Above the arch are the lower parts of two wide clearstory windows, now inclosed below the aisle roof. The jambs, which are of mediaeval character, have no grooves for glazing, and are now covered by the wall-plate of the chancel roof. There is an old plain square-headed aumbry near the centre of the north wall, and another aumbry opposite to it on the south. The wide two-centred chancel arch is probably of the 13th century. It is now blocked, the only part exposed being plastered. In the blocking is reset an early 12th-century doorway taken from the north wall of the nave and now very much weatherworn and decayed; the jambs have each a single engaged shaft with a rudimentary leaf capital and plain chamfered abacus, but no base. The semicircular head is enriched with cheveron ornament and has a simple chamfered label.
At the east end of the south wall of the south chapel is an original window of two wide plain pointed lights under a two-centred head. To the west of this is a plain semicircular-headed doorway, probably of the early 18th century; the wide singlelight window on the west is formed by the modern filling in of the flying arch by which the chapel must have originally opened to the aisle. In the north wall of the nave is a late 15th-century window, originally, no doubt, of two lights, but the tracery has now gone. To the west of this is a wide gap in the wall, from which the doorway in the chancel arch has been taken. This wall is strengthened in the centre by a large 14th-century buttress, and by one of the same period at the west end, while two modern flying buttresses have also been added; the western part beyond the gap is further retained by a solid block of masonry. Of the south arcade, which was of three bays, only the two pillars and the east arch remain, the latter held in position by an iron tie. The pillars are circular with square plinths and circular moulded capitals; the remaining arch is pointed and of two chamfered orders, springing from twin corbels upon the east respond. The work dates from the late 13th century, but is very much weatherworn and decayed. The west wall at a modern period has had an additional 1 ft. 10 in. added to its thickness on the inside, which has been carried to a short distance above the tower doorway; this doorway has a semicircular arch with a simple splayed edge, and is probably of 14th-century date.
There are three windows in the south wall of the aisle. The arch of the easternmost is broken away and the jambs are too much defaced to indicate its date; the other two are of the late 13th century and are each of two trefoiled lights under a square head. Both are very much weatherworn, but the western one is the more perfect. Between them is the 12th-century south doorway which was moved out from the south wall of the nave on the erection of the aisle; it has a semicircular arch of two moulded orders, a plain tympanum with strapwork border, and two engaged shafts in the jambs, with capitals which have evidently been carved, but no bases; all is very much decayed and the outer order of the arch has been partly broken away.
The tower remains intact only in the lower stage. There is an original 12th-century round-headed light in the south wall, but above this the wall has been cut away to follow the slope of the roof which now covers in the remaining portion of the tower. On the west side is the lower part of a similar window, the arch of which with the wall above has gone, while the outer stonework of the jambs has been defaced. Below this window is a blocked doorway. The north wall remains up to the second stage of the tower. There is a double-chamfered string-course at the level of the window sills of the first stage, the lower chamfer of which on the north side is relieved with checker ornament.
The chancel is covered by a trussed oak roof of the late 14th century, with foiled wind-braces and principals having collars and spandrel pieces. The aisle has a lean-to plaster ceiling. The east window is filled with early 19th-century heraldic glass, and in the south window of the chancel is a shield, Gules five wings saltirewise argent, for Porter, quartering Argent three helmets sable for Miniett, and Barry argent and sable three cotton hanks or, for Haywood. There is an 18th-century oak chest in the chapel. The eastern part of the chapel is screened off by a good 18th-century iron screen with plain vertical bars.
On the south wall of the chancel is a marble monument, with two inscribed tablets, divided and flanked by Ionic columns resting on consoles and supporting an entablature crowned by a segmental pediment. The first tablet is to Elizabeth, wife of William Walshe and daughter of Sir George Blount of Sodington, who died in 1645, and above it is a shield charged with the fesse and martlets of Walshe impaling the barry wavy of Blount. The other tablet is to Ann, wife of George Walshe and daughter of John Collins of Suffolk, who died in 1679. The shield above bears the arms of Walshe impaling a griffon for Collins; the shields in both cases are uncoloured. Near the chancel arch, on the south wall, is a small oval monument, much worn, to John Chapman, rector, who died in 1690, and at the west end of the chancel is a slate tablet to John Brasier, who died in 1683. On the north wall of the chapel are monuments to Thomas Bury, who died in 1769, and Ann his wife, who died in 1761, and to Thomas Severn, who died in 1780, while on the south wall is a monument to Thomas Bury, who died in 1778. There are several 18th-century floor slabs in the chapel to the Walshe family, and one to Stephen Marsh, 'coroner of this county,' who died in 1705. Standing detached on the sill of one of the north windows in the chancel is a diminutive recumbent effigy of a knight in armour of circa 1400. The little figure is of a light sandstone, and measures 9 2/8 in. by 2¼ in. The head rests upon a horse's head and the feet upon a dog, and the hands are in the attitude of prayer; the lower part of the right leg, the left foot, and the right elbow are broken away.
There is one old bell, cast at York, which is now cracked and placed on a wood frame in the chapel. It dates from the 15th century, and was probably the tenor, and is inscribed 'Ave Gracia Plena Dominus Tecum.' The initials are crowned, and the maker's stamp, three bells on a shield, is four times repeated.
The plate consists of a silver stand paten of 1714, given by Elizabeth Walshe in 1715, and a modern chalice and cover paten and flagon.
The registers before 1812 are as follows: (i) baptisms and burials 1559 to 1804, marriages 1559 to 1754; (ii) containing marriages 1754 to 1792 is missing; (iii) baptisms 1805 to 1813, burials 1805 to 1836, marriages 1792 to 1813.
Tip by
11.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.80 km
4.06 km
1.41 km
780 m
141 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.80 km
3.59 km
2.50 km
895 m
471 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (40 m)
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Weather
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Sunday 10 May
13°C
2°C
14 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to complete the Abberley Circular Walk?
The Abberley Circular Walk is approximately 11.2 km (7 miles) long and generally takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes to complete. However, this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views or explore points of interest.
What is the terrain like on the Abberley Circular Walk?
The trail offers a varied terrain, including quiet lanes, open fields, and significant woodland paths. You'll encounter diverse trees like conifer, sweet chestnut, and ancient yew. Be prepared for steep sections, especially during the ascent of Abberley Hill and near the former Shavers End Quarry. Surfaces can be slippery and wet, particularly in steeper areas and during certain seasons.
Is the Abberley Circular Walk suitable for beginners?
The Abberley Circular Walk is rated as 'difficult' due to several steep sections and notable elevation changes. While some parts are manageable, the sharp inclines through rough woodland and steep wooden steps make it challenging. Hikers should have a reasonable level of fitness and appropriate footwear.
Where can I park for the Abberley Circular Walk?
The walk typically begins and ends in Abberley village. While specific parking details are not provided, you would generally look for public parking options within or on the outskirts of the village.
Is the Abberley Circular Walk dog-friendly?
Yes, the Abberley Circular Walk is generally dog-friendly. However, as the route traverses open fields and woodland, it's advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through areas with livestock or near roads. Always follow the Countryside Code.
What are the best times of year to hike this trail?
The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In spring, you'll see wildflowers, and in autumn, the woodland colors are vibrant. Be aware that in wetter months, some sections can become very muddy and slippery, making sturdy waterproof footwear essential.
What notable landmarks and viewpoints can I expect to see?
The route offers splendid panoramic views, especially from Abberley Hill, where you can see the valley of Dick Brook and, on clear days, the Malvern Hills. Key landmarks include the distinctive Abberley Clock Tower, the former Shavers End Quarry, and the picturesque Ruins of St Michael's Church, Abberley. You'll also pass through charming countryside, including an old pear orchard and an ornamental pond.
Does the Abberley Circular Walk intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the route incorporates sections of other established trails. A significant portion of the Abberley Circular Walk follows the Worcestershire Way, and it also overlaps with parts of the Geopark Way.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike the Abberley Circular Walk or visit the Geopark?
No, you do not need a permit or to pay an entrance fee to hike the Abberley Circular Walk. The trail is freely accessible to the public. It lies within the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark, which is an area recognized for its geological significance, but it does not have entrance fees for general access.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the trail for refreshments?
The walk begins and ends in Abberley village, which offers opportunities for refreshments. You can find local pubs and potentially cafes within the village to enjoy before or after your hike.
What should I wear and bring for this hike?
Given the varied and sometimes challenging terrain, including steep and potentially slippery sections, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended. Dress in layers suitable for the weather conditions, and consider waterproof outer layers. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a map or GPS device, and a first-aid kit.