Heart of England Way, long-distance walk through the Midlands of England
The Heart of England Way is a 101-mile trail stretching from Milford Common near Stafford to the village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The route runs through Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire, passing over farmland, small woods, open heaths, and alongside rivers and streams.
The trail passes Castle Ring, an ancient hillfort showing signs of early settlement, and Lichfield Cathedral with its historic spires and buildings. These locations tell the story of human presence in this region across many centuries.
The trail passes through small historic villages like Alcester and Bidford-on-Avon, where walkers can notice traditional stone buildings and local life. These settlements reflect how communities have shaped this countryside over centuries.
The trail is marked with green and white discs and can be walked in manageable sections over 6 to 10 days total. After heavy rainfall, a section near Kingsbury Water Park may flood, so walkers can follow an alternative route along the canal instead.
The route officially passes close to Meriden, considered the center of England by some, though this claim is debated among geographers. Volunteer section wardens maintain the trail and walkers can report issues like fallen trees or damaged path sections to the Heart of England Way Association.
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