St Kenelm’s Way
A 50-mile long-distance path in the West Midlands and north Cotswolds, linking the Clent Hills of south Birmingham—where St Kenelm spent his days—with Winchcombe, where he was laid to rest. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SO 94338 80606
Distance: 50 miles (80 km)
Time: 20–25 hours
Duration: 4–5 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
219 Wolverhampton, Dudley, Stourbridge and Kidderminster
204 Worcester and Droitwich Spa
205 Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham and Alcester
OL45 The Cotswolds
Summary
St Kenelm’s Way traces a route of 50 miles through Saxon Worcestershire from Clent to Winchcombe in the Cotswolds.
Following field and woodland paths and a stretch of the scenic Worcester and Birmingham Canal, the walk undulates past historic villages to the halfway stage at Upton Snodsbury. From Wyre Piddle, the River Avon is followed to historic Pershore.
A Saxon ridgeway over Bredon Hill and the Salt Way climbing above Hailes provide views back to Clent, and the descent to St Kenelm’s Well at Winchcombe makes for an exhilarating finale.
The legend of Kenelm was first recorded by a monk at Worcester Abbey and tells of the murder of the young prince while on a hunting trip in the forests of Clent from the Mercian palace at Winchcombe. (Courtesy: John Price)