Clent Hills Dog Walk: Four Stones Ridge and Views to the Malvern Hills
Clent Hills, Worcestershire
Clent Hills is the Birmingham dog walker’s nearest proper ridge walk, and on a clear Saturday morning the car park at Nimmings Wood fills early. The main circuit takes in Walton Hill, the highest point at 316 metres, and continues to the Four Stones on Clent Hill - four standing stones erected in 1763 by Lord Lyttleton of Hagley Hall, and the landmark most people photograph on their way round. From the ridgeline the views reach the Malvern Hills to the south and into Shropshire to the west, with the Birmingham skyline visible behind you. The National Trust cafe at Nimmings Wood has outdoor seating and is reliable for a post-walk coffee.
Partial off-lead: large areas of the open hilltop can be used off lead away from livestock zones. From March to May, dogs must be on lead on the Horse’s Mane and Walton Hill sections during lambing, which includes some of the best open terrain on the walk. Outside lambing season, the ridge gives good off-lead space. Two practical notes worth knowing: the Nimmings Wood car park closes at 4pm regardless of the time of year, and the car park fills by mid-morning at weekends from spring through autumn.
Frequently asked questions
Can I let my dog off the lead at Clent Hills?
Partially. The National Trust states dogs can run off lead in large areas of the park but must be on a lead in the car park, the cafe area, the Viewpoint path, and all areas grazed by livestock. From March to May during lambing season, dogs must be on lead around the Horse’s Mane and Walton Hill areas specifically. Outside lambing season, the open ridgeline between Walton Hill and Clent Hill gives good off-lead space away from the livestock zones. Strong recall is essential given the proximity to other walkers and mountain bike trails.
Is there a cafe at Clent Hills that allows dogs?
Yes. The Nimmings Wood Cafe at the car park has dog-friendly outdoor seating and serves sandwiches and hot drinks. Note the car park closes at 4pm - plan your return accordingly, especially in summer when you might be tempted to stay later. In Clent village, the Fountain pub has dog-friendly outdoor seating. The Bell and Cross at Holy Cross (DY9 9QL) is a well-regarded dog-friendly pub a short drive from the hills.
Are there livestock at Clent Hills - when do I need a lead?
Yes. Sheep graze the Horse’s Mane and Walton Hill sections from March to May during lambing. Cattle also graze parts of the hills. During lambing, the National Trust requires dogs on lead in those sections. If cattle approach your dog, the NT recommends releasing the lead and calling the dog back when safe - keeping a tight lead with approaching cattle can increase the risk. Always check the NT’s current seasonal guidance before visiting in spring.
Is Clent Hills suitable for dogs from Birmingham - how do I get there?
Yes - Clent Hills is the closest proper ridge walk to Birmingham and is popular with city dog owners. By car, the Nimmings Wood car park (B62 0NL) is approximately 30-40 minutes from central Birmingham via the M5 or A456. Note the postcode is in a Halesowen postal area even though the hills are in Worcestershire - both sat nav and Google Maps navigate correctly to it. By public transport, Bus 192 from Birmingham stops at Hagley (approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Nimmings Wood). Arrive early at weekends - the car park fills by mid-morning from spring through autumn.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info