The Rednal, Cofton and Bilberry Hills of Lickey border into areas of heathland and wetland and offer great views over Birmingham. The highest point is Beacon Hill where there is a toposcope showing the ten neighbouring counties.
There are a number of marked trails across the area and the ones we generally take are the Squirrel Trail (3/4 mile), the Bluebell Trail (1 1/2 miles) and the Woodpecker Trail (7 miles).
The one we're recommending today is the Squirrel Trail although it's probably too cold this week to spot many squirrels.
If you don't live locally, it's best to take the car to the visitors centre which is sign-posted (brown tourist signs) off Rednal Road heading towards Barnt Green.
If you head off left from the carpark along the marked woodland track, you pass through a lovely tree-lined route of oaks, chestnuts trees, birches and rowan. It's nice and flat so you're not even really aware that you're on a gradual climb unless you peer through the trees on your right and look over the bank.
Tucked away from view about a 1/4 mile up the track, you'll come to this amazing tree sculture of Icarus. Carry on along the track and eventually you'll see the yellow marker post for the Squirrel Trail.
If you're feeling energetic, you can carry on along the Bluebell Trail but we turn right down the hill, it's not too steep but you might have to negotiate a few logs while you're following the woodland path.
This path leads down to a wide woodland track with runs alongside the wooded park area. carry on along here and you'll come to another tree sculpture of a lady. We don't know who she's supposed to be but, like Icarus, she's been there since we were puppies.
If you're got children with you, this path takes you right past probably the best treat of the walk for them...the play area. Our owner thinks it's one of the most exciting play areas in the region as there's a tyre zip wire which is always popular when the weather's good.
And if you carry on, as you're now nearly back at the carpark, you can call in at the cafe which has a gift shop with pocket-money priced toys and stationery.
Head on past the cafe and you come out to the path which takes you up some steps back to the carpark.
Recommended by Twinkle.
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