Lickey Hills Country Park - A wonderful open space!

Lickey Hills has 525 acres and a complex and interesting geology which has created a variety of habitats.


The hills are a popular country park area and they afford panoramic views over much of the surrounding countryside.

Photography by Karl Newton

Photography by Chris Fletcher

Lickey Hills has a Green Flag Award and is designated as a Country Park.

Photography by Jay Mason-Burns

It is one of the oldest parks managed by Birmingham City Council.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

26 Jun 2019 - On-going

Passions

Green open spaces

You might like

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

Related posts

Green open spaces
03 Dec 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Another visit to Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills

Post image

Only really had time for one park walk during the second lockdown (before I had to go back to work in the middle of November 2020). We went to Beacon Hill a the Lickey Hills Country Park (by car). After getting the skyline view updates, we walked into the woods, down and around the muddy paths. Got as far as a stream before going back up. The woods were covered in leaves and was quite wet.

Related

Another visit to Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills





Only really had time for one park walk during the second lockdown (before I had to go back to work in the middle of November 2020). We went to Beacon Hill a the Lickey Hills Country Park (by car). After getting the skyline view updates, we walked into the woods, down and around the muddy paths. Got as far as a stream before going back up. The woods were covered in leaves and was quite wet.


Beacon Hill into the woods with mud

The weather in November 2020, hasn't been great. We were in lockdown again for 4 weeks. So couldn't go far unless going in the car. And I wouldn't go back to work in the City Centre until the middle of the month (by which time the weather had improved a bit).

Before then we went in the car to Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park on the 10th November 2020. Was a bit cloudy. First priority was to get updates of the skyline. Then we had a bit of a walk down the hill into the woods. Some paths were quite muddy and wet, so shoes and jeans got covered in the muck.

Some signposts pointed to the Rose & Crown and Monument Lane. Although we ended up not getting close to either of those (apart from the road with the stream).

 

Birmingham Skyline, November 2020

First up checking out the Birmingham Skyline. New to the skyline is 103 Colmore Row and The Mercian.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham skyline Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As well as The Bank Tower's 1 & 2.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham skyline Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You can see why they call Birmingham the City of trees!

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham skyline Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

If you zoom in a bit, you can see Old Joe at the University of Birmingham on the skyline with The Sentinels and the Beetham Tower.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old Joe Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zooming in from Beacon Hill to see 103 Colmore Row to the left of The Cube.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/103 Colmore Row Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

103 Colmore Row was seen behind Chamberlain Tower at The Vale Village (University of Birmingham).

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/103 Colmore Row Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The zoom in to The Mercian finds it in front of The BT Tower. The Bank Towers's 1 & 2 seen to the left.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Mercian Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You also have the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Park Regis Birmingham Hotel in this view.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill skyline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Mercian Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Beacon Hill Toposcope

All my main Toposcope photos were taken back during my earlier May 2013 visit so wasn't going to take any new shots of it. But took this pair after the muddy walk down and around the woods as we headed back to the car park.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope LHCP (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was good to be back at the top of the hill, after getting a bit lost around the woods as you will see below. Nice to see the Toposcope again!

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope LHCP (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Around the woods in the mud

At first the path in the woods close to the top of the hill looked quite dry.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was leaves all over the ground below the trees.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The further you got in, the more autumnal it looked, but off the paths.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Up to the fingerpost. Rose & Crown to the left, Monument Lane to the right.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Behind the fingerpost, the hill going down. Don't walk down this bit!

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

We first headed towards the Rose & Crown. But the path got muddy the further you went down, so we went back up.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now heading in the direction of Monument Lane, some trees still have leaves on in yellows and greens.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still a bit muddy as we went down the hill.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting further down and there was a lot of leaves on the path.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some green fields nearby.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

End of this path near the steps, was very muddy with a puddle, but found another way around.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This way seemed less muddy down to the stream.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The stream near the road. I think this was closer to Rose Hill, but we didn't head that way.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Other side of the stream, lined with rocks. We headed this way.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading up a bit, this path looked dry.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw a bridge over the stream and steps, so headed up this short cut to get back up to the Toposcope.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Leaves on the path as we went back up.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back on the main path back up to the top of the hill.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not far now as there was daylight behind the trees.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back up at the top with the field at the top of Beacon Hill.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill woods" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill LHCP (Nov 2020) (20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

For my original post on Beacon Hill go to this post here: Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
History & heritage
10 Nov 2020 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

The Lickey Monument

Post image

If you are walking to or from Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park on Monument Lane, you might spot an obelisk in a field. This is The Monument. Erected in memory of Other Archer Windsor, 6th Earl of Plymouth by the Worcestershire Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry in 1834. He was their Colonel Commandant. From a distance the monument is visible from far and wide.

Related

The Lickey Monument





If you are walking to or from Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park on Monument Lane, you might spot an obelisk in a field. This is The Monument. Erected in memory of Other Archer Windsor, 6th Earl of Plymouth by the Worcestershire Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry in 1834. He was their Colonel Commandant. From a distance the monument is visible from far and wide.


The Lickey Monument

I first saw the obelisk behind some gates off Monument Lane in Lickey back in May 2013. I took some zoom ins over the fence at the bottom, but didn't enter the field at the time. I've seen it again close up at least one more time since, but didn't take more close up photos.

 

Some history.

The monument was erected by the Worcestershire Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry in memory of their late Colonel Commandant, Other Archer Windsor, 6th Earl of Plymouth (1789-1833). He lived in a house in nearby Barnt Green for some time.

 

It is Grade II listed. It dates to about 1834. It was made of Anglesey marble.

Located in a field off Monument Lane, it is also close to Old Birmingham Road. Beacon Hill is to the north west, while Bilberry Hill is to the east.

dndimg alt="Lickey Monument" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Monument Lickey (May 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lickey Monument" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Monument Lickey (May 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lickey Monument" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Monument Lickey (May 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In October 2020, I was walking down the Bristol Road South in Northfield, when I zoomed into this view of the Lickey Hills. The Monument was clearly visible from here. At the bottom of the picture is Longbridge.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Monument Lickey Hills Bristol Rd South Northfield (Oct 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I unexpectedly went down to Longbridge again at the end of October 2020, after getting a bus down Bristol Road South from Selly Oak Triangle. Got off the bus and got this view. The Lickey Hills seen in the distance, but not zoomed in far enough to see The Monument. Bournville College on the corner of Longbridge Lane and Bristol Road South is now part of South & City College Birmingham (either the Bournville or Longbridge Campus).

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Longbridge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Bristol Rd South Longbridge (Oct 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
80 passion points
Green open spaces
13 May 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

From Barnt Green to the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre and back

Post image

In April 2017, I got the train to Barnt Green Station in Barnt Green, Worcestershire, and went into the Lickey Hills Country Park on the walk up the hill to the Visitor Centre. I was aware of the entrance near the station on a previous visit to Barnt Green during April 2015 (2 years earlier). And the other side from Rose Hill and Barnt Green Road in April 2013.

Related

From Barnt Green to the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre and back





In April 2017, I got the train to Barnt Green Station in Barnt Green, Worcestershire, and went into the Lickey Hills Country Park on the walk up the hill to the Visitor Centre. I was aware of the entrance near the station on a previous visit to Barnt Green during April 2015 (2 years earlier). And the other side from Rose Hill and Barnt Green Road in April 2013.


For my first Lickey Hills post click this link: Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park.

In April 2017, I caught a Class 323 train on the Cross City Line to Barnt Green Station, for the walk up the Lickey Hills Country Park towards the Visitor Centre. After popping into the Visitor Centre, I passed an Orchard on the way to Rose Hill. The walk was so long and steep, I felt it was easier to return to the station by walking along Barnt Green Station. Back in April 2013 when I first want to go to Beacon Hill, I was close to the area, but ended up going to Cofton Park instead. On my first train trip to Barnt Green I found the entrance to the Country Park there in April 2015, and made a mental note to return one day. Took me two years before I came back.

2013

In April 2013, I made my first attempt to get to the Lickey Hills Country Park. With the desire to go to Beacon Hill, at the time I did not know how to get there. I walked along Rose Hill near Cofton Hackett, but the paths up to the Visitor Centre side were closed at the time.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Rose Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Rose Hill Cofton Hackett (April 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Footbridge over a stream, you can get to the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre by heading up the path to the left.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Rose Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Rose Hill Cofton Hackett (April 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The paths goes steep up the hill. But some were closed due to the diseased trees.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Rose Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Rose Hill Cofton Hackett (April 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

So at the time, this was as close as I would get to the Visitor Centre. There was a pedestrian diversion in place at the time. I only wanted to go to Beacon Hill at first (which I did a few weeks later).

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Rose Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Rose Hill Cofton Hackett (April 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I also headed down Barnt Green Road, so many trees down here, but at the time didn't walk all the way down. So wasn't until 4 years later that I spotted paths into the country park. On this side is Bilberry Hill.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green Road Cofton Hackett (April 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

So instead I went into Cofton Park, which is south of Longbridge (post coming soon once the project is set up).

2015

I first got a train to Barnt Green in April 2015, mainly for a look around the Barnt Green area (and not to go into the Lickey Hills Country Park). But I did see the entrance to the park from Fiery Hill Road. Cherry Hill Drive is to the right.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green (April 2015) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

According to the Welcome sign, the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre was 1.25 miles away from here.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green (April 2015) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The dirt path from Barnt Green goes up the hill.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green (April 2015) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Horses and bicycles are now allowed up this section.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green (April 2015) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was also this wooden shelter with maps of the park on both sides. At this end it is called the Pinfields Wood. It would be two years before I got the train back to Barnt Green.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green (April 2015) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2017

I next got a train to Barnt Green Station during April 2017, this time for the walk towards the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre. From the gate, view of the station near Fiery Hill Road.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Similar view to 2 years earlier near Cherry Hill Drive, except this time I would walk up the hill. It leads to Cherry Hill Road. This is the Pinfields Wood.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Approaching the end of the first section at Cherry Hill Road. Had to cross over the road and continue into the section known as Lickey Warren.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading into the Lickey Warren part of the Lickey Hills Country Park on the long walk to the visitor centre.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the Bluebell Trail, a field of bluebells.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path continues amongst the trees with the bluebells on both sides.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Hope Hut with picnic benches underneath.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still heading up as some kids have fun running about. Trees are quite tall here.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Approaching the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre for a drink and a sit down.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The car park on the other side of the Visitor Centre. After my break, I next walked down towards Rose Hill.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Barnt Green to Visitor Centre (April 2017) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on Warren Lane, this brick building is the School Room. Would assume that this is the classroom used by visiting schools that come to the Country Park, before they go out and explore it for educational purposes.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading down Drovers Way, then a brief stop on the left at the Orchard.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It's the Lickey Hills Community Orchard. The trees were planted between 2012 and 2014 by the Lickey Hills Society and the Ranger Team.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at the new trees in the orchard. At this point, they had only been there for 3 to 5 years.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back onto Drovers Way on the path down to Rose Hill. Some fallen trees in the wood.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some small wooden bollards on the path. Not too far down to Rose Hill. A bit further on the path would get a bit muddy.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A while later on the walk back to Barnt Green Station, I was now on Barnt Green Road. At Kendal End was this wooden gate. A bit muddy here. Was near a quarry. All part of Bilberry Hill going this way.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At least two gates to the quarry at Kendal End. Some of the plants around here were still diseased so you had to stick to the footpaths and have clean footwear. Also don't remove plant material from the site.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fingerposts to Barn Green Road Quarry and the other to the Visitor Centre.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I only briefly checked out this entrance before going back onto Barnt Green Road.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was another path and gate to Kendal End a bit further down. Even from here was signs warning you about the diseased plants.

dndimg alt="Lickey Hills Barnt Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lickey Hills Visitor Centre to Barnt Green (April 2017) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I will next for this area have to do a Cofton Park post. So watch this space. Coming soon.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
Green open spaces
22 Apr 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park

Post image

Getting to the Lickey Hills Country Park is hard when you don't drive. You get the bus as far as you can and walk to Beacon Hill. Then there is a long walk to the part of the Lickey Hills that you are trying to get to. Technically, the Lickey Hills is within Bromsgrove District, Worcestershire. I went in May 2013 and last time back in January 2018. The walk from Cofton Hackett.

Related

Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park





Getting to the Lickey Hills Country Park is hard when you don't drive. You get the bus as far as you can and walk to Beacon Hill. Then there is a long walk to the part of the Lickey Hills that you are trying to get to. Technically, the Lickey Hills is within Bromsgrove District, Worcestershire. I went in May 2013 and last time back in January 2018. The walk from Cofton Hackett.


I think I will have to do several Lickey Hills Country Park posts.

This one will be about my visits to Beacon Hill in the past. In another post I will detail the walk from Barnt Green Station towards the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre (was very steep going up the hill).

Some history (from the Wikipedia page, link above). The Lickey Hills is 10 miles south west of Birmingham and 24 miles north east of Worcester. Close to the south of Rednal and near Barnt Green. It is half a mile from Cofton Hackett. It is one of the oldest parks managed by Birmingham City Council.

The park exists as it is now due to the Birmingham Society for the Preservation of Open Spaces in the early 20th century, which inlcuded members of the Cadbury family. The society gave the park to the people of Birmingham in 1888, and more land added in 1933. There used to be a tram service that terminated at Rednal. The park is a Green Flag recognised park.

May 2013

In May 2013, I made a second attempt to get to Beacon Hill (which was successful this time). In April 2013, I did go up Rose Hill, but the paths up to the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre were closed, and I probably turned back (and ended up in Cofton Park instead). I returned a few weeks later, getting off the bus at the bottom of Lickey Road on Leach Green Lane and walked towards Beacon Hill. The route up to the hill via the trees was quite steep, but once up there, the views were amazing.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steep hill to Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013)(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Walking up I could see the sand pits in the Lickey Hills Golf Course.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steep hill to Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013)(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Shadows from the trees, on this dirt path.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steep hill to Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013)(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Trees down the hill.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steep hill to Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013)(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the top of Beacon Hill where the grass is.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steep hill to Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013)(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Welcome to Beacon Hill at the Lickey Hills Country Park. Finally made it!

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacok Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Panoramic of the trees near the path I had just came up (which would be on the right of this picture).

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacok Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the Birmingham Skyline. Just before there is the likes of Longbridge.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacok Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

And you can also see Bournville College which is at Longbridge Town Centre (built where the old MG Rover / Austin Factory was).

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacok Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view towards Rubery. Over to the left is the Waseley Hills Country Park, can see those three paths in a triangular shape from here.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacok Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This is the Beacon Hill Toposcope.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope Lickey Hills (May 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was originally built in 1907 as a Gift to the City of Birmingham by Edward, George Jnr, and Henry Cadbury.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope Lickey Hills (May 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was restored in 1987-88 by Manpower Services Commission and Birmingham City Council Department of Recreation and Community Services. It looks like a small castle. In the middle of the Topscope was this stone cylinder with a map all around this area. It shows places that can be seen from here. Places that can be seen are in capital letters i.e. DUDLEY. Those that can't be seen in lower case such as Rugby.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope Lickey Hills (May 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

From this end, there are as good views of the skyline than as from the area of Beacon Hill with the benches.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope Lickey Hills (May 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A little bit down the hill and a final look at the Toposcope.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Toposcope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Toposcope Lickey Hills (May 2013) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Time to leave Beacon Hill. Heading towards Beacon Hill Car Park. Saw this City Council map of the Lickey Hills Country Park.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Car Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Car park Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Beacon Hill Car Park is on Monument Lane in Lickey.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Car Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Car park Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A large sandy car park, I wonder if the old tram network ever had a tram stop up here in the olden days?

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Car Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Car park Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I left via Monument Lane, walking down to Lickey. This lead to Rose Hill. A route that I would remember when I would come back 5 years later.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Car Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Car park Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (May 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Walking from Monument Lane, up Rose Hill, then up Lickey Road, stopping at the bus stop back into Birmingham. The 98 used to go around here, but that route no longer exists (but did in early 2018). Usually takes me about half an hour to walk back to the City Limits from Beacon Hill.

January 2018

I returned in January 2018 to see the changes of the Birmingham Skyline from Beacon Hill. This time doing the walk down Lickey Road in Cofton Hackett, then along Rose Hill and up Monument Lane, getting onto Beacon Hill from the car park after a long hard walk.

This time heading up Monument Lane and going into Beacon Hill Car Park. Much easier than my 2013 route, but still a long walk there and back (I don't drive and I go on my own).

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Car Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Car park Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I saw this man being filmed on this camera. Not sure who they were, or what they were filming at the time.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A lot of bright sunlight to the back of Beacon Hill. The grass was a bit wet and soggy.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tower blocks in Rubery. You can sit on the bench and watch, as the wind blows and relax.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View towards the Birmingham City Centre Skyline in the distance.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Rubery to the left and the City of Birmingham to the right.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

With a better bridge camera, on this visit I was able to zoom right in to Birmingham City Centre. With the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the left. Of course the BT Tower is still the tallest building in Birmingham. The Medical School was also visible next to the QEHB from here.

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham skyline elliott Brown 250118.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got this view of the Beacon Hill Toposcope with the skyline of Birmingham City Centre. I don't think you can do this with real castles such as Dudley or Warwick (don't think you can see our skyline from those castles).

dndimg alt="Beacon Hill Topscope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon Hill Lickey Hills (Jan 2018) Toposcope.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My other major Lickey Hills visit was from getting a train to Barnt Green and walking up the hill to the Visitor Centre in April 2017. I will cover that visit in a future post, so watch this space (that was long and hard walk up the hill that I ended up walking back to Barnt Green Station via Barnt Green Road). I initially saw that entrance in April 2015 when I first got a train to Barnt Green.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,110 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Connect with us
80 passion points
Close and return