Great British Walks: Croome's Park and Capability Brown

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It's almost like a rule now: if the weather is fine(ish), we head to the countryside seeking some adventure. And that is the great advantage of living in the Midlands.

Since I moved to the UK in 2011, walking has been on my list of favourite things to do in this country. I'm a footpath addict and I have no shame to say it.



To make the challenge more interesting, I recently bought the book 100 Great British Walks, published by the National Trust . This is an excellent guide for beginners or those not so familiar with the British countryside.

With the temperatures plunging this month, we decided to check out another footpath, this time in Worcestershire.

Remodelled and redesigned between 1751 and 1809 by the English landscape designer Lancelot "Capability Brown", The Croome became a popular spot for families.



The parkland, The Croome Court, Walled Garden and a restored 1940's café are the main attractions of this site. But also popular is The Croome's Park and Capability Brown walk[, which is a perfect way to appreciate the local history and stunning architecture features.

The starting point is the visitor's centre in the Croome . that are placed in a restored RAF wartime building.



I would recommend to take a picture at this 1940s style café before or after your adventure. The building also has a second hand bookstore and a shop.

Despite this walk being considered moderate, I would recommend wearing some comfortable trainers because you may face some muddy pathways during the route.


1- Follow the path through the Wild Walk shrubbery until spot the St. Mary Magdalene church, a masterpiece of architecture designed by the English landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown, with the interior made by Robert Adams in the 18th century.



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2- Walk through the churchyard until the gate that will lead you to the road. On the right you will spot the London Arch designed by Robert Adams, in the 1770s. It's considered the entrance to Croome Park **and the place received this name because the carriages from London used to pass under it.



3- The next step is crossing the stile and following the concrete path that will take you to a field with a line of oak trees. It's a beautiful spot to check properly how magnificent this place is.



4- Then walk until you reach a wooden gate. After passing it you will see the Park Seat on your left. This is another construction made by Adams which was restored by the National Trust. And it's also is a perfect place to contemplate the beauty of the park and the Croome lake and Court as well. Of course, you should have a seat and chill for a while before going back to the footpath.



5- Back to the path, follow it around until the end of the river and cross the bridge. There is also another stile to climb, and after this you will continue the walk on the right along the river.



Despite being man-made, this is a nice place to observe fauna and flora in the parkland. It is also a perfect spot for a picnic, if you fancy.

6- The third and last gate will lead you to the Dry Arch Bridge, which will bring you back to the St. Mary Magdalene church and The Croome Court, completing the walk.



This is considered a 1hour and 30 minute walk (with nearly 4 miles of distance). But I thought it took us less than this to finish it, considering that we stopped in several points just to appreciate the site. I didn't visit inside the Croome Court because I think it deserves extra time. And it's always a good idea to go back to the Croome, anyway.

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