The Worcestershire Cakes and Ale Trail is an enjoyable seven-section walk through the varied Worcestershire countryside. Beginning in the spa town of Great Malvern, it takes walkers over the Malvern Hills via Knightwick to reach the pretty village of Martley. Next it follows highs and lows in the Teme valley to reach Tenbury Wells “the little town in the orchard”, before an intriguing journey on the opposite side of the Teme via Mamble and Rock to the Georgian town of Bewdley.

Then it’s over the flatlands through Wilden and Hartlebury to Droitwich Spa, before a journey through pretty villages with interesting stories of wicked vicars to the capital of plum land, Pershore. Next, after a step along the River Avon, it’s up on to Bredon Hill for wondrous views of the Vale of Evesham before descending to the stick-dancing Upton-upon-Severn. The last section leads inevitably across country to the Malvern Hills and finally over the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Beacons back to the starting point in Great Malvern.

Every day offers a Real Ale pub to visit mid-journey in order to savour the beer and a late afternoon café to enjoy a cup of tea and some scrumptious cake.

The route of The Worcestershire Cakes and Ale Trail is given in detail, accompanied by diagrams and illustrated information about places passed through. The main features of each town are also described and illustrated, together with listings for Real Cakes, Real Ales and accommodation.

“This is a splendid book which is worlds apart from the usual run-of-the-mill walking guides.”