Discover Martley: Walking, Culture and Geology

Martley combines walking with medieval church art and geological exposures. If Martley is your destination for a hotel stay, you can plan your days around these different interests: exploring the outdoors, appreciating architectural history or learning about geological features.

Walking the Martley Circular Walk

The Martley Circular Walk is 6¼ miles long and signposted as a circular route. A “Buzzard” symbol and directional arrows mark the way. It passes through traditional orchards, pastureland and ancient woodland, and includes a section of the Worcestershire Way. The circuit therefore links different types of landscape with part of this long-distance trail, without being the same route.

The walk starts and ends at the St Peter's Church car park. The start and finish are therefore at the same place, but bear in mind that parking there is limited. As parking arrangements may change, check them before setting off.

St Peter's Church and Martley's architectural history

St Peter's Church brings together structural elements from the early 12th and early 13th centuries, as well as from around 1315. The wall paintings can also be distinguished by location and date: the nave contains paintings from the 15th century. In the chancel, they date from the late 13th and 15th centuries; these include a 15th-century Annunciation group. Those interested in medieval art will find works from different periods and in different parts of the church, rather than a single historical focus.

The church holds both contemporary and traditional services on Sundays. If you would like to attend a service during your visit, check the current times in advance. The Martley Conservation Area has nine buildings and four architectural features listed as being of architectural or historic interest. The Old Hall adds to this picture of the area's architectural history: its core dates from the 14th century, and its styles range from medieval to Victorian.

Geology at Martley Rock

Martley Rock is an established visitor site. Information boards and leaflets explain the geological exposures. The site covers an area of about 60 × 15 metres and displays five geological periods; the East Malvern Fault also runs through the Martley Rock site. It therefore showcases both the variety of geological history and a named geological fault. Check the current conditions at the site before travelling.

Nearby

Nearby, Ankerdine Common lies off the B4197 between Knightwick and Martley. From a high viewpoint, it offers views across the Teme Valley. The Dormouse Trail is located at Ankerdine Common Picnic Place. The trail is described as having hilly, unsurfaced terrain of compacted earth and some steps. If you plan to walk the trail, check the latest route details before your visit.

Berrow Hill Camp: access restrictions

Berrow Hill Camp is a Scheduled Monument but is not open to the public. Despite damage from quarrying, partial woodland cover, paths and erected fence posts, the site is relatively well preserved and has extensive earthworks. Its historical significance and access restrictions go hand in hand: the camp is not a public visitor attraction.

Discover more destinations: Ribbesford, Stourport, Pershore, Malvern Wells, Rochford, Hollywood, Kidderminster, Droitwich.

For the main travel overview: Worcestershire.