Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill – Elmley Castle village loop from Kemerton

Hiking trails & Routes

Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill – Elmley Castle village loop from Kemerton

Moderate

4.8

(14)

100

hikers

Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill – Elmley Castle village loop from Kemerton

04:22

14.6km

450m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 7, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

The Cotswolds National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.61 km

Warren Wood

Highlight • Trail

Beautiful quiet woodland with a bridleway running through it. Take care to stay on the bridleway and off of the adjacent footpath.

Tip by

4.48 km

Elephant Stone (Banbury Stone)

Highlight • Natural

Also known as the Banbury Stone, there is conjecture about the exact origin of the Elephant Stone. Some believe it to be an ancient focus for the dark arts, others say it was a type of amber stone dedicated to the sun by druids. There's also a superstition that if you kiss the stone on Good Friday you will be cursed with bad luck.

Tip by

4.63 km

Bredon Hill Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Fantastic views over the Malverns and towards Wales.

Tip by

4.64 km

Parsons Folly on Bredon Hill

Highlight • Monument

Historic Bredon Hill stands proud in isolation. From its 981-foot (299 m) summit you can gaze out across Worcestershire to the Malverns and south into the rolling Cotswolds. Scenic magnificence.

The hill was once an Iron Age hillfort, known as Kemerton Camp and it then became an important Roman encampment. In the 18th century, the squire of Kemerton Court erected a small stone tower, Parsons Folly. A number of ancient standing stones also adorn the hill.

Tip by

6.37 km

View over the Vale

Highlight • Viewpoint

The climb up is unrelenting, but not too steep. Gives great views north to the Vale and beyond.

Tip by

7.55 km

Elmley Castle village

Highlight • Historical Site

Elmley Castle is often referred to as the prettiest village in Worcestershire, even England, and for good reason. Its beautiful half-timbered cottages and tree-lined streets make it a Cotswold favourite. Discover a historic church, lovely old pub, The Queen Elizabeth Inn, and plenty of nature walks nearby.

Tip by

7.77 km

St Mary's Church, Elmley Castle

Highlight • Monument

St Mary's Church is a delightful little church full of character and historic interest, set in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Elmley Castle.

Tip by

10.2 km