Nanny’s Rock at Kinver Edge – A Magical Woodland Adventure
This walk feels like something straight out of a storybook; hidden caves, epic views, forest trails and just enough mystery to keep the kids intrigued (and maybe a bit spooked—in a fun way).

Follow our exact route on Komoot here

🚶‍♀️ The Walk
Park up at the Compton Road lay-by (DY7 6DL) and follow the purple waymarkers into the woods. The trail winds through a few natural play areas like stepping logs and a carved balance beam snake and leads you to the star of the show; Nanny’s Rock, a huge sandstone cave with multiple chambers you can actually climb inside. Kids will love scrambling around and peeking through the old window holes. Legend has it, a woman named Margaret lived here in the 1600s—possibly a herbalist or “white witch”... so cue the spooky/fascinating questions from little ones.

Carry on and you’ll reach the Iron Age hillfort, where you’ll be hit with some seriously big views. On a clear day, you can see right across to the Malverns and the Black Country. The route loops back past the Holy Austin Rock Houses—real homes carved into the cliff that people actually lived in until the 1960s. There’s a tearoom here too, for that well-earned cake and cuppa.

• Distance: Around 2.5 miles

• Terrain: Woodland trails, some hilly bits—wear good shoes

• Facilities: Free parking at Compton Road lay-by; tearoom + loos at the Rock Houses (NT members only though!)

• Dogs: Welcome, just pop them on a lead in busy areas

• What to wear: It's a proper woodland walk but in summer it's pretty mud-free as all the paths are gravelled so just some sturdy shoes/trainers will do

With secret caves to explore, forest paths to wander, and some of the best views in the area, Nanny’s Rock is a proper little adventure for all ages. One of those walks that’ll stay with you.