A ROUTE around Barnt Green and the Lickey Hills is among the county's favourites according to Worcestershire walkers.

The trail came second in Public Health Worcestershire’s World Cup of Worcestershire Walks competition from 32 contenders after a poll on the @HealthWorcs account on Twitter.

The route was beaten only by the Bewdley River and Rail Circular Walk in an event to mark May as National Walking Month.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Walking is a great way for people to introduce more exercise into their routine, and in Worcestershire we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to areas of natural beauty.

“The World Cup of Worcestershire Walks was our unique way of showcasing 32 of our most popular routes, with a range of distances and terrains to suit walkers of all abilities. We hope the activity has inspired people to get out and enjoy the trails for themselves.”

Worcestershire has several health walk groups that meet weekly and each walk takes between 30 and 90 minutes, for mor information visit walkingforhealth.org.uk