Shell Ford Picnic Place

With lots of trees around and wildflowers such as Aconites and Wood Sorrel favouring the damp, semi shaded edges, and hedgerow flowers including Vetches, Cow parsley and Red Campion thriving in more open areas, this is a very picturesque little site to linger with a picnic.

The road across the ford dates back to prehistoric times. The bridge was built to make it easier for the heavily burdened pack animals, especially taking salt from Droitwich to Stratford-upon-Avon. You can still see how lanes like this became hollowed and worn by countless animals trampling back and forth. A firm built-up causeway was created at crossings such as Shell Ford, to keep the animals in single file leading up to the bridge, which was deliberately narrow. This bridge at Shell is also typically humpbacked which contributed to its strength, and the low walls down either side of the bridge allowed loaded panniers to clear them.

The word 'Shell' in Worcestershire is believed to have meant low plateau. The surrounding landscape rises gently from the brook. There are lots of lovely circular walks from here, though you will need a map.