Another Worcester hidden gem: Ferry Bank

A short blog following a regular walk this morning with my dog, and the simple pleasure I gain every time I descend one of Worcester's hidden gems, Ferry Bank.There's a fair chance you're not aware of Ferry Bank; on St John's side of the river and about 1.0 km north of Sabrina Bridge (scouts.larger.voting), it's an alley that connects the A443 (still Henwick Rd at this point, but essentially the Hallow Rd) to the river, dropping down a reasonably steep hill (it's got a tarmac surface, steps or ramp part way down and a hand rail). You can also access the bottom via the level path that extends from Sabrina Bridge all the way along the river (but that means you miss the best bit).Whoopy pips, a path connecting a road to the river; what's so special about that?So here's why I love it; I think it's the best place in Worcester to transition from road to nature, and it's the hill that does it, innit. The A443 is pretty busy, so whether on foot or bike, walking alone, or with children or my lovely Olive, your senses are focussed on the big, fast and noisy metal boxes passing within metres of you. If you stop and think, it's a fairly unpleasant environment.As you turn off the road into Ferry Bank I'm guessing a combination of the dramatic change in level and the trees and vegetation means there's a rapid transition from road to river, notably the change in sound, and by the time you're at the bottom the noise of the vehicles is almost inaudible, and certainly drowned out by the sounds of the river; splashes of water. bird song, insects, conversations of people on Pitchcroft (the other side of the river), the occasional rowing crew. And all this happens in the time it takes to walk down Ferry Bank.The road:[audio m4a="https://bikeworcester.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Delingpoles.m4a"][/audio] The river:[audio m4a="https://bikeworcester.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ferry-Close.m4a"][/audio] At this time of year you're also treated with an abundance of blackberries, with bees diving in and out of flowers, there's usually ducks and swans swanning about (can a duck swan?), and if you keep your eyes on the water you may see the blue flash of a kingfisher (seriously, we saw 5 yesterday...or the same one 5 times), and hear the cries of buzzards.IMG_3157At the bottom turn left (ignore the signs) for a walk along the river bank, within a few hundred metres the trees cover the path as it follows the river, the route changing with the seasons as the banks slip and different plants battle for supremacy (eventually ending at the new Kepax Bridge site...turn left at the no camping sign to access the field at the top), or turn right to head to Sabrina Bridge.Or do what Olive and I usually opt for; a little rest, and just take in the nature, all a stones throw from one of Worcester's busiest roads.