National Trust - Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses Reviews Summary

Rock Houses

Pros:

• "The rock houses are fascinating and restored to a very high standard."
• "The Rock Houses are manned by a fab team with an abundance of knowledge."
• "These 'Rock Houses' are well worth a visit but most suitable if you are more mobile."
• "The rock houses were fascinating to see and overall scenery of the place is stunning."
• "The houses in the rocks are really worth a visit."
• "The rock houses are fascinating, not just 3 empty rooms as per another review."
• "The Rock Houses themselves are very intriguing and quirky in a good sense showing how remarkable how these built into the rock and erected into homes where people lived for a period of time."

Cons:

• "Some days it's very very muddy so if you don't want the kids too get dirty wait for a few dry days."
• "Cafe closes at 4pm."
• "Parking is limited and around lunch time it's one in one out."
• "Parking may be an issue on busy days."
• "Expensive as a non member to enter site."
• "Due to COVID, restrictions on entrance to the Rock Houses is limited to peering in and there aren't many staff around to talk to."
• "There aren't many staff around to talk to due to COVID."

Trails and Walks

Pros:

• "A choice of 3 walks within Kinver edge. We took the longest walk, the purple route. A total of 5 miles taking between 2 and 2.30 hours."
• "A fantastic place for a walk, Kinver Edge offers stunning views for miles and miles in all directions."
• "We went on the purple trail round the walk, on reaching the top of the iron age fort, the views were amazing."
• "Great place for walking, lots of different trails."
• "The walking across the edge gives good views across to various places and the woods although not old are pleasant with clearly marked walks and signage."
• "Kinver Edge is an absolutely brilliant walk."
• "Lovely few hours walking on Kinver edge."

Cons:

• "We also underestimated the walk, we are generally active but there were some really steep inclines/declines on the route."
• "Be aware that the board map in the Kingsford Lane car park suggests that route is 3 mls (2.5 hrs), but the map downloaded from the website states 5mls (also 2.5hrs)."
• "The toilets at the NT car park on Kingsford Lane were locked when we tried these so don’t count on them being open."
• "Also map indicates car park toilets which were locked."
• "Some of the slops and steps along the trail are steep and very high for those with walking difficulties such as poorly knees or hips."
• "The maps and walks could really do with more signage as we got lost several times."
• "Some trails require a lot of up-hill walking so be mindful."

Accessibility

Pros:

• "Multiple designated parking areas with ample parking."
• "Parking is on a lay-by situated off the road about a 5min walk."
• "Easy parking on site or hike up from the town."
• "Parking is by the road just a short walk."
• "Parking plentiful around the whole area and FOC."
• "Parking is free just outside the entrance."
• "Parking is a reasonably sized lay-by but I imagine it could get busy."

Cons:

• "It's worth saying at this point that in my opinion, this is not a wheel chair friendly attraction simply by the nature of what it is."
• "I don't recommend the site for disabled persons or those in wheelchairs, as the path gradients are steep and unsuited to such traffic."
• "In motorised wheel chairs might find it tough."
• "One word of caution, it is up a very steep hill and has no disable access so unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility."
• "You can't get to the tea room without paying entrance."
• "Not accessible for wheelchair or pushchair users unfortunately."
• "If you have walking difficulties it's not the place for you, very steep only one way in."

Staff and Guides

Pros:

• "A real insight into a completely different way of living narrated by friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable guides."
• "The staff very helpful and friendly as well."
• "Lovely staff. One of the volunteers told us a lot about the history."
• "The National Trust guides were attentive and passionate in sharing the history."
• "All the staff where knowledgeable and friendly."
• "National Trust volunteer staff very friendly and helpful."
• "The staff were friendly, helpful and informative."