Stephen’s Vale is a small wooded valley located just south of Greyfield Wood. The woodland surrounding the vale used to be a part of the hunting woods of Earl of Warwick. During springtime the woodland becomes very colourful with pretty bluebells and in autumn the brightly coloured leaves create a beautiful atmosphere. However the real highlight of Stephen’s Vale is the waterfall. The steep sides of the valley have a varied selection of flowers and the slightly acidic character of the woodland flora reflects the sandstone rocks which underlie the valley. The stream is clean and has a stony bed which suits the dipper and the grey wagtail perfectly and can therefore be seen here. Other animals, multiple kinds of insects, have made Stephen’s Vale their home.
The valley is great for a family day out and birdwatching. The best time to visit is from March – November and is open at all times. There are paths running through the valley, but they can be very steep. Therefore it is not suitable for the less mobile, wheelchair users or pushchairs. Dogs are allowed on the site. There is a small carpark on the northern side of the vale (Greyfields Wood) leading off from Greyfield Road. A car ride from the city centre takes about 45 minutes. A bus ride on the other hand can range from an hour to an hour and 30 minutes, which includes some walking from the bus stop to the entrance.
