Malvern Hills Walks

One of the most iconic hill ranges in England is just about an hour’s drive from Discover Parks. The Malvern Hills form part of the border between Herefordshire and Worcestershire. They’re dramatic and panoramic, and undoubtedly, the Malvern Hills walks offer something for everyone.  

The Malvern Hills rise dramatically out of much softer, undulating countryside on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. There are panoramic views of several counties including Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. The terrain is a mix of open hilltops, grassy commons, wooded areas, and rugged, rocky stretches. Some of the rocks are thought to be the oldest in the country, potentially 680 million years old! 

Walks in the Malvern Hills are as varied as the landscape. Treks that go for miles and miles, or just a quick, undulating half-hour stroll. You do what your can do. There are over 1,500km of footpaths across the hills, so there’s plenty to go at! 

Malvern Hills National Landscape 

This is the name of the 105sq miles of protected countryside that covers parts of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.  It used to be called the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

As part of its National Landscape designation, the area is covered by a statutory management plan. A number of groups work together as the Malvern Hills National Landscape Partnership. The group oversees policy, conservation efforts and the sustainable use of the hills.  

Conservation efforts keep the hills ecologically healthy and safe from external threats including climate change and development. 

Walks in the Malvern Hills​ 

Our guide takes in some of the most popular Malvern Hills walks. Plus there’s parking info and places to get snacks along the way!

About Car parking in the Malvern Hills

Look out for Malvern Hills Trusts car parks which are situated close to the start of many walks. They include the British Camp car park, Swinyard car park, Hollybush car park, and Upper Breacon Road.  Car parking fees go towards the upkeep and management of the hills Parking Malvern Hills Trust 

British Camp Hill Fort walk 

It’s called British Camp because, according to legend, the British Chief, Caractacus, had his last stand against the invading Romans here.  

This moderate 4.3 miler around the Iron Age hillfort at British Camp, includes Herefordshire Beacon, Millennium Hill, Hangman’s Hill and Swinyard Hill.  As a result, it’s a popular, classic ridge walk and the best place to start is at the British Camp car park (WR13 6DW). 

The first climb up to the Herefordshire Beacon is steep but short. You’ll spot the earthworks (above) of ancient ramparts encircling the Beacon. Meanwhile at the summit, you’ll have a 360-degree view taking in the Welsh Hills, the Severn Valley and Malvern ridges.  

Windy 

From the top, head south along the ridge, which is breezy whatever the weather! The path takes you down, then up, to Millenium Hill. At the top the walk gently rises and falls on the way to Hangman’s Hill. However, there’s no evidence to suggest this was once the site of a gallows or gibbet!  

There’s more stunning views taking in Eastnor Park and Castlemorton Common.  

News interlude – Castlemorton Rave

If you’re of a certain age, the name Castlemorton may be familiar. Back in 1992 thousands of travellers, ravers and party goers descended on the Common and stayed for a week. Subsequently, media coverage attracted even more people with estimates anywhere between 20-40,000.

It was front page news and led directly to new laws under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. These laws tightened restrictions on public gatherings.  

Back to the walk now! The final stretch takes you up a short climb to Swinyard Hill. This bit feels a bit different to the rest of the walk because it’s more rugged and covered in low gorse. However, look south and you’ll get a fabulous view of British Camp. You’ll also get some great views of the British Camp Reservoir.

Which way?   

At Swinyard you can decide on your route back to the car park. Either retrace your steps the way you came, or make a loop and circle back through Eastnor Deer Park or Castlemorton Common.  You can also keep going to Midsummer Hill and Hollybush, but just remember where you parked the car! 

Snack alert!  

You’ll find Ruffz Refreshment Cabin at Gullet Quarry near the village of Hollybush. However, it’s only open on Sunday’s and Bank Holidays from 12-4pm when the weather is good!

At the British Camp car park you can cross the busy road (take care) to get some sustenance! Straight ahead is Sally’s Place where you can grab hot and cold drinks and snacks from homemade cakes to bacon sarnies. On the opposite side of the crossroads is the Malvern Hills Hotel.  With restaurants, bars, outside seating and a terrace, it’s a great place to have a post walk, pick-me-up.

Parking  

If you follow the road out of Ledbury towards Malvern, you’ll round a bend and come across the British Camp car park on your right. (WR13 6DW) 

British Camp to Swinyard Hill 

The Herefordshire Beacon  

To walk to the Herefordshire Beacon, it’s just a short 15-20 min climb from the car park to the top.

The Herefordshire Beacon forms part of the British Camp, an Iron Age Hill Fort dating from 200BC. It rises 338m above sea level and you can see the ramparts of the fort as you walk up to the summit.  

The Herefordshire Beacon is west of British Camp hill fort and is the highest point of the Malvern’s in Herefordshire. It’s named because its position meant it was used as a signalling beacon site for warnings back in the old days!

Parking 

British Camp Car park (WR13 6DW) 

Snacks and food  

Sally’s Place and the Malvern Hills Hotel. Malvern Hills Hotel.  

Walk around Worcestershire Beacon 

The Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point of the Malvern’s at 425m high on the eastern side of the hills. It’s one of the most well known of the Malvern Hills walks. It boasts a 360-degree view of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, the Cotswolds and, on a clear day, the Black Mountains.  

There’s a good circular walk that includes the Worcestershire Beacon, taking in a few summits and the Beacon itself. However, it’s almost 11 miles, so do your research before setting off!  

You start by circling the Worcestershire Beacon before you take in the Dingle Valley and the Happy Valley to St Ann’s Well and a pit stop (see below). The route also takes in the disused quarry, Earnslaw Pool, named after a large house that once stood near it. Although not suitable for swimming, recent improvements mean you can now get to the waters edge.

Snack alert! 

The CafeH2O, is part of the Malvern Hills Geocentre Malvern Hills GeoCentre. Serving snacks, drinks and lunches.  

St Ann’s Well Cafe is in a Grade II listed building on the slopes of the Malvern’s not far from the town of Great Malvern. It serves coffees and teas, cakes and lunches. Historically, people ‘took the waters’ here. Find out about the history of the health benefits of Malvern Water lower down and here:  St Ann’s Well History | St Ann’s Well Café 

Parking 

You can reach the Worcestershire Beacon via a number of routes. A popular one is via the Upper Beacon Road car park in Lower Wyche WR14 4EH 

Around Worcestershire Beacon – Visit The Malverns

Need a place to stay to take in the Malvern Hills walks?

Looking for somewhere to stay near the Malvern Hills? Discover Parks Holiday Parks Mid Wales & Herefordshire – Discover Parks in North Herefordshire have touring, tenting and motorhome pitches across three parks plus a variety of self catering holiday accommodation.   

Malvern Hills North Circular Walk  

This walk takes in North Hill which is the second highest point of Malvern’s. Start in the car park of Malvern Link station Walk 5 – In the Shadow of North Hill – All About Malvern Hills. or from the centre of Great Malvern (below). North Hill – Visit The Malverns 

Just over 6 miles, it takes you through a varied landscape of town and country, up North Hill and finally back down via St Ann’s Well.  

Parking 

Malvern Link Railway Station  

St Ann’s Road 

Snacks  

St Ann’s Well Cafe  

Worcestershire Way 

If you want to walk the Worcestershire Way, Worcestershire Way – LDWA Long Distance Paths then you’ll need to do some planning. This 31-mile walk takes you from Bewdley in the north to Great Malvern in the south. The highest point of the walk is North Hill and it includes a descent via St Ann’s Well into the town of Great Malvern.  

It’s only been established as a route since 1989, when it also included parts of Herefordshire. The walk was modified in 2004 and is now entirely inside Worcestershire.  

Parking  

Dog Lane car park – Bewdley 

Snacks

St Ann’s Well Cafe – but you’d best pack some of your own.

Hollybush Walk 

A figure of eight walk made up of 2 circuits starting and finishing at Hollybush car park on the A438 between Tewkesbury and Hereford. This nice 2-hour walk to the car and back is just over 3 miles long. Skirting the Eastnor Estate, it takes in Midsummer Hill, the Obelisk stone monument, Ragged Stone Hill and Hollybush Hill.   

MHDC Hollybush 

Parking  

Hollybush car park  

Snacks 

Nothing in the immediate area so best to pack your own! 

History of Malvern Waters

Before you head out, it’s worth learning a little about the history of the Malvern Hills.

There are lots of natural springs in the Malvern’s. The ‘holy wells’ are mentioned as far back as mediaeval times and were destinations for pilgrims who believed in the waters healing powers. In the early 19^th century, 2 doctors introduced the ‘water cure’. This involved drinking large quantities of Malvern water, cold baths, wet sheet wraps, rubbing with cold water and getting lots of fresh air on the hills.  

Popularity 

By the mid 19th century, Malvern was a Spa town attracting visitors from far and wide. European royalty, Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale were among the visitors. In 1851 bottled Malvern water was shown at the Great Exhibition and bottling continued until 2010. 

You can still drink the water at St Ann’s Well, Holy Well, Hayslad and Malvhina Fountain.  

Your base for a walking holiday

Ready for a walking holiday in the Malvern Hills? Stay at Discover Parks! Our holiday parks are around an hour’s drive from British Camp, with touring, camping, and self-catering options, and great facilities on-site.  

Malvern FAQs 

First, and most importantly, what’s the correct pronunciation for Malvern ​? 

‘Mawl-vern’ which has origins in an ancient British language meaning bare hill or bald hill from the words moel and bryn.  

In the Domesday Book Malvern was recorded as Malferna. It’s thought the name originally referred just to the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point of the hills. 

Where are the Malvern Hills? 

The Malvern Hills are on the Worcestershire/Herefordshire border. You can access the hills at a variety of points from both counties.   

What is Malvern Hills National Landscape? 

National Landscape is the new name for Areas of Outstanding Beauty since 2023. So, it’s what used to be known as Malvern Hills AONB. 

Is Malvern a town​? 

There are actually 6 Malvern’s!  

Great Malvern is the Victorian Spa town that sits beneath the Malvern Hills – it’s a really attractive town with lots of quirky shops, plenty of bars and restaurants and a theatre that attracts some top names. 

Malvern Link is separated from Great Malvern by the Link Common. It’s almost like a little town on its own and is just a mile from Great Malvern by train. It’s home to Morgan Motor Cars, one of the few remaining British car manufacturers! 

Malvern Wells is south of Great Malvern and is wrapped up in the history of the areas healing waters.

West Malvern is in Herefordshire on the western side of the hills. 

Little Malvern is a small hamlet south of Malvern Wells. 

North Malvern is a suburb of Great Malvern. 

Fun fact – English composer, Edward Elgar was born in Worcestershire but lived for spells in Great Malvern. He walked and cycled around the hills. It’s thought he got his inspiration from the landscape for many of his great works including the Enigma Variations.