Discover the spectacular ridges and panoramic vistas of the Malvern Hills with this curated collection of 15 short walks, taking you from ancient hill forts and historic wells to wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and the lively heart of Great Malvern. 

Each route is designed for easy enjoyment (between 3 and 8km), making this guidebook the perfect choice for families, new walkers, and anyone eager to experience the best of this iconic landscape on foot.

• Each of the 15 walks features clear Ordnance Survey mapping, step-by-step route descriptions, and practical information and highlights to ensure straightforward, memorable outings.
• Essential details are included for every Malvern walk, such as parking, available facilities, and must-see sights, so every adventure is accessible, comfortable, and well-prepared.
• Explore the area’s most celebrated locations, from the historic Great Malvern Priory and the soaring Worcestershire Beacon to the Iron Age ramparts of British Camp, peaceful St Wulstan’s Nature Reserve, and the tranquil Holy Well.
• Routes begin from welcoming towns and villages, including Great Malvern, Colwall, and Ledbury, with helpful suggestions for public transport and parking to make planning simple.
• Enjoy the best of the Malvern Hills’ hospitality, with advice on accommodation in bustling market towns and quiet country villages, ideal for extending your stay and making the most of your visit.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guide to the Malvern Hills brings together everything you need for a refreshing day out amid rolling grasslands, wooded slopes, and far-reaching views. Whether you’re a local resident, a day visitor, or planning a scenic break, this guide is your key to discovering the best of the Malvern Hills at your own pace.

15 Short Walks on the Malvern Hills: Quick Facts

Location: Malvern Hills, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, UK (including Great Malvern, Worcestershire Beacon, British Camp, Black Hill, Eastnor obelisk, Holy Well, and more)
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under 3 hours each
Distance per walk: 3–8 km (2–5 miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks on circular, there-and-back, or linear routes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; short climbs, well-marked paths, no challenging terrain
Navigation: Clear Ordnance Survey route maps and step-by-step descriptions included
Highlights: Great Malvern Priory, Worcestershire Beacon, British Camp Iron Age fort, Malvhina fountain, St Ann’s Well, Black Hill, Eastnor obelisk, St Wulstan’s Nature Reserve, Malvern Community Woodland, Old Hills, and more
Best season: Walkable all year round (weather can be breezy on the ridge; carry a jacket for cooler temperatures at the top)

Author Highlight

"The Malvern Hills rise spectacularly from the low rolling landscape of the Severn Plain to the east and the wooded hills of Herefordshire to the west. The Malverns are not high, but because they stand out in the landscape, they can be wild and invigorating. Trees flank the lower slopes, thinning to grassland at the top of most of the hills, which creates the opportunity for far-reaching views." 

- Julia Goodfellow-Smith, author of 15 Short Walks on the Malvern Hills

CONTENTS
Map key
Overview map
Using this guide
Route summary table
Introduction
Walking on the Malvern Hills
Things to see
Bases and places to stay
Travel
The walks
1. Great Malvern Priory and Worcestershire Beacon
2. Malvhina fountain and St Ann's Well
3. Around North Hill on Lady Howard de Walden Drive
4. Woodland and apple orchard walk
5. Worcestershire Beacon from the Wyche Cutting
6. British Camp Iron Age hill fort
7. Black Hill
8. Wynds Point (British Camp) from Colwall
9. Holy Well from Gardiner’s Quarry
10. The Southern Hills
11. Eastnor obelisk
12. St Wulstan's Nature Reserve
13. Around Malvern Common
14. Malvern Community Woodland
15. Old Hills
Useful information

Seasons

The Malvern Hills can be enjoyed at any time of year but it can be windy on the peaks and it's always a good idea to take a waterproof.

Centres

Great Malvern is the main town in the area. The walks are also easily accessible from Ledbury and Worcester.

Difficulty

This book includes walks that are almost flat, as well as some that are more challenging. The Malvern Hills can be enjoyed by people of all levels of ability and fitness. For most routes, no special footwear is needed, although a few can get muddy, as indicated in the descriptions.

Must See

Worcestershire Beacon, highest peak in Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills; Herefordshire Beacon (British Camp) - an Iron Age hill fort that dominates the skyline and is the highest peak in Herefordshire; Malvern Priory; the springs all around Malvern (also known as wells) - Malvinha and Holy Well are in the book

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.