Discover the Malvern Hills with five of the best short walks in the area

Explore the stunning Malvern Hills with these five of the best short walks, perfect for a quick escape into nature. From gentle trails through ancient woodlands to hilltop paths with panoramic views, these scenic walking routes in Worcestershire are ideal for families, casual walkers, or anyone seeking fresh air and adventure. Experience walks in the Malvern Hills that showcase historic landmarks, vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes in under three hours.

Short Walks on the Malvern Hills - Front Cover

15 Short Walks on the Malvern Hills

£9.95

Discover 15 of the best short walks in the Malvern Hills, including Worcestershire Beacon. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

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The best walk to the highest point on the Malvern Hills...

What: Great Malvern Priory and Worcestershire Beacon
Summary: A circular walk from Malvern town centre to the highest point on the Malvern Hills, with one steep climb
Start/finish: Great Malvern Priory
Time: 2hr
Distance: 6.5km (4 miles)
Climb: 380m

A steep climb onto the hills is worth the effort as the views open up, first across the Severn Plain to the Cotswolds, then to the Black Mountains in Wales, and finally a full 360 degrees . After visiting the summit of Worcestershire Beacon, the route drops down into cool woodland, past one of Malvern’s famous springs, before returning to Great Malvern Priory.

The best walk to visit an Iron Age hill fort...

What: British Camp Iron Age hill fort
Summary: A walk up and around Herefordshire Beacon and the British Camp hill fort, with panoramic views over three counties
Start/finish: British Camp car park near Wynds Point
Time: 1½hr
Distance: 2.5km (1½ miles)
Climb: 125m

British Camp is an Iron Age hill fort and the highest point in Herefordshire . This short walk gives magnificent views across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and along the length of the Malvern Hills . It uses well-made paths, and there are some steep ascents and descents. This is a popular site for picnics, although it is usually breezy at the top – a windproof jacket is recommended.

The best walk for bluebells in the spring...

What: Wynds Point (British Camp) from Colwall
Summary: A circular walk from Colwall station to the hotel at British Camp, returning along the west side of the hills
Start/finish: Colwall railway station
Time: 2½hr
Distance: 6km (3¾ miles)
Climb: 195m

A slightly more adventurous outing with some steep uphill sections. Passing through woods, meadows and fields, this walk packs a lot into a short distance, including a nature reserve, great views of the British Camp Iron Age hill fort and across Herefordshire, and a spectacular display of bluebells in spring. The route can be muddy in places.

The best walk for wildlife...

What: Eastnor obelisk
Summary: An easy walk on good paths through a parkland landscape with a climb to Eastnor obelisk
Start/finish: The Woodshed, Eastnor
Time: 1¾hr
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Climb: 180m

A pretty walk through Eastnor Deer Park, this takes you between a couple of lakes that are home to wildlife such as birds and dragonflies and up a slope to the obelisk, with great views of Eastnor Castle on the return . The paths through the deer park are sometimes closed when the estate is hosting events – please check their website and follow signs on the ground during these periods.

The best walk for panoramic views...

What: Holy Well from Gardiner’s Quarry
Summary: Beautiful views, cool woodland and one of Malvern’s most famous wells
Start/finish: Gardiner’s Quarry
Time: 2¼hr
Distance: 6km ((3¾ miles)
Climb: 230m

This walk starts with a stiff climb onto the hills, where a bench is well-positioned for you to enjoy the lovely views. The route then drops down through the wooded eastern slopes of the Malvern Hills to Holy Well and continues through woodland to the Wyche Cutting, where another stiff climb leads you back onto the ridge with more great views for the return journey. If you are staying at The Cottage in the Wood hotel, join the route at Waypoint 4.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks on the Malvern Hills. Other highlights include St Wulstan's Nature Reserve, Malvern Common, North Hill and woodland and orchard walks. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.