15 Short Walks on the Malvern Hills

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.

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

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