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Home> Walks> England> Worcestershire> The Malvern Hills

The Malvern Hills

Recommended by
Walk directions

From Great Malvern Station go ahead; then left in 30yds (27m) into Imperial Road. Cross Tibberton Road, turning right up Clarence Road. At the skew junction turn back-left into Albert Road South. At the end turn left. Beside the railway bridge take a leafy pathway right, passing the extensive modern buildings of Malvern College. Cross the next road, then skirt the lower edge of Malvern Common. In 600yds (549m), at a dip and just by ‘60’ on the track, pass under the railway. In 200yds (182m) drift left to a post box and road junction.

Cross the larger road to a fingerpost and fork right, through trees to a wide gate beside a garden, joining a dismantled railway. Descend wooden steps in 375yds (342m) and turn right to follow blue waymark discs (on white posts) across several fairways of the Worcestershire Golf Club. In dense woodland turn left – this track leads to the clubhouse and car park. Go diagonally, to the far side of a white building. Cross carefully beside a green, then another fairway, to reach a wide fenced path up between fields, soon reaching the A449 by houses.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Streets, railway bed, woodland paths, one short, steep grassy descent, several steady climbs, several stiles
  Landscape  - Suburban, recreational, wooded and pastoral
  Dog friendliness  - Few off-lead opportunities, must be controlled on ridge
  Parking  - Car parks at both railway stations
  Toilets en route  - None on route
Walks in Worcestershire
About the walk
The presence of spa waters in Malvern has been known for centuries. In 1756, a Dr Wall wrote of the waters’ benefits and the 1820s saw the opening of the Baths and Pump Room – an early visitor was Princess Victoria in 1830. As a health spa, the town developed rapidly in Victorian times. A bracing...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
Worcestershire is a county of rolling hills, save for the flat Vale of Evesham in the east and the prominent spine of the Malverns in the west. Nearly all of the land is worked in some way; arable farming predominates – oilseed rape, cereals and potatoes – but there are concentrated areas of specific land uses, such as market gardening and plum growing.
Explore Worcestershire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Malvern Holiday-Garden Flat
★★★★★
award
"Modern luxury with beautiful garden views and a summerhouse in Great Malvern...."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Hotel
The Cotford Hotel & L'Amuse Bouche Restaurant
★★★★
awardawardaward
"A property that shows on-going commitment to maintaining high standards...."
  • Family rooms: 3
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Hotel
The Cottage in the Wood
★★★★
awardaward
"Good attention to detail and food in the restaurant is a highlight...."
  • Family rooms: 4
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
Malvern Holiday-Garden Flat
Malvern Garden flat is a modern, luxury stay, suitable for two adults. There's also a full-size double sofa bed in the lounge, which is ideal for a child. The main bedroom includes a su...
★★★★★    Rating
The Cotford Hotel & L'Amuse Bouche Restaurant
This delightful house, built in 1851 for the Bishop of Worcester, stands in attractive gardens with stunning views of the Malverns. The building retains the majority of its original pre...
★★★★    Rating
The Cottage in the Wood
Set high above Malvern in eight acres of lovely woodland, with far-reaching views across the Worcestershire countryside, this unique hotel offers a desirable mix of laid-back elegance, ...
★★★★    Rating
Rhydd Barn
Built in the 1850s from local granite, this converted, three-level barn features tiled and wood floors, white walls, pine beams and black ironwork. Outside, the sunny patio looks across...
★★★★    Rating
Rhydd Barn
Rhydd Barn is a converted, three-level 1850s barn featuring tiled and wood floors, white walls, pine beams and black ironwork. The barn has lovely views from inside and outside, and a p...
★★★★    Rating
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
Stanbrook Abbey is a beautiful hotel with parts dating back to the 16th century. As a former monastery, expect original architecture across the public areas which include stone cloister...
★★★★    Rating
Golden Gates Lodge
Peacock Villa is an Edwardian farmhouse-style cottage, while Golden Gates Lodge comprises two listed buildings with a large iron gate between. Both are part of the large country estate ...
★★★★    Rating
Beesoni Lodge
Beesoni Lodge is situated on a working arable farm. It was converted by Robin and Laura Smith from a redundant farm building. It now forms a luxurious Holiday Lodge surrounded by its ow...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
L'amuse-Bouche Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Cottage in the Wood
   AA Rosette Award
The Inn at Welland
   AA Rosette Award
The Refectory at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
L'amuse-Bouche Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Cottage in the Wood
   AA Rosette Award
The Inn at Welland
   AA Rosette Award
The Refectory at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Feathers
The Butchers Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Venture In Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Kings Arms, Ombersley
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
2hrs 30min
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
4.5 miles (7.2kms)

Ascent:
950ft (290m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Worcestershire
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
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The Malvern Hills

Recommended by
Walk details
2hrs 30min
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
4.5 miles (7.2kms)
Ascent:
950ft (290m)
Walk directions

From Great Malvern Station go ahead; then left in 30yds (27m) into Imperial Road. Cross Tibberton Road, turning right up Clarence Road. At the skew junction turn back-left into Albert Road South. At the end turn left. Beside the railway bridge take a leafy pathway right, passing the extensive modern buildings of Malvern College. Cross the next road, then skirt the lower edge of Malvern Common. In 600yds (549m), at a dip and just by ‘60’ on the track, pass under the railway. In 200yds (182m) drift left to a post box and road junction.
1 of 6

Cross the larger road to a fingerpost and fork right, through trees to a wide gate beside a garden, joining a dismantled railway. Descend wooden steps in 375yds (342m) and turn right to follow blue waymark discs (on white posts) across several fairways of the Worcestershire Golf Club. In dense woodland turn left – this track leads to the clubhouse and car park. Go diagonally, to the far side of a white building. Cross carefully beside a green, then another fairway, to reach a wide fenced path up between fields, soon reaching the A449 by houses.
2 of 6

Cross the A449, and the parallel higher road, to a steep path with a centre rail. At the top turn left along Eaton Road. The road becomes a green-centred tarmac track. In 40yds (36m) fork right up a woodland path before the house ahead. Follow the path for 275yds (251m) gently uphill, to a ‘stretched-X’ crossing. Keep ahead on the level path for a further 520yds (475m)
3 of 6

At another ‘stretched-X’, take the zig-zagging upward right fork beside an enormous yew and green seat; there is a cream-coloured house 130yds (118m) ahead. Very soon, at a second green seat, continue straight ahead, climbing gently up. After 275yds (251m) turn back-right by a third green seat, continuing gently up to yet another seat. Keep ahead. In approximately 200yds (182m) the dense woodland gives way to bracken and scattered silver birch. After 180yds (165m) ignore a downward right fork. Back into (less dense) woodland, after 140yds (128m) take an acute left turn, finally to meet the ridge path beside some pines.
4 of 6

Turn left to reach the grassy top of Pinnacle Hill. Less than 200yds (183m) beyond it, when a path forks right in the dip, turn fully right, down a steep grassy trod, over a crosspath and down to Gardiners Quarry Car Park. Cross to The Kettle Sings tea room.
5 of 6

Turn right in front of it; at the bend veer left to two field gates. Turn left beside a fence, then down the fenced path. At the corner, slip left down a sunken lane, soon reaching woods. Bear right to find waymarked steps, then half-left to a handgate and field-edge path to Colwall Station.p>

6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Streets, railway bed, woodland paths, one short, steep grassy descent, several steady climbs, several stiles
  Landscape - Suburban, recreational, wooded and pastoral
  Dog friendliness - Few off-lead opportunities, must be controlled on ridge
  Parking - Car parks at both railway stations
  Toilets en route - None on route
Walks in Worcestershire
About the walk
The presence of spa waters in Malvern has been known for centuries. In 1756, a Dr Wall wrote of the waters’ benefits and the 1820s saw the opening of the Baths and Pump Room – an early visitor was Princess Victoria in 1830. As a health spa, the town developed rapidly in Victorian times. A bracing...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Worcestershire
Worcestershire is a county of rolling hills, save for the flat Vale of Evesham in the east and the prominent spine of the Malverns in the west. Nearly all of the land is worked in some way; arable farming predominates – oilseed rape, cereals and potatoes – but there are concentrated areas of specific land uses, such as market gardening and plum growing.
Explore Worcestershire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Malvern Holiday-Garden Flat
★★★★★
award
"Modern luxury with beautiful garden views and a summerhouse in Great Malvern...."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Hotel
The Cotford Hotel & L'Amuse Bouche Restaurant
★★★★
awardawardaward
"A property that shows on-going commitment to maintaining high standards...."
  • Family rooms: 3
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Hotel
The Cottage in the Wood
★★★★
awardaward
"Good attention to detail and food in the restaurant is a highlight...."
  • Family rooms: 4
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
Malvern Holiday-Garden Flat
Malvern Garden flat is a modern, luxury stay, suitable for two adults. There's also a full-size double sofa bed in the lounge, which is ideal for a child. The main bedroom includes a su...
★★★★★    Rating
The Cotford Hotel & L'Amuse Bouche Restaurant
This delightful house, built in 1851 for the Bishop of Worcester, stands in attractive gardens with stunning views of the Malverns. The building retains the majority of its original pre...
★★★★    Rating
The Cottage in the Wood
Set high above Malvern in eight acres of lovely woodland, with far-reaching views across the Worcestershire countryside, this unique hotel offers a desirable mix of laid-back elegance, ...
★★★★    Rating
Rhydd Barn
Built in the 1850s from local granite, this converted, three-level barn features tiled and wood floors, white walls, pine beams and black ironwork. Outside, the sunny patio looks across...
★★★★    Rating
Rhydd Barn
Rhydd Barn is a converted, three-level 1850s barn featuring tiled and wood floors, white walls, pine beams and black ironwork. The barn has lovely views from inside and outside, and a p...
★★★★    Rating
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
Stanbrook Abbey is a beautiful hotel with parts dating back to the 16th century. As a former monastery, expect original architecture across the public areas which include stone cloister...
★★★★    Rating
Golden Gates Lodge
Peacock Villa is an Edwardian farmhouse-style cottage, while Golden Gates Lodge comprises two listed buildings with a large iron gate between. Both are part of the large country estate ...
★★★★    Rating
Beesoni Lodge
Beesoni Lodge is situated on a working arable farm. It was converted by Robin and Laura Smith from a redundant farm building. It now forms a luxurious Holiday Lodge surrounded by its ow...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
L'amuse-Bouche Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Cottage in the Wood
   AA Rosette Award
The Inn at Welland
   AA Rosette Award
The Refectory at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
L'amuse-Bouche Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Cottage in the Wood
   AA Rosette Award
The Inn at Welland
   AA Rosette Award
The Refectory at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Feathers
The Butchers Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Venture In Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Kings Arms, Ombersley
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby