Walking the Malvern Hills: Some of the Best Walks & Routes to Explore
Few things are more closely associated with Malvern than the hills themselves.
Stretching along the Worcestershire and Herefordshire border, the Malvern Hills offer miles of walking routes, incredible viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to escape into the countryside.
Whether you're an experienced walker planning a full day on the hills or simply fancy a gentle ramble followed by a pub lunch, Malvern is a fantastic destination for a walking break.
Here are a few ideas for exploring the Malvern Hills during your stay.
Walk to Worcestershire Beacon
If you're visiting Malvern for the first time, Worcestershire Beacon is one of the obvious places to start.
At 425 metres, it's the highest point in the Malvern Hills and rewards the climb with panoramic views across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond.
There are several ways to approach the Beacon, meaning you can incorporate it into anything from a relatively short walk to a much longer day on the hills.
On a clear day, the views make the climb well worth the effort.
British Camp and Herefordshire Beacon
Towards the southern end of the hills, British Camp is another of Malvern's best-known landmarks.
The Iron Age hillfort sits on Herefordshire Beacon and provides another spectacular viewpoint across the surrounding countryside.
It's a great area to explore if you want to combine walking with some of Malvern's history, and there are routes of varying lengths around this section of the hills.
Explore the Worcestershire Way
For walkers looking for something more substantial, the Worcestershire Way is a long-distance trail running through the county and finishing in Great Malvern.
The full route is a challenge, but you don't need to walk the entire trail to enjoy it.
Sections of the route can be incorporated into shorter walks around Malvern, making it another great option for visitors who want to spend a proper day exploring on foot.
Walk Along the Malvern Ridge
One of the best ways to appreciate the scale of the Malvern Hills is to spend some time walking along the ridge.
The hills run for around eight miles from end to end, creating opportunities for longer point-to-point walks as well as shorter circular routes.
As you move along the ridge, the landscape constantly changes, with views stretching across both Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
If you're planning a walking holiday in Malvern, tackling a section of the ridge should definitely be on your list.
Don't Forget the Lower-Level Walks
You don't need to climb to the highest point to enjoy walking in Malvern.
There are plenty of woodland paths, commons and lower-level routes around the hills that are ideal for a more relaxed ramble.
These can be particularly enjoyable if you're travelling with children, walking the dog or simply want to spend a couple of hours outside without committing to a major hike.
One of the joys of staying near the Malvern Hills is having the freedom to choose a route that suits the day.
Make a Weekend of It
While the Malvern Hills can easily be visited for the day, staying locally gives you much more time to explore.
You can head onto the hills in the morning, stop at a local pub or café, explore Great Malvern in the afternoon and return for another walk the following day.
It also means you're not trying to squeeze everything into a few hours.
Stay on the Malvern Hills at Number ThirtySeven
If walking is one of the main reasons for your visit, staying close to the hills makes a huge difference.
Number ThirtySeven is a 5-star rated holiday rental and Airbnb in Malvern, situated directly on the Malvern Hills.
That means the countryside you're coming to explore is right on your doorstep.
After a day of walking, you can head back, put your feet up and enjoy a comfortable home from home with panoramic views, a fireplace, high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of space to relax.
Number ThirtySeven is also dog friendly, making it a great base if your walking companion happens to have four legs.
