The Malvern Hills
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting and finishing in Worcestershire, England, about 14.40km (8.95 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:15h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
412m (1351ft)
Descent
362m (1187ft)
Max. Elevation
400m (1312ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
774m (2538ft)
Start
Great Malvern
End
Colwall
Distance
14.40km
(8.95mi)
(8.95mi)
Duration
~5:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Walking in the Malvern Hills is all about the views. Rising up to around 400m in an otherwise flat part of the UK, the panorama is unbeatable - the Cotswolds and River Severn to the east, and the fields and orchards of Herefordshire to the west. The northern end is easily reached from Great Malvern, and many short walks are possible, but it's worth spending the day wandering about on some of the oldest rocks in England.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Colwall to Ledbury
A moderate, linear walk (countryside) starting in Herefordshire, England, about 11.10km (6.90 mi) long, duration: ~3:30h.Worcestershire woods and water
A leisurely, circular walk (canal) starting in Worcestershire, England, about 7.60km (4.72 mi) long, duration: ~2:00h.A wander over Cleeve Common
A leisurely, linear walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Gloucestershire, England, about 8.40km (5.22 mi) long, duration: ~3:00h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
OS Grid SO783457
Great Malvern is well served by buses and trains. From the town centre, there are several signs pointing the way on to the Malverns.
OS Grid SO768464
Follow one of the many paths that climb up the steep slopes of the hills. No cutting corners - head north on to North Hill, before backtracking to follow the ridge south.
About 1.65 km (~1.03 miles) from 
OS Grid SO768453
This is the highest point of the Malverns at 425m. The many footpaths here can get confusing, but simply follow the ridge line and you won't go far wrong.
About 1.10 km (~0.68 miles) from 
OS Grid SO769437
At Upper Wyche, you cross a road which really has no place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But it's soon behind you, leaving you to enjoy the terrific views.
About 1.60 km (~0.99 miles) from 
OS Grid SO768420
The route continues due south towards Little Malvern. These hills may seem tame, but Mallory used these paths as training for his Everest expedition!
About 1.63 km (~1.01 miles) from 
OS Grid SO761397
Beyond Little Malvern, you soon reach Herefordshire Beacon. And yes, you are now in Herefordshire! The Shire Ditch, about 100m to the east, marks the county boundary.
About 2.41 km (~1.5 miles) from 
OS Grid SO763385
Carry on past Broad Down and Hangman's Hill. There is a small cave - Clutter's Cave - near here, named after the strange chap who decided to live here in the 18th Century. Carry on to Swinyard Hill.
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid SO762391
At Swinyard Hill, drop off the Malvern ridge and join the Worcestershire Way, which leads to Colwall. The first section, through News Wood, is particularly pleasant.
About 0.61 km (~0.38 miles) from 
OS Grid SO759425
The Worcestershire Way runs back along the western edge of the Malverns, and right up to Colwall. Leave the main path and take one of the smaller footpaths into Colwall.
About 3.41 km (~2.12 miles) from 
Colwall StoneOS Grid SO756426
There is a station at Colwall, and good onnections as well. The Crown Inn, just near the station, comes highly recommended for food and beer. Perfect after a long day's walk.
About 0.25 km (~0.16 miles) from 
2 comments... join the discussion!
Jennifer Rees
Like Trevor I am unable to open the GPX file.
trevor2127
Hi I may be doing something wrong, but the GPX file won't open after its downloaded. Thanks Trevor