The facts on this page were checked against the source on 14 Sept 2026. Things change, so check before you travel.
Position on the ridge
Midsummer Hill is summit 17 of 20 from the north. Neighbouring hills: Swinyard Hill, Hollybush Hill.
- Iron Age hillfort
- Over 400 hut platforms identified
- National Trust land
- Summit shelter
Midsummer Hill is one of the quieter summits, south of British Camp towards the end of the range. Like British Camp it is crowned by an Iron Age hillfort, and here the ramparts enclose both Midsummer Hill and its lower neighbour, Hollybush Hill.
The National Trust, which looks after the hill, says the fort was probably occupied from around 500 BC for roughly five centuries, and that more than 400 hut platforms have been identified inside it. That makes it one of the more densely settled hillforts of its time. Other sources give slightly different dates.
There is a small shelter near the summit. The usual approach is from the Hollybush area on the A438, which also gives access to Ragged Stone Hill on the other side of the road.
Walks up Midsummer Hill
Malvern Hills end to end
- Distance: 16 km · 10.1 mi
- Time: 5 hr 35 min
- Route type: Linear
The big one: every summit from Chase End Hill in the south to North Hill above Great Malvern, along the full length of the ridge.
Midsummer Hill hillfort from Hollybush
- Distance: 2.8 km · 1.7 mi
- Time: 55 min
- Route type: Out and back
A short climb from Hollybush to the ramparts of the Midsummer Hill fort, where more than 400 hut platforms have been found.
Where to park for Midsummer Hill
Car park on Hollybush, on the A438, close to Ragged Stone Hill and Midsummer Hill.
Charges: check operator’s website
Pay-and-display car park on Gullet Road, close to Swinyard Hill and Midsummer Hill.
Charges: £6.50 per day (valid in any Malvern Hills Trust car park that day), or £3.75 after 6pm. Blue Badge holders free. (checked Sept 2026)
Food and drink near Midsummer Hill
-
A takeaway stop at the Eastnor Deer Park entrance, passed by the long walk between Ledbury and Colwall.
Website for The Woodshed Café (Eastnor Deer Park) (opens in a new tab) Directions to The Woodshed Café (Eastnor Deer Park) (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
-
In Castlemorton, about 3.5 km south-east of British Camp, below the southern end of the ridge. It posts news on Facebook rather than a website.
Website for The Robin Hood (opens in a new tab) Call The Robin Hood Directions to The Robin Hood (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
-
On the edge of Castlemorton Common, about 3 km south-east of British Camp: a stop for walks at the southern end of the hills.
- Garden
Website for Plume of Feathers (opens in a new tab) Call Plume of Feathers Directions to Plume of Feathers (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
Our picks are chosen for their position near the route; partners are paid placements. Check opening times before you go. More food and drink
Staying near Midsummer Hill?
The most practical base for this walk is British Camp: right at the hills, below the Iron Age hillfort, with the southern ridge on the doorstep.
- Walking from the door
- Southern hills
- Dog walks
Our picks nearby
-
Three self-catering properties on the Eastnor Castle estate below the southern hills: a lodge in the deer park, an apartment in the castle stables and a large group house. Sleeps: Golden Gates Lodge 4; The Stables Apartment 6; Hillend House 18.
- Dogs in rooms
- Parking
- Self-catering
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for Eastnor Castle Holiday Cottages (opens in a new tab) Directions to Eastnor Castle Holiday Cottages (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
-
A single hand-built timber cabin on a farm near Birtsmorton, with a wood-fired hot tub, private sauna and cold shower, log burner and outdoor pizza oven. Sleeps: 4 (own website).
- Lodge
- Hot tub
- Self-catering
Website for Malvern Hills Lodge (opens in a new tab) Directions to Malvern Hills Lodge (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
Neighbouring hills
Hill
Swinyard Hill
A southern summit with a quartzite outcrop, above the Swinyard car park and Gullet Quarry.
Hill · Holly Bush Hill
Hollybush Hill
A lower hill east of Midsummer Hill, inside the same Iron Age hillfort ramparts.