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
North Hill is summit 3 of 20 from the north. Neighbouring hills: Table Hill, Sugarloaf Hill.
- Second-highest summit
- Highest point of the Worcestershire Way
- Rocky outcrop summit
North Hill rises directly above the northern end of Great Malvern. At 397 metres it is the second-highest summit on the ridge, beaten only by the Worcestershire Beacon to its south. It lies wholly within Worcestershire, and it is the highest point reached by the Worcestershire Way long-distance path.
The top is a rocky outcrop. Nineteenth-century guidebooks describe a collapsed burial mound on the hill known as the Giant’s Grave.
Most walkers combine North Hill with Sugarloaf Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon, a natural loop from the town or from the car parks on the northern slopes. The smaller Table Hill and End Hill lie just beyond it at the northern tip of the range.
Walks up North 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.
Colwall to Great Malvern over the hills
- Distance: 5.5 km · 3.4 mi
- Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Route type: Linear
Take the train to Colwall, climb onto the ridge below the Beacon, cross to North Hill and descend to Great Malvern or Malvern Link for the train home.
North Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon
- Distance: 4.8 km · 3.0 mi
- Time: 1 hr 50 min
- Route type: Circular
The two highest summits in one loop: North Hill, Sugarloaf Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon from North Quarry car park, returning on lower paths.
Where to park for North Hill
Pay-and-display car park on North Malvern Road, close to End Hill and North 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)
Free car park on West Malvern Road, close to End Hill and North Hill.
Charges: Free (checked Sept 2026)
Free car park on West Malvern Road, close to Sugarloaf Hill and Worcestershire Beacon.
Charges: Free (checked Sept 2026)
Viewpoints and landmarks
Landmark
Tank Quarry
A former quarry on North Hill with display boards on the ancient rocks of the Malverns; the rock faces are unstable, so keep well back.
Landmark
Ivy Scar Rock
A natural crag on the eastern side of North Hill above Great Malvern, described as the highest natural rock on the hills and used by climbers.
Food and drink near North Hill
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Halfway up the classic climb from the town to the Worcestershire Beacon, in the old well house. Vegetarian, with outdoor seating.
- By a walk start
- Dogs welcome
Website for St Ann's Well Café (opens in a new tab) Directions to St Ann's Well Café (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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A café in West Malvern on the path up towards Sugarloaf Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon.
Website for Sugarloaf Café (opens in a new tab) Directions to Sugarloaf Café (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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On St Ann’s Road, the lane up to St Ann’s Well, so it sits right on the walk from the town centre onto the hills. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub.
- By a walk start
- Dogs welcome
- Near a station
- Garden
Website for The Red Lion (opens in a new tab) Call The Red Lion Directions to The Red Lion (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 North Hill?
The most practical base for this walk is Great Malvern: town base with a station, shops and places to eat, right at the foot of the Worcestershire Beacon.
- Great Malvern station
- Car-free trips
- First visits
- Food and drink
Our picks nearby
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A pub-hotel in central Great Malvern. The hotel says the walking trails to the top of the hills start just over the road. There is no lift.
- Walk from the door
- Near a station
- Breakfast
- Food on site
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for The Foley Arms Hotel (opens in a new tab) Directions to The Foley Arms Hotel (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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A Georgian hotel on Belle Vue Terrace in the centre of Great Malvern, a short walk from the paths up the hills. Its Mulberry Tree restaurant serves afternoon tea daily.
- Walk from the door
- Near a station
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Food on site
- Afternoon tea
Website for Mount Pleasant Hotel (opens in a new tab) Directions to Mount Pleasant Hotel (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
Neighbouring hills
Hill · Sugar Loaf Hill
Sugarloaf Hill
The shapely summit between North Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon, crossed by most walkers linking the two.