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
Ragged Stone Hill is summit 19 of 20 from the north. Neighbouring hills: Hollybush Hill, Chase End Hill.
- Twin tops (254 m and 250 m)
- Near the three-counties point
- Local legend
Ragged Stone Hill stands on the south side of the Hollybush pass, where the A438 cuts through the hills. It has two tops, the western at 254 metres and the eastern at 250 metres. The climb from the Hollybush car park is short but steep: about 15 to 20 minutes to the summit.
The hill is close to the meeting point of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. It is also the subject of a well-known local legend that anyone the hill’s shadow falls on will meet with misfortune.
South of here the ridge drops to Chase End Hill, the last of the Malverns. North across the road is Midsummer Hill with its Iron Age fort.
Walks up Ragged Stone 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.
Ragged Stone Hill and Chase End Hill
- Distance: 5.6 km · 3.5 mi
- Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Route type: Circular
The quiet southern end of the Malverns: a steep pull up Ragged Stone Hill, then on to the trig point on Chase End Hill, the last summit in the range.
Where to park for Ragged Stone 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 Ragged Stone Hill
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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)
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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)
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At Birtsmorton, about 5 km south-east of British Camp: a drive from the hills, but a quiet country pub for the southern end. Dogs welcome on a lead.
- Dogs welcome
- Garden
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for Farmers Arms (opens in a new tab) Call Farmers Arms Directions to Farmers Arms (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 Ragged Stone 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
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Two-bedroom holiday lodge at Malvern Holiday Park, let mainly by the week, near Castlemorton Common. Season: Priced for November to March and April to October, i.e. available year-round. Sleeps: 3 (one double and one single bedroom).
- Dogs in rooms
- Lodge
- Self-catering
Website for Broad Down Luxury Holiday Lodge (Malvern Holiday Park) (opens in a new tab) Directions to Broad Down Luxury Holiday Lodge (Malvern Holiday Park) (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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Small park at the southern end of the hills offering several types of shepherd's hut, vintage caravans, a converted ploughing van and a holiday lodge, plus seasonal caravan pitches.
- Dogs welcome
- Glamping
Website for Malvern Holiday Park (opens in a new tab) Directions to Malvern Holiday Park (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
Neighbouring hills
Hill · Holly Bush Hill
Hollybush Hill
A lower hill east of Midsummer Hill, inside the same Iron Age hillfort ramparts.
Hill
Chase End Hill
The southernmost hill of the range, with a trig point on top: the start or finish of the Malvern Hills end-to-end walk.