- Highest natural rock on the hills
- Hornblende microdiorite
- Permitted climbing location
Ivy Scar Rock is a crag on the eastern flank of North Hill, above Great Malvern. The Earth Heritage Trust describes it as the highest natural rock on the Malvern Hills. It is a dyke of hornblende microdiorite that pushed up into the older rocks of the Malverns Complex.
The rock once featured on Great Western Railway posters and was reached by an old carriage way. Today it is one of a small number of natural rock faces where the Malvern Hills Trust permits climbing. It is also on section 10 of the Geopark Way walking trail.
Nearest parking
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)
Food and drink near Ivy Scar Rock
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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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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 nearby?
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
-
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)
The facts on this page were checked against the main source on 14 Sept 2026. Things change, so check before you travel.