- One of three road passes
- Possible prehistoric salt route
- County boundary
The Wyche Cutting is a narrow gap cut through the ridge. The B4218 uses it to cross from Malvern to Colwall, and the crest here marks the boundary between Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It is one of three road passes over the hills. The others are the A449 by British Camp and the A438 at Hollybush.
The pass is thought to have been part of a prehistoric salt route from Droitwich into Wales, which may explain the name “Wyche”. From the 1920s to the 1960s the road was the A4105.
For walkers, the Wyche is the crossroads of the hills. Paths lead north to Summer Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon and south over Perseverance, Jubilee and Pinnacle hills. The path along Jubilee Drive starts here. The Malvern Hills GeoCentre, a small visitor centre and café, is about 100 metres away on the Herefordshire side.
Getting there: The 675 bus between Great Malvern and Ledbury runs through the Wyche. The Beacon Road and Earnslaw car parks are close by.
Walks that pass Wyche Cutting
Jubilee Drive path from the Wyche
- Distance: 3.0 km · 1.9 mi
- Time: 1 hr
- Route type: Out and back
A gently graded path above Jubilee Drive with big views west over Herefordshire, from the Wyche Cutting to Gardiner’s Quarry car park.
Worcestershire Beacon along the ridge from Jubilee Drive
- Distance: 7.3 km · 4.5 mi
- Time: 2 hr 25 min
- Route type: Out and back
The central ridge: from Jubilee Drive past Pinnacle and Jubilee hills, across the Wyche and up over Summer Hill to the Beacon, then back.
Nearest parking
Pay-and-display car park on Beacon Road, close to Worcestershire Beacon and Summer 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)
Pay-and-display car park on Wyche Road, close to Worcestershire Beacon and Summer 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 Wyche Cutting
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High on the eastern side by the Wyche Cutting, close to the Beacon Road car parks, with views over the Severn Vale.
- Walk from the door
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Food on site
- Rooms
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for The Wyche Inn (opens in a new tab) Directions to The Wyche Inn (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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A small visitor centre and community café just west of the Wyche Cutting, with a free car park. Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside.
- By a walk start
- Dogs welcome
Website for Malvern Hills GeoCentre and Cafe H2O (opens in a new tab) Directions to Malvern Hills GeoCentre and Cafe H2O (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 Malvern Wells: hillside village between the town and British Camp, close to the central ridge.
- Central ridge
- Quieter stays
- Springs and wells
Our picks nearby
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High on the eastern side by the Wyche Cutting, close to the Beacon Road car parks, with views over the Severn Vale.
- Walk from the door
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Food on site
- Rooms
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for The Wyche Inn (opens in a new tab) Directions to The Wyche Inn (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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On the A449 below the eastern slopes at Malvern Wells, a short climb from the Wyche. The inn describes itself as family and dog friendly.
- Walk from the door
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Food on site
- Rooms
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for The Railway Inn (opens in a new tab) Call The Railway Inn Directions to The Railway Inn (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.