The details of this walk were checked against the route source on 15 Sept 2026. Distance and climb measured along mapped paths; time estimated at 4 km/h plus 1 minute per 10 m of climb, without stops. Things change, so check before you travel.
Route overview
Midsummer Hill is crowned by an Iron Age hillfort whose ramparts enclose both Midsummer Hill and Hollybush Hill. The National Trust, which cares for it, says more than 400 hut platforms have been identified inside. That makes it one of the busiest settlements of its time, although today it is one of the quietest summits on the hills.
From the Hollybush area on the A438, climb north through the ramparts to the summit (284 metres), where there is a small shelter. Return the same way. You can also carry on north along the ridge towards Swinyard Hill and British Camp.
Route map
Route line follows mapped paths (OpenStreetMap). Use it to plan, and follow the paths and signs on the ground. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Route points as a list
- Start: Hollybush, on the A438
- Hollybush Hill
- Midsummer Hill
After your walk
Where to eat, where to stay and how to get back, worked out from where this walk starts and ends.
Where to eat after this walk
-
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 overnight?
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)
-
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)
-
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)
Also close: Malvern Wells or Colwall. Compare all areas.
Getting back
This walk brings you back to where you started. If you came by train or bus, here is how to get home from the finish.
- Ledbury station · 5.2 km from the start (take a taxi or bus). Station details · Train times
- No regular bus stops close to this walk. Bus routes around the hills.
- Access Taxis (taxi, Great Malvern) · 07749 621594 · website
- Pittstop Travel (taxi, Malvern) · 07894 630458 · website
- Smith Taxis (taxi, Malvern) · 01684 568686 · website
We don’t copy timetables because they change. Check times on the day, especially on Sundays. The hills without a car
Making a weekend of it?
- Tomorrow: Malvern Hills end to end · 16 km, 5 hr 35 min
- Weekend itineraries for the hills
- Build a trip plan around this walk
Step-by-step directions
The route overview and map above show the way. We add turn-by-turn directions once we have walked a route ourselves, so they’re right on the ground.
Terrain and elevation
- Total ascent
- 133 m (436 ft)
- Highest point
- 284 m (932 ft)
- Route type
- Out and back
- Grass paths
- Woodland paths
- Steep sections
Parking and getting there
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)
Safety and walking conditions
- The ridge is exposed. Wind and cold are often much stronger on the tops than in the town. Low cloud can reduce visibility quickly.
- Steep ground and old quarries. Some slopes are steep and loose, and quarry edges can be sheer. Stay on the paths and keep children close.
- Livestock. Cattle and sheep graze parts of the hills. Keep dogs under close control and on a lead near animals.
- Daylight. Allow time to finish in daylight, especially in autumn and winter. Check sunset and conditions for today.
- In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Police, then Mountain Rescue. Give your location as precisely as you can.
This information is general guidance, not a guarantee of safety. Conditions change, and you are responsible for deciding whether a route is right for you on the day.
Hills and viewpoints on this walk
Hill · Holly Bush Hill
Hollybush Hill
A lower hill east of Midsummer Hill, inside the same Iron Age hillfort ramparts.
Hill
Midsummer Hill
A quieter southern summit whose Iron Age ramparts enclose both Midsummer Hill and neighbouring Hollybush Hill.
What to take on this walk
- Shoes or boots with good grip Grass slopes get slippery after rain and some paths are loose and rocky.
- A windproof layer The ridge is exposed. It is often much windier and colder on top than in the town below.
- Water and a snack There is nowhere to buy food or drink on the ridge itself.
Nearby walks
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.
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.
British Camp and reservoir circular
- Distance: 4.8 km · 3.0 mi
- Time: 2 hrs
- Route type: Circular
A gentle loop around the lower slopes of British Camp and the old reservoir, from the car park at Wynds Point. Add the summit if you have the energy.
More walks like this
Last checked 15 Sept 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.