9 routes
Moderate walks take in one or more of the main summits, with steady climbs and some steeper or rougher sections. They suit anyone who walks regularly, and most families with older children. Allow for the ascent as well as the distance: a few kilometres on the Malverns can take longer than the same distance in the valley.
The classic climb from the town: past the Priory and St Ann’s Well to the toposcope on the highest point of the Malverns, and back down.
Short and steep: straight up from the car park to the ramparts of one of Britain’s finest Iron Age hillforts, with huge views both ways.
Over the British Camp hillfort and south along the ridge to the little Giant’s Cave, returning below the hills. A great family outing.
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.
The two highest summits in one loop: North Hill, Sugarloaf Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon from North Quarry car park, returning on lower paths.
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.
A short climb from Hollybush to the ramparts of the Midsummer Hill fort, where more than 400 hut platforms have been found.
The central ridge: from Jubilee Drive past Pinnacle and Jubilee hills, across the Wyche and up over Summer Hill to the Beacon, then back.
Start at the Priory, climb steeply through the woods to the ridge and follow it south over the central hills to the British Camp hillfort.
Distance, time, climb and parking side by side.
| Walk | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Route | Ascent | Dogs | Pub | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcestershire Beacon from Great Malvern station | 6.4 km · 4.0 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Moderate | Circular | — | Yes | — | Train station |
| British Camp hillfort summit | 1.3 km · 0.8 mi | 30 min | Moderate | Out and back | 102 m | Yes | Yes | British Camp car park |
| British Camp and Giant’s Cave circular | 3.2 km · 2.0 mi | 1 hr 5 min | Moderate | Circular | 142 m | Yes | Yes | British Camp car park |
| Colwall to Great Malvern over the hills | 5.5 km · 3.4 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Moderate | Linear (one way) | — | Yes | — | Train station |
| North Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon | 4.8 km · 3.0 mi | 1 hr 50 min | Moderate | Circular | 385 m | Yes | — | North Quarry car park |
| Ragged Stone Hill and Chase End Hill | 5.6 km · 3.5 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Moderate | Circular | 238 m | Yes | — | Hollybush car park |
| Midsummer Hill hillfort from Hollybush | 2.8 km · 1.7 mi | 55 min | Moderate | Out and back | 133 m | Yes | — | Hollybush car park |
| Worcestershire Beacon along the ridge from Jubilee Drive | 7.3 km · 4.5 mi | 2 hr 25 min | Moderate | Out and back | 348 m | Yes | — | Gardiner's Quarry car park |
| Great Malvern to British Camp along the ridge | 9.1 km · 5.7 mi | 5 hrs | Moderate | Linear (one way) | — | Yes | Yes | Train station |
Times are for a steady pace without long stops. Ascent is the approximate total climb.