Best Walks in the Malvern Hills (Map & Instructions)

The Malvern Hills are a breathtaking chain of ancient hills running along the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire in England. Known for their sweeping views, rolling ridges, and timeless English countryside charm, the Malverns are one of my favourite places to walk in the UK.

Whether you’re after a peaceful woodland stroll or a full ridge hike, the Malvern Hills offer some of the most rewarding walking routes in England. From the highest point at Worcestershire Beacon to the gentle slopes around British Camp, every step reveals another panoramic view across the Severn Valley, the Cotswolds, and even the Black Mountains on a clear day.

In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about the best walks in the Malvern Hills — including how to get there, detailed route instructions, a map, and my personal tips from the trail.

MALVERN HILLS WALK OVERVIEW

Start / Finish: Great Malvern or British Camp
Distance: 13 km / 8 miles (full ridge walk)
Duration: 4 – 5 hours (allow extra for photo stops)
Elevation Gain: 550 metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Ridge views, English countryside, hilltop walks
Map Recommended: OS Explorer Map 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill

The Malvern Ridge walk is one of the most scenic day hikes in the Midlands. It follows a well-marked trail along the spine of the Malverns, connecting a series of hills that rise like waves above the surrounding farmland. You can start from either Great Malvern (north end) or British Camp (south end), depending on how steep you want your first climb to be.

STARTING THE WALK – GREAT MALVERN TO WORCESTERSHIRE BEACON

I started my hike at Great Malvern, a charming spa town famous for its natural spring water and Victorian architecture. There’s parking near St Ann’s Well Café, where you can fill your bottle with fresh spring water before you begin the climb.

From the café, follow the clear signs up St Ann’s Road and onto the Worcestershire Beacon Trail. The ascent is steady and scenic, winding through grassy slopes with beautiful views back over the town.

After around 45 minutes, you’ll reach the Worcestershire Beacon (425m) — the highest point of the Malvern Hills. The summit offers 360-degree views across Herefordshire, the Severn Valley, and as far as the Welsh border. On clear days, you can even spot the Cotswold Hills glimmering in the east.

This is the perfect place to pause for a drink or snack. There’s a toposcope on the summit showing the visible landmarks, and the wind up here always feels fresh and alive.

WORCESTERSHIRE BEACON TO NORTH HILL

From the Beacon, the trail gently undulates northward along the ridge. The section to North Hill is quieter, with fewer walkers and lovely grassy paths. You’ll pass through Sugarloaf Hill on the way — not to be confused with its famous Welsh namesake — which offers superb views of Great Malvern and the surrounding farmland.

The ridge path here is wide and grassy, perfect for taking photos or simply stopping to enjoy the endless landscape. It took me about 1 hour to reach North Hill, where I stopped for another short break before turning south toward the southern hills.

WORCESTERSHIRE BEACON TO BRITISH CAMP

Heading south from Worcestershire Beacon, follow the Malvern Hills Ridge Path. This section is more dramatic, with steeper ups and downs across Perseverance Hill, Jubilee Hill, and Black Hill. It’s a wonderful rolling walk, and the views change constantly — from distant patchwork fields to the deep blue line of the Welsh mountains on the horizon.

After about 2 hours, you’ll see the distinctive shape of British Camp (Herefordshire Beacon, 338m) — an Iron Age hillfort dating back more than 2,000 years. The earthworks are still visible, and standing on the summit feels like stepping back in time.

The panoramic view from British Camp is one of my favourites in all of England — layers of green hills, ancient ridgelines, and a horizon that seems endless.

Just below the hill, you’ll find The Malvern Hills Hotel and The Kettle Sings Café, perfect for a well-earned lunch or cream tea before continuing or catching a bus back to Great Malvern.

BEST SHORT WALKS IN THE MALVERN HILLS

If you don’t fancy doing the full ridge hike, here are a few shorter Malvern Hills walks worth trying:

Worcestershire Beacon Circular (3.5 miles / 2 hours)
– Start from St Ann’s Well, climb to the Beacon, and return via the lower path. Great views and moderate effort.
British Camp to Swinyard Hill Loop (4 miles / 2 hours)
– A fantastic route with rolling hills, woodland, and a visit to the ancient hillfort.
Malvern Link Common Walk (2 miles / 1 hour)
– A gentle countryside stroll for families or a sunset walk.
North Hill Loop (3 miles / 1.5 hours)
– Quieter northern hills with incredible views of the Severn Valley.

MALVERN HILLS MAP

Below is a map of the Malvern Hills ridge walk with key points of interest marked — including the summits, car parks, and cafes.

📍 Use our map: Click on the top right corner to open in Google Maps. Tap the star to save it to your account for easy access on the trail.
If you prefer paper maps, I recommend OS Explorer Map 190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill. It’s incredibly detailed and ideal for navigation.

GETTING TO THE MALVERN HILLS

By Car:

Great Malvern is about 45 minutes from Birmingham, 30 minutes from Gloucester, and just over 1 hour from Cardiff.
There’s parking at St Ann’s Well, Wyche Cutting, and British Camp (pay and display).

By Train:

Great Malvern Station is well connected to London Paddington (2.5 hours), Birmingham, and Hereford. The station is within walking distance of the town centre and several trailheads.

By Bus:

Local buses connect Great Malvern with Ledbury, Worcester, and Upton-upon-Severn. The 675 route stops at British Camp.

BEST TIME TO WALK THE MALVERN HILLS

The best time to walk the Malvern Hills is April to October when the weather is mild and the paths are dry. Spring brings wildflowers across the meadows, while autumn adds a golden hue to the beech and oak woodlands.

I hiked in early September, and the weather was perfect — clear skies, light wind, and that soft evening light that makes the English countryside glow. Early morning or late afternoon walks are best for photography and avoiding the crowds.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A MALVERN HILLS WALK

Hiking Boots or Shoes: The ridge can be steep and slippery, so good grip is essential.
Water Bottle: Fill up at St Ann’s Well or bring at least 1L for the full ridge.
Light Rain Jacket: The weather can change quickly, especially on the Beacon.
Map or GPS App: Even though paths are well-marked, a map helps on side trails.
Snacks or Picnic: There are scenic spots everywhere for a break.
Sunblock & Hat: The ridge is quite exposed in summer.
Camera or Drone: The views are simply stunning.

PLACES TO EAT & DRINK NEAR THE MALVERN HILLS

St Ann’s Well Café: A perfect stop before or after your climb — try their homemade cakes.
The Kettle Sings Café: Great cream teas with views toward the Cotswolds.
The Malvern Hills Hotel: Ideal for a hearty lunch or pint after your hike.
Faun Café, Great Malvern: A trendy spot in town for brunch and coffee.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Walking the Malvern Hills is one of the most rewarding experiences in England. The combination of ancient landscapes, easy-to-follow trails, and far-reaching views make it perfect for walkers of all levels.

Whether you’re chasing sunrise from Worcestershire Beacon or exploring the Iron Age fort at British Camp, the Malverns never disappoint. Each hill feels like a new adventure, and every ridge rewards you with another incredible panorama.

It took me around 5 hours to complete the full ridge walk (with plenty of photo stops, of course), and by the end, I was already planning my next visit.

If you’re looking for a walk that combines history, scenery, and pure peace, the Malvern Hills are truly one of the best hiking destinations in England.