Location: Malvern Hills, Wocestershire, UK.
Distance: 16 km.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated Time: 1 day.
Best for: Countryside,Woods,Trail paths, Hills.
Start / Finish: Chase End Grid Ref: SO 75726 34940 / The Foley Arms Great Malvern
Introduction:
The Malvern Hills have always held a special place in my heart.
I lived in Malvern from the 1980s until moving to the Netherlands in 1991, and during those years the hills became a familiar part of life. Even after moving abroad, every visit back to the area included at least one walk along the Hill ridge. Sometimes it was just a short section, other times a longer hike, but I always found myself drawn back to the hills.
In the summer of 2025, while staying with close friends for a week, I decided it was time to walk the entire Malvern Hills ridge once again.
The route is approximately 16 km long and follows the backbone of the hills from Chase End in the south to Great Malvern in the north ending at the Clock tower Great Malvern. Although I know the route well, experience has taught me never to take any walk for granted. Paths can be diverted, maintenance work can take place, and access arrangements can change. Whether you use a guidebook, paper map, or navigation app, it is always worth checking before setting off.
At around 6:30 in the morning, I was dropped off at Chase End with my backpack, water, and a few light snacks. The weather was excellent, and I was looking forward to spending the day on one of my favourite Hill ridge walks.
Before leaving, I checked my map and guide one final time. Everything looked good, and with the hills stretching ahead of me, I was ready to go.
Unfortunately, my first mistake of the day arrived within the first minute.
Normally, I wear lightweight trail hiking shoes on walks like this. However, I was wearing my hiking boots because I needed to take them back to the Netherlands for a winter hiking trip in Austria later in the New year.
As I stepped forward, one boot lace hook caught on the eyelet of the other boot. In an instant my feet were locked together and I went straight down onto the gravel path.
The result was a scraped hand, a bruised knee, and a slightly wounded sense of pride.
Thankfully, I always carry a small first aid kit, so after cleaning up the cuts and making sure everything was fine, I stood up and laughed at myself.
After all these years of hiking, I had managed to fall over before the walk had even properly started.
It was a good reminder that even on familiar ground, it pays to pay attention.
With my hand cleaned up, my knee patched up, and my pride slowly recovering, I finally set off properly along the Malvern Hills.
Following the Ridge:
The route starts by climbing steadily through woodland before emerging onto the open slopes of Chase End Hill. Even though I know these hills well, there is always something special about seeing the views begin to open up as you gain height.
Standing at the trig point on Chase End, I paused for a moment to take in the scenery. The weather was excellent, and with the early start I had the hills largely to myself. It reminded me why I have returned here so many times over the years.
From Chase End the route continues north, dropping down before climbing again towards Raggedstone Hill. One of the things I enjoy most about the Malvern Hills is that they are never completely flat. You are constantly going up, down and back up again, which keeps the walk interesting throughout the day.
The paths were in good condition, and with the morning sun beginning to warm the hillsides, it felt like one of those days where everything simply comes together.
Passing through the Hollybush area, I continued towards Midsummer Hill. The views stretched across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and despite having seen them many times before, they never seem to lose their appeal.
Walking these hills always brings back memories. Although I left Malvern in 1991, there is still a strong feeling of familiarity here. The landscape may change slightly over the years, but the character of the hills remains exactly as I remember it.
One lesson I have learned over time is never to assume a route will be exactly the same as your last visit. Paths can be diverted, maintenance work takes place, and access arrangements sometimes change. No matter how well you know an area, it always pays to keep your map or navigation app handy as I noticed changes.
Along the Ridge Life on the Hills :
It was nice to see the wildlife waking up all around me as I made my way along the ridge. Cows in the surrounding fields called out as I passed, adding to the feeling that this was a living, working landscape rather than just a walking route.
In the wooded sections the paths were a little wet in places, so I had to watch my footing carefully.
The quarry area was particularly beautiful, with its open rock and quiet atmosphere standing in contrast to the surrounding greenery. I also came across the old stocks, a reminder of the area’s history.
As the route continued north over Black Hill and towards Pinnacle Hill, the views seemed to improve with every step. The Malvern Hills are never flat, and the constant climbs and descents make the walk far more challenging than many people expect.
One of the highlights of the morning was seeing the hang gliders launching from the hills and lifting into the sky. I stopped for a moment just to watch them catch the wind and disappear over the ridge.
I also had some great conversations with people walking their dogs before work, as well as trail runners moving quickly along the hills. There is always a friendly atmosphere here, and even a short chat can brighten your day.
Reaching the Wyche Cutting felt like a natural break in the journey. Here you will find public toilets, the Wyche Inn and Cafe H2O. Everything was still closed when I passed through, but later in the day it becomes a popular meeting point for walkers and visitors.
Beyond the Wyche Cutting, the route climbs again towards Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point of the Malvern Hills.
Worcestershire Beacon and the Finish:
Standing on Worcestershire Beacon was fantastic. The sun was shining, the skies were clear, and the views were incredible in every direction.
Seeing parts of Malvern from above felt special in a simple way. It brought back memories and reminded me just how lucky I was to have grown up with these hills on my doorstep.
In moments like that, it is not about distance or height. It is simply about being there, breathing fresh air, enjoying the sunshine and appreciating the world around you.
From the Beacon, the route continues over North Hill before descending towards Great Malvern. I passed the Clock Tower and made my way into town.
To finish the walk, I dropped into The Foley Arms for a coffee and a well-deserved English breakfast. It felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, it was a fantastic morning on the hills.
The Malvern Hills End-to-End is around 16 km, but the constant climbs and descents make it more demanding than many people expect. Good footwear, plenty of water, and allowing enough time to enjoy the views will make the day far more enjoyable.
After finishing the walk, I sat in The Foley Arms with a coffee and a well-deserved English breakfast.
As I sat there looking out towards the hills, I found myself thinking back to when I was 16 years old. Back then, I would spend hours walking these same hills without giving much thought to the future.
Now, more than forty years later and at the age of 59, I was still doing exactly the same thing.
Apart from perhaps being a little wiser — although falling over within the first minute of the walk might suggest otherwise!
Nature changes over time. Trees grow, paths are altered, and the landscape evolves. Yet the outlines of the hills remain the same. Standing on the ridge, I could still recognise the familiar shapes that I first knew as a teenager.
Perhaps we forget sometimes that beauty is all around us. We become busy with everyday life and stop noticing what is right in front of us.
Walking the Malvern Hills reminded me once again that some of life’s greatest pleasures are also the simplest — fresh air, open views, good company, and the freedom to put one foot in front of the other.
For me, the Malvern Hills will always be a special place, and every return visit feels like catching up with an old friend.
Highlights: Chase End Hill, Raggedstone Hill, Midsummer Hill, British Camp, Worcestershire Beacon, North Hill
Facilities: Wyche Inn, Cafe H2O, The Foley Arms
Navigation: OS Maps and local route guide
All in all, it was a fantastic morning on the hills.
Chris (Clogs)
A simple reminder: don’t underestimate it, even if you know the area well.
Inspired by this adventure? Join one of our guided walks and explore the Peak District for yourself. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or a full-on hill challenge, we’ll help you enjoy the scenery safely, build your confidence on the trail, and make every step count. Get in touch to find out more!
We also support mental health charity Mind and trail conservation project Fix the Fells.
2026
Distance: ~16 km
Location: Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
Start: Chase End
Finish: Great Malvern
Route Type: Ridge walk (End-to-End)