Malvern Hills

The hills are a ridge about thirteen kilometres long of Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rock, roughly 680 million years old, thrust up through much younger sedimentary country, which is why they rise so abruptly from level ground; the highest point, Worcestershire Beacon, is 425 metres and the view is claimed over as many as fifteen counties on the clearest days. The rock is so impermeable that water emerges pure at numerous springs, and Malvern water built the town as a hydrotherapy resort in the nineteenth century; the springs still run and people fill containers at them. British Camp on Herefordshire Beacon is a large Iron Age hillfort with ramparts terracing the whole hilltop. Elgar lived and walked here, and the hills are usually connected with his music.

What you actually see

• The abrupt ridge - 680-million-year-old rock standing over flat farmland.
• British Camp - Iron Age ramparts terracing a whole hilltop.
• The springs - free-flowing water still collected in containers.
• The Beacon views - up to fifteen counties claimed in clear conditions.

When to go

April to October for walking; the ridge path is exposed and windy in any season. Clear winter days give the longest views. The Malvern spring and autumn garden shows fill the town.

Honest expectations

The climb from the town is steep whichever route is taken, gaining around three hundred metres. The ridge is busy on weekends and the car parks are charged. Fifteen-county visibility is rare, and haze usually cuts the view well short.

Nearby

Great Malvern and its priory lie below; Worcester and the Severn are east.