The little village of Colwall is remarkably well connected considering its small size and scenic location. Positioned on the western slopes of the Malvern Hills the village has fantastic views from the Herefordshire side, including a great perspective on the Iron Age hill fort British Camp. Take advantage of its spot on the Hereford line, take the train to Colwall from Malvern and walk back over the magnificent hills.
Due to the Colwall tunnels, built in the 1800’s, you can pass through the Malvern Hills by train and alight at Colwall train station. Spend a short while admiring some of the lovely dwellings in the village and stocking up on supplies from the Village shop or Café Morso, before setting off on your walk over the Malvern Hills and back to Great Malvern.
There are a few walk options depending on your desired length and walk environment. The quickest way back is to follow the road to Upper Colwall, on to the Wyche Cutting and then straight up to the Beacon, taking in the most breath-taking views as far as the Cotswolds and the wooded Bredon Hill. For a longer walk, initially follow field paths to Evendine and then climb the iconic British Camp. Make sure to take in the views north and south along the ridge of the hills as you walk, the peaks stretching into the distance are lovely to see. Once you’ve summited the Beacon, either walk over or past Sugarloaf hill and then take the path down to the town via St Ann’s Well, stopping to admire the pretty café built into the hillside and to see the ornate marble font that catches the spring water.
Once in Great Malvern it’s just a short walk through the Victorian pleasure gardens of Priory Park before arriving back to Great Malvern train station, ready to rest your legs on the journey home. Before boarding the train home stop by Lady Foley’s Tea Room. Housed in Great Malvern Station this delightful café makes the most of the stations well preserved Victorian features and serves a variety of drinks, hot and cold snacks, vegetarian and light meals. Or, if you have some energy left, stay a-while in the town browsing the quirky independent shops or refuelling with coffee and cake.
Wherever you’re from or wherever your going The Malverns is a handy rail stop. Colwall/ Malvern Stations have direct trains from London Paddington, Oxford, Reading, Birmingham and Hereford and Worcestershire Parkway provides links from Cardiff, Bristol and Nottingham.
Pop into one of our friendly Tourist Information Offices in Tenbury Wells, Upton upon Severn or Great Malvern for maps, route ideas and other helpful tips. The length and difficulty of this walk will depend on the route you choose, however as it involves crossing the Malvern Hills which can be steep in places we advise this walk is moderate/ hard. Depending on the route the length is about 3-4 miles.
