The Malvern Hills are a gentle rippleback of hills running up the western edge of the Severn Valley. There is little that is hostile or threatening about them, they are old enough to be ‘tame’ hills. It is in this that lies their particular charm. The Malvern Hills Conservators is the venerated body that cares for this string of hills which are neat, tidy and well manicured. There are valued facilites circling their base; loos, bus routes, pubs and cafes, car-parks, antique shops and hotels. But they are still hills and a walk along their length, climbing two beacon hill and crossing only three roads is an significant achievment.

Such a walk is accompanied by extensive views to both sides of the hills. You can see all the way from the Cotswolds to the Black Mountains. You can be burnt by the sun or blown off the hills by the wind. Up on the hills you are in a different world. A twenty minute hike lifts you above the habitation line and you are in a world of grazing sheep, bracken and open sky. As you look down you can see, in detail, the world you have left behind; roads, cars, commerce, technology. Up here you are away from it, if only to run the dog for half-an-hour.

Few hills are as accessible as the Malverns. Few have such stunning views, such domestic care or such an inviting appearance. Whilst missing the majesty of even a small range of mountains, they have a form that draws the eye and leaves an lingering impression. They are comfortable, well used hills, well worth the emotional and economic investment the surrounding communities make in them.