MALVERN S HILLS

MIDDLE ENGLAND

The landscape that inspired Sir Edward Elgar runs for seven miles, north to south along the ridge of the Malvern Hills. The composer could see this volcanic hill-range from his family home in Worcester. He is buried just below the hills at St Wulstan's Church.

Unlike many of the great national trails, the Malvern Hills can be walked north to south in a day if you start early enough. There are a number of steep ascents but great views to be had overlooking the broad Severn Valley to the east and the rolling hills of Gloucestershire to the west. Half way along walkers pass the home of Sir Barry Jackson, founder of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre where Bernard Shaw was a frequent visitor. The country home of the Cadbury family of chocolate fame also lies nearby.

Just below Iron Age British Camp, the Malvern Hills Hotel provides great lunchtime sustenance for walkers.

Where to stay

The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern

The Cottage in the Wood was built as a dower house for the chatelaine of Blackmore Park. This 3,226-acre estate stood on the plain below the Malvern Hills but in 1921 the main house burned down. By 1919 the cottage up in the woods had already been turned into a restaurant. Today it offers 26 bedrooms - and has just been promoted from a Michelin Plate to a Michelin One Star.