Best mountain peaks around Colwall are situated within the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by a distinctive range of hills rather than towering mountains. These hills offer extensive panoramic views and diverse natural features. The Malvern Hills stretch approximately 13 kilometers from north to south, dominating the landscape of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. The area is notable for its ancient geology and well-preserved Iron Age hill forts.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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One of the finest hills in the Malverns with it's Iron Age Hillfort (yes another one on the Malverns!), and superb views west across Eastnor Park. It used to be heavily wooded on the Eastern Side, but Ash Die-back disease has caused a huge number of large mature Ash trees to be felled in recent times. This is still a hill to be savoured and you will not see too many people here either.
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The other end of Hereford beacon, with good views of the Eastnor Estate with it's obelisk.
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Summer Hill is a bit of a bump in between the Beacon and the Wyche Cutting, however it's steep southern aspect does afford some of the best views along the Malvern Hills ridge, particularly when there is an Inversion happening.
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Midsummer Hill rises in the southern part of the Malvern Hills and is a very worthy objective. Site of a former hillfort, along with neighbouring Hollybush Hill, it provides extensive views, with the impressive Eastnor Castle visible in the Herefordshire countryside. A hike to the top could be combined with Herefordshire Beacon to the north, or a longer outing traversing the entire Malvern ridge.
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The hill lies to the south of the Worcestershire Beacon, which is Worcestershire's (and the Malvern Hills') highest hill, and Summer Hill's summit, though often overlooked given the grandeur of its neighbour, is a most respectable 1,253 feet above sea level. Source: Wikishire
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The Herefordshire Beacon is one of the highest peaks of the Malvern Hills. It is surrounded by a British Iron Age hill fort earthwork known as British Camp. The fort subsequently had a ringwork and bailey castle built inside its boundary and there is evidence of 120 huts in the area. British Camp has been a scheduled monument since 1923. On the eastern slope of Herefordshire Beacon, there is a disused reservoir, British Camp Reservoir, which holds approximately 213,000 cubic metres (7,500,000 cu ft) of water. Herefordshire Beacon represents one of the Malvern Hills, 1,109 feet (338 m) high, and is the second highest summit in the hills. It is within the county of Herefordshire, but is directly adjacent to the border with Worcestershire to the east. Atop Herefordshire Beacon, there is an Iron Age hill fort, known as British Camp, and would have held a settlement between 4th century BCE and 1st century CE. A ringwork and bailey castle was built within the site of the hill fort, and there is evidence of 120 huts having been built within the boundaries of the fort. The hill fort received scheduled monument status on 10 August 1923. Nearby to British Camp, on the eastern slope of Herefordshire Beacon, there is a reservoir called British Camp Reservoir. It has a capacity of 213,000 cubic metres (7,500,000 cu ft), although it has not been used for many years. In 2017, Severn Trent proposed to dismantle the treatment plant associated with the reservoir and drain it, leaving an 8,000 cubic metres (280,000 cu ft) pond. source: Wikipedia
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Midsummer Hill is situated in the range of Malvern Hills that runs approximately 13 kilometres (8 mi) north-south along the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border. It lies to the south of Herefordshire Beacon with views to Eastnor Castle. It has an elevation of 284 metres (932 ft). To the north is Swinyard Hill. It is the site of an Iron Age hill fort which spans Midsummer Hill and Hollybush Hill. The hillfort is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is owned by Natural England. It can be accessed via a footpath which leads south from the car park at British Camp on the A449 or a footpath which heads north from the car park in Hollybush on the A438. The hillfort is very unusual in that the ramparts enclose two hills and the intervening valley. Bowden speculates that the spring within the valley "enhance[s] the position of the hillfort as a site of symbolic value". Source: Wikipedia
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go during the week to miss the many people that walk these hills
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The peaks around Colwall are part of the Malvern Hills, which are a distinctive range of hills rather than towering mountains. You can expect undulating terrain with wide areas of acid grassland and heath on the summits, and mixed broadleaved and ancient semi-natural woodland on the lower slopes. The geology is remarkable, composed of some of the oldest rocks in England, dating back around 680 million years.
The most notable natural feature is the Worcestershire Beacon Summit and Toposcope, which is the highest point in the Malvern Hills at 425 meters. It offers extensive panoramic views across thirteen counties. Another significant viewpoint is Herefordshire Beacon (British Camp), providing splendid views of the surrounding area.
The Malvern Hills are rich in history. You can explore the well-preserved Iron Age hill fort earthwork at Herefordshire Beacon (British Camp), dating back to around 200 BC. Another significant historical site is Midsummer Hill Iron Age Hillfort, which also offers extensive views. Additionally, Millennium Hill is notable for being within the ramparts of British Camp and was named in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium.
Yes, the Malvern Hills offer a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. For example, the 'British Camp, Herefordshire Beacon & Swinyard Hill loop' is rated as easy, while routes like 'Worcestershire Beacon and North Hill Loop' are considered difficult. You can find more details on various routes in the Hiking around Colwall guide.
Absolutely. Many popular routes in the Malvern Hills are circular. Examples include the 'British Camp, Herefordshire Beacon & Swinyard Hill loop' and the 'Geopark Way: Worcestershire Beacon and Summer Hill Loop'. These are great ways to experience the diverse landscape and return to your starting point. More options are available in the Hiking around Colwall guide.
Beyond hiking, the area around Colwall offers excellent opportunities for running and cycling. You can explore various running trails, such as the 'Worcestershire Beacon and North Hill Loop', detailed in the Running Trails around Colwall guide. For cyclists, there are routes like the 'Worcestershire Beacon loop from Wyche', which you can find in the Cycling around Colwall guide.
The highest point in the Malvern Hills, and indeed in Worcestershire, is the Worcestershire Beacon, reaching an elevation of 425 meters (1,394 feet). Another significant peak is Herefordshire Beacon, standing at 338 meters (1,109 feet).
Yes, the Malvern Hills offer family-friendly options. While some climbs can be steep, many paths are well-maintained. The area's rich history, particularly the Iron Age hill forts like British Camp, can be engaging for children. Shorter, easier loops are available, and the panoramic views are enjoyable for all ages.
Many of the peaks are easily accessible by car, with dedicated parking areas. For instance, Herefordshire Beacon (British Camp) is easily accessible from the British Camp car park. There is also parking available at Earnslaw Quarry car park, which is convenient for reaching Summer Hill.
Visitors consistently praise the extensive panoramic views from the summits, which can stretch across many counties on a clear day. The well-preserved Iron Age hill forts, such as British Camp, offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. The dense network of footpaths makes it a favorite for walkers seeking both challenging and easy routes, and the feeling of being 'up and above the workaday world' is a common sentiment.
The Malvern Hills can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though can be busier. Always check the weather forecast, as conditions on the exposed ridges can change quickly.
Yes, the Malvern Hills are generally very dog-friendly, with a high density of public rights of way and open access land. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs on the trails. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or in areas with ground-nesting birds, and to follow the Countryside Code.


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