Taken from Book 1 of a Pictorial Guide to the Malvern Hills
This is a summary of a culturally interesting and diverse circular walk of 6.1 miles, which can be started at any point and provides shorter ‘opting out’ routes if the weather is inclement. The walk meanders through open farmland and cider apple orchards and takes in a section of the Worcestershire Way. Following this, there is a fairly steep path, accessing the Lady Howard De Walden Drive as it circumnavigates North Hill.
There is an opportunity to reach the summit of North Hill and afterwards a pleasant downhill trot to St Ann’s Well. After a refreshing drink of Malvern’s finest spring water, take some time to visit the historic Great Malvern town centre and return via Elgar’s House, the Link Common and the residential areas of Malvern Link.
Distance, time and altitude
6.1 miles. Allow a minimum of three hours without refreshment breaks or other stops for the complete tour. The summit of North Hill is 397metres (1,303 feet).
Refreshments
St Ann’s Well Cafe, The Blue Bird Tea Rooms, The Star Inn, The Nags Head and The New Inn.
Wells, Springs and Spouts
Cowleigh Spring, St Ann’s Well, Malvhina Spring and the Temperance Drinking Fountain (mains tap water).
Places and points of interest
The Clock Tower, North Hill, St Ann’s Well, The Link Stone, mid-19th century pillar box and Elgar’s house.
This circular walk can be joined at any point. However, because it is probably better to end the walk coming down-hill, the walk commences at the lowest point in Lower Howsell Road at the railway bridge. This can be accessed from the junction of Worcester Road and Lower Howsell Road in Malvern Link map reference SO 7869 4897, or from Leigh Sinton at the junction of Leigh Sinton Road (B4503) and the Malvern Road