Malvern Hills, Hill chain in Herefordshire, England
The Malvern Hills are a chain of summits rising 425 meters (1394 feet) above the Severn Valley plain in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Grassy slopes alternate with rocky ridges that offer views over the surrounding fields and villages.
Bronze Age communities lived here around 1000 BC, as shown by flint tools and arrowheads found across the hills. During medieval times, these heights formed part of the royal forest known as Malvern Chase, until local protests in the 17th century defended traditional rights of access.
The Malverns inspired English composers such as Edward Elgar from the late 19th century onwards to create works celebrating this landscape. Walkers come from across central England to stroll along the paths between the summits and take in views across three directions.
Several paths cross the ridge, linking Great Malvern with the village of Colwall over roughly 13 kilometers. The climbs can be steep in places, so sturdy footwear and time for rest stops during walks are advisable.
The rock forming these hills is among the oldest in England, dating back roughly 680 million years to the Precambrian period. Diorite and granite make up the ridges, while later geological events shaped them into their current form.
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