Guided cultural walks: Lewis Loop & Tolkien Trail
Legendary fantasy authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis were frequent visitors to the Malvern Hills and the distinctive landscape may have inspired features of Middle Earth and Narnia, like the Giant's Cave from the Hobbit and the Victorian gas lamps from The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. You choose between 2 routes, the Tolkien Trail or the Lewis Loop, both of which are outlined below.
The CS Lewis Loop begins at the Mr. Tumnus bench in Priory Park and up to the Priory, home to what may be Narnia's original gas lamp. It's then on to Lewis's former school Cherbourg House before pausing at the Lewis Memorial in Rosebank Gardens and following the gas lamps up to St. Ann's Well café and around North Hill to Dr Who filming location Tank Quarry. After dropping down to Alexandra Rd where both Lewis's biographer George Sayers & composer Edward Elgar lived, it ends at Lewis & Tolkien's favourite pub: The Unicorn Inn.
The Tolkien Trail starts at British Camp car park & heads south over the Herefordshire Beacon to Giant's Cave which may have given inspiration for "The Hobbit" & then down to what was Tolkien & Lewis' favourite café at Pink Cottage. The trail then returns north past Elgar's grave at St Wulstan's church then up & over Black Hill then down to the car park.
Whichever walk you choose, you'll hear tales of cultural legends whilst enjoying the best views in the West Midlands.
Your guide: Dan Johnson
For over 45 years, Dan has been exploring the Malvern Hills & there's probably not an inch of the range that he hasn't covered, whether in his walking boots, trail running shoes or on his mountain bike.
He studied the hills extensively for his Environmental Science degree, writing a dissertation that examined how the area's AONB designation protects it from the pressures of development.
Dan loves sharing his knowledge and experience with others, giving guided walking tours, telling the fascinating story of the history, geography, geology, ecology & cultural contribution of the hills.
He also works as a senior lecturer & outdoor instructor at the University of Worcester. His home is West Malvern's historic Ryecroft House, which offers accommodation & is just 15 mins walk from the Table Hill summit.
Overnight stays in West Malvern
Right at the heart of the picture postcard hillside village of West Malvern, Ryecroft House Garden Apartment is perfectly placed for exploring the majestic Malvern Hills that straddle the border between the West Midland counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The secluded self-contained 6-berth apartment overlooks the garden & orchard of historic Ryecroft House which retains many original features from it's 19th century construction & great views of the Welsh mountains & stunning sunsets.
The space:
Follow the steps down through the Victorian garden of Ryecroft House to reach the private entrance of this self-contained and secluded south-facing apartment. The entrance hall has both bedrooms leading off to your left before bringing you into the comfortable and fully furnished lounge/diner. Another door leads to the fully fitted bespoke kitchen, cosy seating area and modern shower room.
Guest access:
In addition to the facilities listed above, you will also have access to some shared amenities at Ryecroft House. Your shared amenities include:
Washing machine and tumble dryer in the Ryecroft House conservatory.
Outside tables, seating and a barbecue in the garden.
Help yourselves to fresh fruit from the orchard (seasonal).
