The Walk - British Camp

Choose a clear, bright day to make the most of the panoramic views as you explore the least trodden hills in the Malverns. As you head south from Herefordshire Beacon the crowds gradually thin out; once you have left Gullet Quarry behind you are unlikely to meet more than a handful – if that – of other walkers. Yet Midsummer Hill, Ragged Stone Hill and Chase End Hill have so much to offer.

          It's not very far – under half a mile – from Gullet Quarry to the top of Midsummer Hill, yet you will pass through four distinct vegetation zones on the way up, from woodland, through scrub and then bracken to the short turf of the upper slopes. The summit is encircled by the remains of an Iron Age fort, which you'll be most aware of at the point where the footpath breaches the main rampart. The descent from the summit to Hollybush is down a south-facing slope baked dry by this year's sunshine and carpeted with a profusion of low-growing flowers such as bird's-foot trefoil and lady's bedstraw.

          In some ways, diminutive Chase End Hill is one of the most beguiling of the Malverns. Shared by three counties, and encircled by woods, Chase End offers perfect peace and good opportunities to spot some of the less common birds which frequent the hills, including green woodpecker, whitethroat and stonechat. However, the best places to see green woodpeckers are Coombegreen and Hollybed commons, along with a field which you will pass through on the way to Coombegreen Common. The field is studded with the nests of yellow meadow ants, a favourite food of the green woodpecker.

          Most of this walk is on common land where we may walk wherever we want. The route described is only one option so feel free to amend it to suit individual preference.         

For instance, you could devote many hours just to exploring Hollybed and Coombegreen commons, especially if you have an interest in wildlife.

FACTFILE

Start: Wynds Point (aka British Camp), where the A449 cuts through the Malvern Hills below Herefordshire Beacon; grid ref SO763403.

Length: Nine miles/14.5km.

Maps: OS Explorer 190, OS Landranger 150, Harvey Superwalker XT Malvern Hills.

Terrain: Grassland, woodland and scrub; moderately hilly.

Footpaths: Mostly excellent. 

Stiles: Three.

Parking: British Camp car park.

Public transport: On summer Saturdays only (until 15th September) First 44B operates from Worcester to Ledbury via British Camp; or you could take an early train to Ledbury for First 481 Ledbury-Cheltenham service via British Camp on Mondays only at 0910; firstgroup.com, nationalrail.co.uk, Traveline 0871 200 2233, National Rail 03457 484950.

Refreshments: Malvern Hills Hotel and Sally's Place at British Camp; Ruffz Refreshments Kiosk at Gullet Cottage; piped and filtered spring water is available from a tap at Dales Hall Farm.

DIRECTIONS

1 Walk south on the ridge-top path across Herefordshire Beacon (and British Camp), Broad Down, Hangman's Hill and Swinyard Hill. When you reach Gullet Quarry a fence prevents further progress so you must descend left on a narrow path until you can join a path going right to meet the road which crosses Berrow Downs. Turn right, past a green vehicle barrier. Pass Gullet Cottage and skirt to the left of the quarry lake. Take the middle path when faced with a choice of three and shortly join a track. Climb through woodland to arrive at the entrance to Eastnor Park.  

2 Turn left on a track and fork left when you come to a junction, on a path which climbs to the top of Midsummer Hill. Walk straight across the summit then descend to meet the A438 at Hollybush. Cross the road, turn right then take the Geopark Way into the woods clothing the lower slopes of Ragged Stone Hill. Turn right initially, then soon fork left on a path which climbs quite steeply uphill. Walk south across the summit then drop down to a path on the left which continues in the same direction, descending to Whiteleaved Oak.

3 Turn right past Elsies Cottage, right again past Lamberts Cottage, then left opposite Bumble Hole Cottage. Follow the Geopark Way left, to the right of Cider Mill Cottage, and straight on until a waymark directs you left. Climb to the top of Chase End Hill then proceed southwards, on a gradual descent to the bottom of the hill.

4 Turn left to join a woodland path below the eastern slopes and head north to rejoin the lane at Whiteleaved Oak. Turn right, following the lane to Grays Cottage, where you turn left. Take the second footpath on the right, opposite The Lodge, and walk across two fields to the A438. Cross to Coombegreen Common and walk close to the left edge, then along a track to Hollybed Common. Keep left past Mill Pond, then left by the edge of the common, which eventually narrows to form a track. Keep to this, past Tyrus House, heading towards the Malvern Hills. After a slight climb the common widens out and you meet the road at Berrow Downs.

5 There should be a bridleway directly opposite but it has disappeared. So turn left to a clump of black poplars and you'll see a narrow path running past a split poplar. Take this path, which soon swings left towards the hills, and you'll intercept a wide bridleway. Turn right across the downs then keep straight on along a track at the far side. Look out for a meadow named The Wonderment, where a notice on the gate welcomes visitors. A sign opposite, at Dales Hall Farm, also extends an invitation to passing walkers to rest on the bench provided and enjoy some spring water, piped from Roman Rock Spring on Hangman's Hill. A mug is provided, and a bowl for dogs. Fork left shortly after passing the farmhouse, where a waymark indicates a bridleway. Climb gradually, walk below woodland for a while, then fork left on a path which rises through the woods, eventually emerging from the trees onto Broad Down. Head to a col to join the path which contours round the side of Herefordshire Beacon, above the reservoir, to Wynds Point.     

PLEASE NOTE This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss, accident or injury, however caused.

© Julie Royle 2018

From: Julie Royle

Sent: 11 July 2018 16:58

To: MS-Worcester Editorial

Subject: The Walk - British Camp for 21.07.18