Trace the steps of literary giants C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien on a scenic 3-mile walk across the Malvern Hills, ending with afternoon tea at a charming Georgian hotel. Walking the Hills’ unique journey blends nature, history, and storytelling in Worcestershire’s striking landscape.
Trace the steps of literary giants C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien on a scenic 3-mile walk across the Malvern Hills, ending with afternoon tea at a charming Georgian hotel. Walking the Hills’ unique journey blends nature, history, and storytelling in Worcestershire’s striking landscape.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Walking the Hills · Broadway, Worcestershire,
Perched on the edge of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, Walking the Hills offers a distinctive journey connecting nature, literature, and local heritage. Their signature experience, Tea & Tales: Walking in the Footsteps of Lewis & Tolkien in Malvern, threads a 3-mile route through landscapes that inspired some of the 20th century's greatest storytellers, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This 4-hour adventure weaves invigorating walking with cultural depth, appealing to hikers and literature enthusiasts alike.
The Malvern Hills stretch across the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, a geological ridge formed from some of the oldest rocks in England, including Precambrian igneous formations that have withstood millions of years of erosion. Their sharp ridges and open summits punctuate the countryside, providing sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham and beyond. The hills are also known for their rare flora, including the fragrant wild thyme and early purple orchids that color the slopes in spring and summer.
Walking the Hills guides bring to life the connection between the natural environment here and the fantastical worlds envisioned by Lewis and Tolkien. Along the trail, participants trace the same hillsides that sparked the imagination behind Narnia and Middle-earth. The walk concludes at a classy Georgian hotel in Broadway, where guests enjoy an afternoon tea complete with fresh scones, jams, and spectacular views over the Cotswolds, lending a perfect mix of relaxation and reflection.
This trip stands apart in the Malvern outdoor scene by blending literary history with accessible outdoor activity. It invites visitors to see the hills through a layered lens—appreciating both their raw natural beauty and their profound cultural echoes. Walking the Hills anchors this experience in a genuine connection to place, offering a heartfelt, well-rounded day out in one of England’s most inspiring countryside settings.
moderate.
4 hours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to comfortably manage 3 miles of rolling terrain with intermittent stops.
Yes, the 3-mile route is moderate and includes planned stops, making it accessible for many fitness levels.
An afternoon tea with freshly baked treats is provided at the end of the walk in a nearby Georgian hotel.
Broadway is accessible by car and local bus services from nearby towns; parking and meeting point details are provided upon booking.
The walk is family friendly, though parents should consider the terrain and duration when deciding if it suits younger children.
Guides monitor weather conditions closely and will adjust plans or provide advice to ensure participant safety.
Yes, bookings are recommended to secure your spot on this popular guided walk.
The Malvern Hills have inspired artists and writers for centuries, their ancient geology shaping a dramatic, unspoiled landscape cherished locally.
Walking the Hills promotes Leave No Trace principles to preserve the fragile hill ecosystems and sustain local wildlife habitats.
Walking the Hills is a walking tour provider based in Great Malvern, England. The operator runs walking experiences across the Malvern Hills that combine scenic routes, local history and traditional refreshments. Two curated trips are offered: Tea & Tales: Walking in the Footsteps of Lewis & Tolkien in Malvern, a four-hour, three-mile walk that highlights landscapes linked to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and concludes with an afternoon tea at a Georgian hotel; and Discover Malvern: A Scenic Walk, Cream Tea, and the Water Wells, a three-and-a-half-hour walk that explores historic wells and spring water and finishes with a cream tea featuring homemade scones and clotted cream at a Georgian hotel. Both experiences are based in Great Malvern and focus on accessible, scenic routes across the Malvern Hills, with stops that showcase literary connections, natural springs and local heritage. Each itinerary ends at a Georgian hotel where participants enjoy freshly baked treats, tea and views of the surrounding hills. Times and route distances are provided for each trip so guests can plan accordingly. Walking the Hills is listed on The Adventure Collective as a local operator for Malvern walking experiences, presenting clear trip summaries, durations and included refreshments. Prospective guests can consult the trip descriptions for practical details and booking information.
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