Malvern Hills Day-Trip Bonanza
Welcome to the Malvern Hills trip report!
The trip started relatively smoothly with me and Kingsley being only a few minutes late to the Sainsbury’s pickup point, thanking the lord above that Ollie extended the meeting time from 8 to 8:30. The ride there was lovely with great views and Ollie driving. We had Josh in the front and in the back: me, Kingsley, Merlin, Emren, and finally Anna hastily planning the walking route.
We arrived in the town of Malvern greeted by great weather. Once sun-creamed up we got on our way and spotted a dressed up well, which Merlin (a Malvern native) explained to be a yearly tradition in the local area!
After refilling our bottles, we continued up the hills, summitting “end hill” first (the irony). Next was a tricky decision between two hills which was settled by an intense game of rock-paper-scissors, leading to our second summit being “table hill”.
Continuing onwards, we encountered many more beautiful views and took many more photos before reaching the highest peak of all the hills, where we met a monument erected in memory of Queen Vicky. (There was also a brief detour to a small “cave”)
Heading onwards we have a mighty struggle trying to get over a sheep’s gate, and Josh and Emren spot the north pole!
Next we stop off for a brief loo break and after some begging and pleading from the rest of the group, Ollie decides it is indeed time for a lunch break.
Feeling rejuvenated and ready to continue, we forward our pilgrimage onwards, leading to a field of some very fluffy and chillaxed cows.
Soon after this we see a welcome ice-cream stop with many rare flavours. I get served one scoop too little and after complaining (and embarrassing our whole group in the process) get served my missing scoop and an extra scoop for free! Kingsley devours a burger in what appears to be three bites, Josh has a religious experience with the leftovers of my elderflower and gooseberry ice cream, and Anna battles her cravings for a veggie burger.
Stomachs filled even further, some of us decide to attempt racing to the next peak. This goes very badly for everyone except Merlin who blazed to the top in record time. To cool off from the high exertion, he decides to dive into the nearest lake.
With the final peak out of the way we begin our descent. Highlights include Josh carrying out some structural tests on a wooden bridge, Merlin getting in touch with his ancient roots and becoming a druid, and a quick break to buy some artisan apple juice.
After the brief apple juice side quest, we stop off by a small pond where Josh pulls out his tiny banana, of which he insists is in fact average sized.
Starting to feel our legs, we catch a train back to Malvern and start the journey home (with very few awake to witness it).
All in all, a great day out with 5 counties visited and up to 13 peaks summited! (I stopped counting after a while).
Many thanks to Ollie for driving and arranging, and Anna and Merlin for navigating.
Cheers!
Harry