EVEN in a region with dozens of hillforts, that on Herefordshire Beacon stands out as truly remarkable. Known as British Camp, it is well over 2,000 years old and covers 13 hectares (32 acres).

The scale of the fortification is awesome when you consider that its builders had only primitive hand tools.

In the centre, on the summit of the hill, is a smaller earthwork known as the Citadel, believed to be the site of a Norman castle built about 1,000 years ago. Running along the spine of the hills is another earthwork, built about 1287, known originally as Red Earl’s Dyke (after Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester) but now called Shire Ditch.

Below the Beacon, the A449 cuts through the Malverns on the line of a former saltway from Droitwich.

The modern road continues westwards, but the saltway swung south, taking a route which survives as the Ridgeway, used in this walk.

It’s not a public right of way, but there is permissive access to it, courtesy of the Harvey-Bathurst family of Eastnor Castle.

DIRECTIONS

1 From the car park or bus stop it’s a short, steep climb to the top of Herefordshire Beacon, through the earthworks of British Camp.

After admiring the view from the top, descend southwards then make another slight ascent to a second top. The path then slips through a break in the ramparts and drops more steeply to a saddle, where you’ll find a route indicator. Take the path signed to Giant’s Cave and Pink Cottage. Having passed the cave, continue along a terraced path below the ridge. Turn right at a cross-path, descending to another junction. Turn right on a narrow path between trees, descending to a rutted track at the edge of Gullet Wood.

2 Turn left and ignore all branching paths until a gate gives access to Eastnor Park. Climb to the obelisk then continue across the deer park, descending to a valley and passing between two pools to meet a driveway (the Ridgeway).

Turn right, pass Park Lodge and follow the Ridgeway through woodland. Go left at a major fork and proceed to the A449.

3 Cross the road to a path opposite.

Descend steps into a meadow and go straight down, quite steeply.

Cross a stile to the next field and go diagonally left to a stile in the corner. Cross a track and go through a gap into another field, passing to the right of a pool. Bear very slightly left to a stile at the far side then straight through the next field to a stile and path junction. Turn right along a track which soon bends left and is easily followed to a lane at Evendine.

4 Turn right, then take the second path on the left, just before a thatched cottage. Walk along an access track until it ends at Old Meadow, then go straight on across a field, by the left edge. Continue along the left edge of another until a stile gives access to an arable field.

Continue in much the same direction for the length of this field on a well-made path, passing to the right of a solitary oak tree. Proceed along the edge of another field, heading towards the railway embankment, for just 100 metres, then turn right through an unsigned hedge gap and follow the left-hand field edge. Continue along the edge of the next field, go through a gate to the left and across another field to the corner (there is access to/from Colwall station here). Turn right, and go through a gate in the top corner.

5 Turn left through another field, then turn right just before you reach the far side, going uphill and crossing a stile near the top corner.

Walk along a tree-lined track then shortly turn right at a waymarked junction. Go up to meet a driveway and turn left. Take the first path on the right, climbing through woodland to a road. Turn right for a few paces to a passing place then go straight up a wooded slope to a track. Turn left and walk to a road.

6 Turn left for a few paces then cross to a steep, narrow path climbing through more woodland.

Meeting a wide path, turn left and head towards the Wyche. Turn right just before Wyche Free Church, then left above houses to meet the road by a toilet block and bus shelter.

Climb a flight of steps just beyond the toilets to gain the ridge. Head south to return to British Camp.

There are numerous well-used paths so choose whatever route you prefer – along the top, along either side, or a combination of both.

FACT FILE

Start: Below British Camp, by A449; grid ref SO762403 (alternatively, start at Colwall station or the Wyche).

Length: 10 miles/16km.

Maps: OS Explorer 190, OS Landranger 150.

Terrain: Grassland and woodland, undulating throughout but rarely steep.

Footpaths: Excellent.

Stiles: Nine.

Parking: British Camp car park by A449, opposite Malvern Hills Hotel.

Public transport: Trains serve Colwall station daily. Buses are fairly plentiful; from Monday to Saturday either take 363 to Malvern Wells, or 44 to Great Malvern and change to 675 for British Camp; on Sundays/bank holidays, Easter to end of October, 44B operates direct to British Camp from Worcester; on Saturdays/Sundays/bank holidays, Easter to end of October, Malvern Hills Hopper provides additional services between British Camp, Great Malvern and Upton; on Sundays/bank holidays year-round, 476 serves Colwall and the Wyche from Great Malvern; 01905 765765 or worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables or herefordbus.info or 01432 260211 or nationalrail.co.uk or 08457 484950.

Refreshments: Malvern Hills Hotel and snack kiosk at British Camp, Wyche Inn at the Wyche, pubs and shops near Colwall station.

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.