New Year, New Mindset: Post-Christmas Walks in the Malvern Hills
During the festive period, we’ve eaten lots, drank even more, laughed with loved ones, and danced the nights away. But Christmas is officially over for another year, and now it’s time to start looking ahead…
If you’ve resolved to do more exercise this year, what better way to do it than by walking?! Walking is a totally FREE form of exercise, with no expensive gym memberships or state-of-the-art equipment required. Embark upon a refreshing walk in the fresh air to blow away those winter cobwebs and get fit after the Christmas break. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather be walking the Malvern Hills and taking in those beautiful views than joining a gym and pounding the treadmill.
Keep reading to discover why you should consider taking up walking this year…

The Many Health Benefits of Walking
- Weight loss. Many of us fall victim to overeating and drinking at Christmas time – but now is the time to shed some of those extra calories and get active again. Walking burns between 65-100 calories per mile, proving to be an excellent way to burn calories.
- Better physical health. Walking is great for your physical health. As well as burning fat, walking can lower your blood pressure, strengthen your bones and muscles, and even help prevent certain health issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Improved mental health. As well as your physical health, walking works wonders for your mental health. Walking regularly can help improve your self-esteem, mood, and sleep; as well as reducing stress, anxiety, and tiredness. So, if you’re feeling a little bit lazy and sluggish after Christmas, pull on your hiking boots and get walking!
- Promotes mindfulness. Walking is a fantastic opportunity to practice mindfulness – the art of living in the present moment. Switch off your phone and take in those fantastic views, whilst admiring the fascinating flora and fauna along the way. We guarantee you won’t regret it!
- Improved relationships. When done with others, walking can be a very sociable activity. Catch up with friends and family whilst breathing in that fresh country air and ridding your mind of all worry and stress.
- Enjoy some peace and quiet. Whereas some people like to walk with others, some prefer to walk alone and take some time out. If you need some ‘me time’ after the busy festive period, try hiking up a hill and taking in the views, whilst improving your relationship with yourself.
Walking in the Malvern Hills
You just can’t beat the Malvern Hills for a refreshing walk. With an abundance of walking routes to choose from, there’s no better place to explore on foot than The Malverns. Incredible views guaranteed!
Cared for by the Malvern Hills Trust, the magical Malvern Hills divide the beautiful British countryside found in the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It’s a great destination for walkers of all ages and abilities – whether you’re seeking a gentle stroll following a tree-lined trail or an energetic hike to the hill tops, there’s something for everyone here!
The 2022 Malvern Walking Festival
The annual Malvern Walking Festival is set to return this year with 9 days of themed and guided walks on and around the hills. Taking place from 28th May – 5th June, there are walks of many varying lengths and difficulties to suit all abilities. All walks are now available to book online. Check out the programme below…
Strenuous Treks
- Saturday 28th May = Malvern Hills End to End and Back (20 miles)
- Monday 30th May = Worcestershire Way in a Day (31 miles)
Hard Hikes
- Saturday 28th May = Winchcombe Wander (10 miles)
- Saturday 28th May = On and Around the Northern Hills (5 miles)
- Sunday 29th May = Walking Welland’s Ways (11 miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = North End Discovery (12 miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = A Foot in Three Counties (8 ½ miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = The Best of the Worcestershire Hills (8 ½ miles)
- Friday 3rd June = West and East of the Hills (13 miles)
- Saturday 4th June = Malvern Hills End to End (9 miles)
- Saturday 4th June = Colwall to Great Malvern (8 miles)
- Sunday 5th June = Storridge, Suckley and Geopark (13 miles)
Moderate Rambles
- Sunday 29th May = Malvern’s Water Trails (4 ½ miles)
- Monday 30th May = Symonds Yat Rock, Woods and River (4 ½ miles)
- Monday 30th May = Bromyard Downs and Beyond (5 miles)
- Monday 30th May = History in Malvern Wells and Little Malvern (5 miles)
- Tuesday 31st May = Upton upon Severn to Croome Park (10 miles)
- Tuesday 31st May = Ledbury to Little Marcle Circular Walk (7 miles)
- Tuesday 31st May = Caring for the Hills – Past, Present and Future (5 miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = Colwall’s Favourite Hills and Views (9 miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = Around the Common with a bit in Reserve (5 miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = An Oyster, a Vineyard and a Pub Lunch (5 miles)
- Friday 3rd June = Villages below the West Side (8 miles)
- Friday 3rd June = Discovery around Ledbury & Eastnor (6 miles)
- Friday 3rd June = Geology Around Alfrick and Suckley (5 miles)
- Saturday 4th June = Walking with Elgar (5 miles)
- Saturday 4th June = Three Pubs on the Malvern Hills (6 miles)
- Saturday 4th June = Northern Villages and Valleys (5 miles)
- Sunday 5th June = City, Teme and Severn (12 miles)
- Sunday 5th June = Ledbury Circular (10 miles)
- Sunday 5th June = Hill Forts and History (6 ½ miles)
Easy Walks
- Sunday 29th May = Powick, Old Hills and the River Severn (6 miles)
- Sunday 29th May = Malvern’s Marvellous Trees Walk 2 (2 miles)
- Sunday 29th May = Where Pick met Shovel! (3 miles)
- Monday 30th May = Walking Songs (4 miles)
- Tuesday 31st May = Malvern’s Fascinating History (5 miles)
- Tuesday 31st May = Hanley Swan’s Colourful Past (5 miles)
- Tuesday 31st May = Earthquakes, Ancient Seashores, Volcanoes, and Ice (2 ½ miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = East of the River (4 ½ miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = Seven Farms Circuit, with a Farmer (5 miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = Malvern’s Fascinating History (5 miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = Appreciating and Understanding Dame Laura Knight (5 miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = A Guide to the Jubilees (3 miles)
- Friday 3rd June = West of the Hills (5 miles)
- Friday 3rd June = Power in the Landscape (3 ½ miles)
- Sunday 5th June = West Malvern Country Stroll (5 miles)
- Sunday 5th June = Helicopter Rescue! (3 miles)
Leisurely Strolls
- Saturday 28th May = Malvern’s Marvellous Trees Walk 1 (2 miles)
- Sunday 29th May = The Great Malvern Route to the Hills (2 ½ miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = Madresfield Court Gardens (1 ½ miles)
- Wednesday 1st June = The Countryside around Madresfield Court (3 miles)
- Thursday 2nd June = Farming in the Teme Valley (2 miles)
- Friday 3rd June = Hanley Nature Reserves (3 miles)
Our Spectacular Staycation in the Heart of the Malvern Hills
Nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, Swallowfields is the ultimate luxury glamping retreat. From our site, you can walk directly onto the Malverns via the beautiful Castlemorton Common – no cars required!
Our site is filling up fast for the 2022 season. Click here to book your break today and avoid disappointment!