A Guide to the Worcestershire Beacon: Walks, Views and Where to Eat Afterwards

Explore Worcestershire Beacon walks, routes and views, with directions from Great Malvern before finding the perfect venue to celebrate your climb.

As one of the most picturesque peaks in Great Malvern, scaling the Worcestershire Beacon is a must for hike lovers looking to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

But with several routes suited to different abilities, distances and timescales, which Worcestershire Beacon walk is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll take you along a popular route from Malvern town centre, highlighting the landmarks and views to enjoy along the way before exploring a selection of longer walks and revealing where to relax over a well-earned meal afterwards.

Worcestershire Beacon Walk from Malvern Town Centre

1.2 miles | 40-45 minutes

The fastest and easiest way to reach Worcestershire Beacon from Malvern is starting your ascent from the Mount Pleasant Hotel. Take this unmistakable building covered in Boston Ivy at the corner of Wells Road and Belle Vue Terrace as your starting point, carry on up Wells Road and enter Rose Bank Gardens at the next right.

A large statue of two birds tussling, known as the Walenty Pytel buzzard sculpture, is a sure sign you’re on the right track!

From here, stay right of the path, and you’ll pass the Malvern Sign before reaching the famous 99 Steps. Here, you can enjoy an easier stone-like staircase that zigzags through the landscape, complemented by iconic Victorian gas lamps.

Following the 99 steps up, you can make your way to St Ann’s Well. This is the first landmark to enjoy great views eastwards across the Severn Plain, with the Worcestershire countryside stretching out into the distance. On a clear day, this view will extend further into the Cotswolds.

The Grade II-listed building has long provided a welcome resting point for visitors, with a café serving drinks and refreshments. It marks an ideal place to stop for a drink, admire the view, and recharge before continuing your ascent to the Worcestershire Beacon.

Once you’re ready to continue your climb, take the gravel and stone path at the back of the building and follow the ridge path which curves away from Happy Valley. As you head higher on the flank of the hills, you continue along the rising path toward the top ridge, following the clear trail right to the Worcestershire Beacon.

From here, you can enjoy panoramic views across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. On a clear day, landmarks visible from the summit include the Cotswold Hills, the Lickey Hills, the Shropshire Hills and the Welsh mountains.

More Malvern Hills Worcestershire Beacon Walks

If you want to enjoy a longer walk to or around the Worcestershire Beacon summit, here are some other variations:

Worcestershire Beacon Circular – 3.7 miles | 2 hours:

A moderate walk which passes the western slopes of Worcestershire Beacon, offering views over Herefordshire and beyond the Black Mountains.

This trail includes several highlights, including climbing the Dingle valley, swinging round Happy Valley and St Ann’s Well before visiting the hidden Earnslaw pool and a short climb through woodland to the Goldmine stone way marker.

Worcestershire Beacon Horseshoe – 8 miles | 4–5 hours: 

A more challenging option for experienced walkers, combining steep inclines and uneven trails with far-reaching views across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and towards Wales.

This route includes multiple landmarks and views, including St Ann’s Well, Lower Wyche, Summer Hill, Worcestershire Beacon, Table Hill, and North Hill.

Where to Eat After Climbing Worcestershire Beacon

After descending Worcestershire Beacon, past St Ann’s Well, down along the 99 steps, and back through Rose Bank Gardens, you will find The Lantern Indian Kitchen on your left next to The Mount Pleasant Hotel.

Relaxed, dog-friendly, and passionate about serving authentic Indian cuisine, it’s the ideal place for you to rest your legs, grab a pint, and savour the view from our outdoor terrace.

From homemade light bites such as onion bhajis and samosas to rich, satisfying mains including Rara Lamb and Murgh Musallam, our menu offers something for everyone. Many dishes are prepared using traditional techniques, including cooking in our authentic tandoor oven.

With our warm, friendly atmosphere, flexible dining options, and convenient location at the gateway to the Malvern Hills, The Lantern has long remained an ideal place to celebrate your Worcestershire Beacon walk with friends and family.

Plan Your Post-Walk Meal

Celebrate your day on the Worcestershire Beacon by reserving a table at The Lantern. We welcome groups of all sizes, as well as your favourite furry, four-legged walking companions. Please note that reservations for 10 or more guests require a pre-order and deposit.

If you have any dietary needs or special requirements, get in touch with our friendly team. We look forward to welcoming you soon!