Springs and Stones of the Malvern Hills – a one-day geological pilgrimage

The Malvern Hills are some of the oldest stones in England. Once mighty mountains, they have wandered the surface of the globe, known warm seas and wild forest, river floods and glacial ice. Once rivalling the Himalayas, the highest point is now just 425 metres (1,394 ft). The unique qualities of their stone and the landscape they have shaped have created many holy and healing springs and wells that captured the attention of pilgrims, artists and writers through the ages.

Join geologist Gary White and British Pilgrimage Trust's historian, naturalist and pilgrim Dawn Champion on a journey exploring resilience, how deep time can promote self-reflection and adaption to change, and the power of the holy waters.

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Beginning at Gullet Quarry, we'll take a gentle path to meet the Shire Ditch - a bronze age earthwork reformed as a medieval boundary marker that today marks where Herefordshire meets Worcestershire. We'll explore the rock and secretive caves before ascending to Millenium Hill, Hereford Beacon and British Camp, an enigmatic iron-age hillfort. Taking paths less travelled, we'll wander into woodland for birdsong and stillness, before rising to Worcestershire beacon. Extensive panoramic views offer glimpses of thirteen counties, the Bristol Channel, and the cathedrals of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford. To the east, the next highest point is in the Ural Mountains!

After dwelling where stone meets sky, we descend to the holy waters of St Anne's Well, easing our way downhill to finish at the welcoming Malvern Priory, with medieval tiles, stunning stained glass and fascinating misericords. Discover the land that inspired Elgar, CS Lewis, Tolkein and William Langland's poem Piers Plowman:

"...And on a May morning, on Malvern hills,

Strange fancies befell me, and fairy-like dreams.

I was weary of wand'ring, and went to repose

On a broad green bank, by a burn-side;..."

Your Guides

Gary White grew up within sight of the Malvern Hills, and it was here he returned to complete his graduate studies in Geology. He has created this beautifully considered route which retraces a journey of discovery through the deepest geological time, inspiring contemplation of change within ourselves.

Dawn Champion is a historian and naturalist who has extensive experience guiding pilgrims. She will offer traditions to help your pilgrimage come to life - including stories, songs and suggested pilgrim rituals. You will receive support when you need it, and space when you don't.

‍Travel arrangements

‍This is a linear route from Gullet Quarry to Great Malvern, and so we will coordinate lift shares or taxis in advance. We will meet at Priory Road North car park in Great Malvern and transfer to Swinyard car park. If you are coming by public transport please meet us at Priory Road North Car Park. The nearest train station is Great Malvern.

What to bring

‍Robust footwear; comfortable clothes, appropriate weather protection for sun or rain. Packed lunch, Waterbottle or thermos flask. Something dry to sit on for rest breaks (a carrier bag is fine). You may also wish to bring binoculars or a pocket scope to explore the breath-taking views. There are public toilets at several points on this pilgrimage.

FAQ’s

Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).

Is this religious? . This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.

Are there fitness or access limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense and there are some steep hills. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. But we will walk slowly, and there are some escape points. Unfortunately this pilgrimage may not be suitable for all mobility-impaired people due to the terrain, but we may be able to make adjustments depending on your individual requirements and mobility aids. If you have mobility or other access needs please get in touch.

Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

What does my money go? What's this all for? It's a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust, which has limited resources, but which largely spends its time creating materials for people to use for free, and facilitating the grass roots growth of pilgrimage in Britain by engaging with local communities. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

If you would like to make a donation towards a place for someone on low income, click here.

This is a British Pilgrimage Trust event that follows a 1-day stage of the Old Way to Canterbury, and we make pilgrimages that encounter Britain in new (and very old) ways.

We hope to see you on the path.

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