07/05/17 - The North Malverns

Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - 8
Walk Inspiration - Julie Royle's 50 Walks in Worcestershire

Mrs M looked at the weather and declared that Sunday would be the best day of the weekend.  She wanted a serious, yet local walk.

Malverns it is then.   The default walking playground for those in Worcestershire.  I've been so many times that I was tempted not to blog.

A combination of blue sky photos, a new cache trail and an OCD need to record all my walks soon changed my mind.

We park up in the town.   Albert Road North is my secret, safe place to park that avoids paying parking fees and is close to the hills.   But don't tell anyone - a space needs to be left for me for whenever I choose to go.

The cache trail is on the Northern Malvern Hills and height is gained quickly by climbing the lane between the Unicorn and the Red Lion (half Thai, half real ale).  Both pubs worth visiting.

The rewards for such a stiff climb?  The first geocache of the day.  Yep, and some fine views East, over Malvern.

Early Views

The cache trail would prove a perfect introduction to a Malvern walking virgin.   Good views East, North and West and taking in End, Table, Sugar Loaf and the highest hill in Worcestershire - the Beacon.

Photos can tell the story.

GZ #2 - Contemplating giving up caching for Rock Climbing

Heading North - Worcestershire Beacon Behind

Looking North over Worcestershire

Highest Woman in Worcestershire

The Timeless View South

Proving that you could walk the Malverns for a life time and never do the same route, we return on new paths along the Eastern side, through bluebell woods and into the town through Malvern Gardens.

Regular blogfans will know my walks never end without a real ale.  So what's the score today?

Well, when in Malvern - it has to be the Nag's Head.   Blogging about it is a bit like blogging about your local - but if you want a review - click the hyperlink in previous sentence.

Nearly everything was in order today - including a neat new sign.  The Bathams (possibly the finest in the land - and I have been to the Vine) was exceptional.

But no photo.... The trainee barman had poured it into a Thatcher's Glass.

Akin to drinking Champagne out of a tea cup, I very nearly fell foul of their strict no swearing policy.