Monday 27th May : Malvern Hills
Leaving North Quarry car park at 9:30am we headed directly up North Hill which proved to be a bit of a shock to the legs so early on as it is a good pull.
From here we dropped down to Sugar Loaf and back up again to the high point of the Worcestershire Beacon, descending on the Western side before climbing again to meet the road leading down to the Wyche Cutting.
Up again over Perseverance Hill and Pinnacle Hill we reached the British Camp by 11:30 which signalled a coffee break before tackling the climbs further South.
Rather than climb the British Camp (Herefordshire Beacon) directly, we dropped down to the reservoir to increase the amount of climbing required. Over the top and down into Eastnor Park and along part of the Landrover training ground we again climbed up, making our way South to Broad Down and Hangmans Hill before turning North again.
It was here that we stopped for a lunch break in the shelter of the wind.
We avoided the British Camp this time, emerging onto the main road by the cafe and continued on the Western Side for a while before crossing the ridge and dropping down on the East side this time to pass by the huge quarry.
It was a steady climb back up to the ridge and over to the Wyche Cutting again, now following the road for 400m or so before dropping again to the balcony path.
Views to the East over Bredon Hill and Cleeve Hill were impressive but soon enough we were climbing again past the hidden lake and onto the summit of the Worcestershire Beacon for a second time.
Pausing briefly we soon dropped down onto the sheltered side - the wind was strong and cold blowing from the South West.
Skirting North Hill we followed the broad path and then a smaller path down to the North Quarry car park and the finish.
Five and a half hours, 22km walked and 1,220m of climbing. An excellent day out and the weather held for the entire day which was a result by any standards.
Three Peaks Challenge
