So close to Bristol but we’d never been … first impression of the hills is that they’re a bit squat compared to the Apuine Alps (but more of that later). Our friendly hosts (Dawn and Rob) immediately took us to the pub and then back to the house for fabulous home made curry. Early the following day we hear the car pull away and we’re left in a barn conversion at Castlemorton near Welland with two dogs (Dougie the 16 year old labrador and Scout the large young Coon Hound). Dougie is too old to walk far and Scout gets travel sick in the car(and will take off after a scent if she picks one up) – so we’re limited to walking the dogs around the property’s two acre paddock.

So with the dog walking straight forward it freed us up to expolore the area. There are some well documented Malvern Hills walks online so we did them all! “A bit squat”?? Er .. no! Some tough climbs but, my god, the views were astounding!

Great Malvern was a cool town (nice litle market, great views, nice houses etc.). We enjoyed Upton On Severn, Ledbury and went to the cinema at Worcester (Joker – great film). My mate Phil and I went fishing at Upton on Severn and all in all we really enjoyed the area. Shame the dogs couldn’t get to run around the hills but it was great to unwind for a couple of weeks.