The name "Malvern" is derived from the Celtic term for "bare hill", which tells you something about the geology of the Malvern Hills. The hills, which are 9 miles in length, form a striking hunchback landmark rising above the fairly flat Malvern Plain.

It has been claimed that you can see 15 counties from the summit of Worcestershire Beacon (1395 feet), and though that claim may be the subject of spirited debate, the views are indeed superb, and the walk up is a very enjoyable one.