Course description

GPX file of loop (final updated version 19 Sept 2026)

The GPX and course description were slightly amended on Sat 19 Sept, but these changes only affect the last few hundred meters of the loop, once back in Rose Bank Gardens, in order to avoid some steps.

The start compound is on the path in front of the MALVERN letters, in Rose Bank Gardens.

dist: 0 m

elev: 164 m

(Elevations taken from route planner, not very accurate)

Run past the Buzzards statue, go straight and follow the tarmac path south.

Go through the gate onto a grassy path.

dist: 200 m
elev: 178 m

By the public footpath sign, take a sharp righ turn onto a narrow trail that goes up to a tarmac road.

dist: 400 m
elev: 183 m

Turn left onto the road... (local access road, but watch out for occasional car)

dist: 420 m

elev: 185 m

... and then almost immediately take a single track on the right, going up the hillside.

dist: 470 m

elev: 191 m

Follow the single trail until you hit a double trail, turn right onto it.

dist: 720 m
elev: 219 m

Keep following this trail until you reach St Ann's Well: take the left gravel path that goes up the hill around the back of the building.

dist: 1,600 m
elev: 238 m

As you crest the little hill, keep going straight onto a wide trail that turns left down the hill into Happy Valley (look out for the "Be nice, say hi" sign).

dist: 1,730 m
elev: 243 m

As you hit the valley, go straight across the road, up the bank that has a few steps leading up to a trail: turn right onto it.

dist: 1,870 m
elev: 247 m

Follow this trail. You will come to a fork where you stay to the left.

dist: 2,120 m
elev: 225 m

You will come to a large rock outcropping.

Just past this, take the single trail to the left up the hillside (the sign says "North Hill").

dist: 2,470 m
elev: 250 m

Follow this trail up the hill through three zigzags.

This leads to the Lady Howard trail, turn sharp right.

dist: 3,090 m
elev: 311 m

Follow this trail all the way around North Hill. You will hit the highest point, but there is still one climb up ahead.

dist: 3,780 m
elev: 350 m

As you descend sharply down the hill on the western side, there is a path to your left leading steeply up the hillside.

dist: 4,200 m
elev: 303 m

Follow the path to the top, where there is a wooden bench on a grassy stretch on the saddle point.

dist: 4,530 m
elev: 330 m

At the bench, make a 90 degree turn to your right up the hill - there is no clear path here, but you will soon hit a trail.

dist: 4,580 m
elev: 335 m

Follow the trail as it goes to the right of Sugarloaf Hill. From here on the rest of the loop is all downhill.

The trail descends, veering left to the east. You will get to a saddlepoint where there is a brick circular marker. Take the trail almost straigh ahead.

dist: 5,150 m
elev: 338 m

After a few dozen yards, take the single trail on the left.

dist: 5,190 m

As the trail goes down the hill, it joins a main trail, keep going straight.

dist: 5,410 m
elev: 324 m

Take the left fork and follow the trail through a gentle right bend.

5,430 m

Follow the trail as it zigs sharply left down the hill, through a left then right bend into the woods.

dist: 5,630 m
elev: 290 m

As you hit another trail, take the right turn downhill and then immediately right again, back onto the path around St. Ann's Well.

dist: 6,010 m
elev: 250 m

This time, turn left around the building (the water at this well is not recommended for drinking).

dist: 6,140 m
elev: 238 m

Follow the tarmac road as it winds down the hill

Just past the wooden box with cafe announcements...

... take the narrow trail sharply right down the bank.

dist: 6,380 m
elev: 192 m

Join the tarmac road for a few yards...

... then take a small trail through an old gate. You are back at the top of Rose Bank Gardens. (If you get lost on the next section, don't fret: keep going downhill and to the left, and you will soon see the Buzzards statue where the start/finish is.)

dist: 6,470 m
elev: 188 m