Sir Edward Elgar was born in 1857 at Lower Broadheath in Worcestershire and lived in the county for fifty seven of his seventy six years, always inspired by the countryside around him which he explored on foot and by bicycle with friends and family. The Elgar Trail is an evocative trip through the landscape between Worcester and Malvern, the banks of the rivers Teme and Severn, the fields and orchards in between and the ever present slopes of the glorious Malvern Hills. This landscape inspired Elgar’s greatest works and never ceased to amaze him in its variety in all weathers and seasons; his musical creations survive as timeless reminders of the creative potential of natural beauty.
The area is full of memories of Elgar, from the statues in Malvern and Worcester commemorating him, to the names of roads and buildings, and many of the houses and buildings where he lived and worked are still very much present and can be seen and visited.
Elgar died in Worcester in 1934 and was buried at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in this ‘most English’ of landscapes, in the graveyard of St Wulstan’s Church in Malvern Wells, along with his wife Alice, and with their daughter Carice alongside them.
About The Elgar Trail
The Elgar Trail is a perfect short break for followers of Elgar and his music, and also for nature lovers and walkers otherwise. The landscape of the Malvern Hills, and the Severn and Teme rivers can be appreciated by all!
Distance: Lower Broadheath to Worcester (circular trail via Malvern) (approximately 30 miles) (48 km)
Duration: 5 nights with one day spent in Great Malvern. 3 walking days.
Price: From £415 per person.
Prices based on two people sharing one room.
Highlights of The Elgar Trail
- Elgar Birthplace Museum – fascinating, full of memorabilia and documentation from his life
- Self-guided tour of the Elgar homes and historical sights with Elgar connections in Malvern
- Worcester Cathedral – with its ‘Dream of Gerontius’ window
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Broadheath and overnight (Transfers available from Worcester)
Day 2: Lower Broadheath to the Malvern Hills
Day 3: Great Malvern and the Elgar sights (sites!)
Day 4: Great Malvern to Upton-on-Severn (10.6 miles) (17 km)
Day 5: Upton-on-Severn to Worcester (11.3 miles) (18 km)
Day 6: Depart from Worcester
Optional extra day
The Elgar Trail includes a day spent in Great Malvern exploring the Elgar sights. There is plenty to see and explore as an add-on or an alternative to the Elgar sights. Great Malvern Priory is well worth a visit – packed with interesting and historical images. Many independent shops make window shopping a treat, and there are a number of good pubs and restaurants to relax in and taste the local Worcestershire fare. Visits to Malvern Spa for a treatment, or a visit to the Morgan Motor Factory can all be arranged by contacting us.
The annual Elgar Vintage Bicycle Ride is held in Great Malvern in September, starting and finishing in the lovely Priory Park in the centre of town. In addition to the 5.9 mile family friendly ride around the town, the is a serious challenge – the Elgar Sportive is 44 miles long, heading out to Upton and then towards Worcester and a refreshment stop at the Elgar Birthplace Museum before heading back to Malvern.
Worcester too is a superb city to spend an extra day. The Cathedral and its location on the River Severn are spectacular and its history a fascinating one. The Elgar sights in Worcester include St George’s Catholic Church where Elgar became organist in 1885, succeeding his father.
What's included?
- 3 days walking tour with 5 nights hotel or inn accommodation with full English breakfast
- Self-Guided tour of the Elgar sights in Malvern – maps and directions provided
- Luggage transportation to every destination
- Detailed guide book for the trail and clearly marked OS map guide
- Information pack with details of accommodation, the area and any events of interest during your stay
- Help and support from Black Pear Walking Tours whenever required
Accommodation and eating
Accommodation for the Elgar Trail is in small hotels, inn and quality B and Bs. The accommodation is all recommended for its quality in food, comfort and hospitality. Upgrades are usually available on request. All breakfasts are included and evening meals are available at a recommended local eating place, or in-house. Lunch is available en-route, can be purchased locally or packed lunches can be provided on request. Take this opportunity to sample some of Worcestershire’s wonderful local food and drink specialities!
Travel information
By Air: to Birmingham International Airport (transfers available).
By Rail: to Worcester Foregate Street (or Shrub Hill) (transfers available). www.nationalrail.co.uk or 08457 484950
By Bus: For local bus timetable information contact the Worcestershire Hub: 01905 765765
By Car: Good major road and motorway links (M5, M42).
For Journey Planning contact Traveline Public Transport Info: 0871 200 2233