The Black Pear trail is a route which starts in Great Malvern and winds along the Malvern Hills and down into the Severn valley before crossing the River Severn and heading eastwards into the orchards of the Vale of Evesham and on towards the Cotswold Hills. It is a wonderfully varied trail which ranges through hills, woodland, riverside and orchards to give a taste of the different terrains in the county of Worcestershire. In spring the sight of the blossom covered orchards is spectacular, and the beauty does not diminish as spring gives way to summer, and autumn follows with the hills and woodlands alight with technicolour foliage.
The trail passes through the little riverside town of Upton-upon-Severn, famous for its summer festivals, its prime position on the River Severn and its picturesque buildings including the famous Pepperpot, now a tourist information centre. In the past Upton suffered from flooding over many years, often being completely cut off when the rivers rose high. In recent years flood barriers have been erected which have been extraordinarily successful at protecting the town from its river.
The picturesque Cotswold town of Broadway marks the end of this superb route, a beautiful town which is the gateway to the Cotswolds.
About The Black Pear Trail
This 35 mile trail has a wonderful mixture of landscape and scenery, showcasing the best that Worcestershire has to offer.
Distance: Malvern to Broadway (35 miles) (56 km)
Duration: The trail can be completed in 4 nights and 3 days walking
Price: From £345 per person.
Prices based on two people sharing one room.
Highlights of The Black Pear Trail
- Panoramic views from the Malverns , Bredon Hill and the Broadway Tower– sights worth the climb!
- Orchards in the Vale of Evesham – particularly spectacular in springtime when the blossom is in full bloom
- Beautiful villages throughout the trail – culminating in the little gem of Stanton – a classic Cotswold village.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Malvern and overnight.
Day 2: Great Malvern to Upton-upon-Severn (10.6 miles) 17 km
Day 3: Upton-upon-Severn to Ashton-under-Hill (10.6 miles) 17 km
Day 4: Ashton-under-Hill to Broadway Tower (13.1 miles) 21 km
Day 5: Depart from Broadway after breakfast.
Optional extra day
The Black Pear Trail offers a wonderful excuse for spending an extra day at any point in the trail. Malvern has much to offer the walker, the shopper, the sightseer, the historian…. in fact something for everyone. The location of Great Malvern means a few minutes walk will take you up onto the hills, and within half an hour (depending on your pace!) you can be at the highest point of the Malverns – the Worcestershire Beacon. For other diversions there are many independent shops to explore, cafes and restaurants to try, and a wealth of fascinating history to indulge in. The beautiful Winter Gardens are the perfect setting to sit and relax, either on the terrace or inside the Malvern Theatres Complex. You can taste the Malvern Water gushing from the Malvina statue and explore the many historic trails available from the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of town.
The riverside town of Upton-upon-Severn may be your preferred location for an extra day – watch the boats and barges, or take a walk along the Severn Way. Upton hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year – the famous Upton Jazz Festival in June is always popular with visitors.
If you wait for the end of the trail – the lovely Cotswold town of Broadway is a great location for an extra days’s shopping, walking, eating and drinking – in the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds – welcoming at any time of the year.
What's included?
- 3 days walking with 4 nights hotel or inn accommodation with full English breakfast
- 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 Black Pear Trail is a mix of small hotels, inns and quality B and Bs. All have been recommended for the quality of their accommodation, food and hospitality. Evening meals are available within a short walk at a recommended location, unless you choose to eat in-house. Lunch time refreshment stops are available en-route or you can purchase lunch locally or be provided with a packed lunch on request. You will have the opportunity to sample some local Worcestershire food and drink specialities on this trail!
Travel information
By Air: Nearest airports are Birmingham and Bristol. Transfers are available from the airport to Malvern.
By Rail: to Great Malvern Railway Station. Good links with most major cities in the UK: www.nationalrail.co.uk or 08457 484950
By Bus: For local bus timetable information contact the Worcestershire Hub: 01905 765765
For Journey Planning contact Traveline Public Transport Info: 0871 200 2233
By Car: Good links from major routes and motorways (M5, M42). Parking and transfers available – please contact us to find out more.