With more than 50km of bridleways across the Malvern Hills and Commons, there are plenty of places to explore by mountain bike. To help share this landscape with thousands of other visitors, here are some tips on how to ride responsibly.
Stay on the right track
Cyclists are welcome on the bridleways and permissive cycle paths on the Hills and Commons. Plan your ride and check your route before you visit using our maps, Ordnance Survey maps or Worcestershire and Herefordshire Rights of Way maps.
If you're unsure about finding your way, we've signposted three circular routes around the bridleways and permissive cycle paths so you'll always be on the right track.
There are some paths, including the Jubilee Drive Path and the Easier Access path from Black Hill, that are reserved for walkers and are clearly signposted. These relatively flat routes are used by families and those who are less mobile so please follow the signs and avoid these routes to give others the space to visit safely and confidently.
Save what is special
Much of the Malvern Hills and Commons are nationally protected for their rare habitats and ancient archaeology. These are some of the things that make this landscape so special and popular with local people and visitors.
Help us to look after it by not riding on British Camp, the Shire Ditch and Midsummer Hill, ancient archaeological monuments that are sensitive to damage. Cycling is not permitted on these monuments to protect them so by following the bridleways, you'll be preserving this history for the next generation.
Creating your own trails and routes can damage rare habitats of the Malvern Hills and Commons and is not permitted. These wild trails can also be unsafe for the rider as well as other visitors if they cross legitimate paths.
Sharing is caring
In the countryside, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on the bridleways. When social distancing is important, please be courteous and patient with other path users who may be moving more slowly than you.
As you approach, call out or use a bell to avoid surprising people and don't assume that people can see and hear you coming.
The paths can be busy and are popular with families and dog walkers and it's important to cycle at a sensible speed and slow down at junctions, bends or blind spots so you have plenty of time to stop. This is especially important as children and dogs may not instinctively move aside if the path is narrow. Although you may be in control, it may appear to others that your speed is dangerous so it is kind to be cautious.
By following these points, both you and other visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience on the Malvern Hills. We want this to be a shared landscape that everyone can enjoy.
