Getting exercise and fresh air is really important at this time for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Cycling is just one way to stay fit and healthy. 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 other visitors, here are some tips for riding the Hills and Commons. By following these pointers, you'll also be helping to protect ancient archaeology, conserve rare habitats that provide homes for local wildlife.
STAY ON THE RIGHT TRACK
We welcome cycling visitors on the bridleways and permissive cycle paths on the Hills and Commons. To stay on the right track, 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 walk safely and confidently.
SAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL
The features and qualities of the Malvern Hills and Commons are so special that vast areas of them are nationally protected for their rare habitats and ancient archaeology. These are some of the things that make this landscape so 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. To protect these 2000 year old monuments, please avoid cycling here, follow the bridleways and you'll be preserving this history for future generations.
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, cycling visitors should give way to walkers and horse riders on the bridleways. When social distancing is so important to protect you, your family and the local community, please be courteous and patient with other path users who may be moving more slowly than you. Although you'd prefer not to stop, this may sometimes be the best option to ensure there's enough safe space to pass. You may choose to ride at quieter times and not at weekends when the bridleways are likely to by very busy with walkers and other visitors.
As you approach, it is helpful to 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. Let us create a shared landscape that everyone can enjoy.
Find out more with British Cycling's Trail etiquette video.
