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I'll be driving right past the Malvern Hills next week, and as I have a few hours to kill thought I might like to give the waymarked loop a go - but is it worth it? Or should I spend those hours riding off piste FoD again?
FoD, loads more variety, less walkers bimbling about the riding bits and way more fun.
Malvern long loop is ok keeps you away from walkers last descent is really good just try it on a week day.
It depends on 2 things:
1. How familiar you are with FoD? If you ride there a lot then a change of scenery on the Malverns could be a good thing.
2. What time of day (and what day) you might get on the Malverns? The Malverns aren't technically too difficult but the scenery is nice and you can get a good work out, however, go at the wrong time and you will spend more time dodging dog walkers and old biddies. Things have definitely got busier since the lockdowns. If you went early during a weekday you would have a better chance of a quieter ride.
Mid week gravel bike ride. With the right weather, a beautiful one.
Much as I do love me some Off Piste FoD, for this trip I think I'll risk the Malverns based on @stigheeds reply. We'll be riding in the afternoon, and as myself and MrsReady are both booked in for BMCC uplift on the Sunday, a "gentle-ish" ride with views sounds perfect for the Saturday. Be good to tick the Malverns off the list too. Appreciate the swift replies!
I live in Malvern and travel to FOD a few times per week. Love riding in both places for their own reasons.
The Malvern hills has some stunning views and a nice loop can be had. The marked trails doesn't show the hills in their full beauty but will certainly make for a simple enough route to follow.
I'm a sucker for FOD and find it has pretty much any type of riding for what I fancy. But if you've not given Malvern a go before, slog it up to the top of Worcestershire Beacon take in the view, then roll down to the Brewers for a beer.
How do the Malverns ride in the weather's? The weather's looking pretty grim for Saturday..
It depends which end of the hills you go for. Around the northern end it drains pretty well all year round, bar a few boggy parts. Anywhere from British Camp to North Hill usually stays reasonably dry. This is the busier end of the hills though.
British Camp down to Midsomer Hill has the boggier but quieter trails.
You're right about the weather on Saturday though!