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The Malvern Hills District Footpath Society
The society, formed over thirty years ago, now has several hundred members. The main objective of the society is to endeavour to safeguard access to the countryside by the preservation and improvement of public rights of way, especially those within or on the periphery of the Malvern Hills District. A further objective is to encourage people to enjoy walking and to foster an understanding of the value of rights of way in the countryside.

The society produces leaflets and other information on local walks. It also Reports footpath obstruction (over 400 in 2002), works with the local authority on a number of practical issues including the identification of lost paths and also operates on behalf of the Ramblers Association with the local authority on planning diversion and modification matters affecting footpaths in approximately 100 local parishes. The society also organises social functions and holidays for its members.

A newsletter is sent to every member three times a year, listing time and place of walks and also the degree of difficulty. There are two led walks per week: a shorter walk usually between 4 to 6 miles is held on a weekday, while at the weekends a more demanding walk is offered, sometimes to 15 miles. Experienced walkers reconnoitre and lead most walks and a backmarker is nominated to ensure nobody gets left behind. As often more than 25 members turn up, he does a vital job.

The walks programme is displayed on the notice board in the library at great Malvern and on the web site at www.communigate.co.uk/worc – click on “clubs and societies” and look for Malvern Hills District Footpath Society. Each weeks walk’s are also usually listed in the “what’s on” section of the Malvern Gazette.