| Date | Hare | Scribe |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2026 | Niki & Brian | Keith |
Today’s hash was hared by Brian and Niki, who moved to the Malvern area last year and promised to invite us all to a trail in the beautiful Malvern hills.
The journey to get there was a little fraught, due to a major closure of the A417, but as we had allowed extra time for the journey, we arrived in good time.
Bright Spring sunshine, fresh green leaves and spring flowers were in abundance everywhere. A perfect day beckoned.
My travelling companions were Kathy, Hilary and Helen, and we enjoyed the scenic drive over, enhanced by rolling hills and elevated views as we got nearer to the venue; The Malvern Hills Hotel.
It was lively there, with people sitting in the sunshine at the cafe and hotel. Many walks are available from this spot and it was very popular with walkers.
We weren’t quite all able to arrive by 11am, so a majority set off on the longer 2.5 mile walk up and around British Camp. We were soon rewarded with stunning views across the countryside in every direction, especially at the very top. The effort of getting up there was worthwhile. Lots of photos were taken, some of which you can see here…
I should add that there were no runners today. Quite unusual but a situation that we may see more often given the passage of time, knackered knees etc etc and the difficulty of attracting younger runners , something we have struggled with. Never mind. Still much to enjoy.
The shorter loop of 1.5 miles was next, and most of us did this, as we had just enough time to fit it in before lunch booked at 1300.
Niki had described this second walk as very beautiful, involving woodland and swathes of bluebells and indeed it was stunning. There were some steep sections, but we’ve tackled worse before now, and again all effort was rewarded . Large swathes of intensely coloured bluebells covered the sloping hillsides, under a canopy of native trees.
We got back to the Hotel just before 1300 and were soon sat at our table, 13 hungry hashers.
The dining room we were in was elegant, spacious and mostly occupied by our group at one long table.
It was relaxed and convivial, and contrasted with the bustling atmosphere outside. Although food took nearly an hour to appear, it was pleasant enough . Lots of chatter and laughs and roast dinners.
Kevin gave the thanks of us all to our hares for their trail choice, attentive shepherding throughout the morning and general organisation of the day, which was appreciated by everyone. Niki voiced thanks to everyone for making the extended journey up to Malvern , and I think said they would do something similar in the future. We will look forward very much to that.
Kevin mentioned that as we were sitting ready to eat, our fellow hasher Jeremy would be partway through the London Marathon. A warm day to be taking that on but as I write this, I see that the winner did it today in a record time of 1:59 and 30 seconds. A Kenyan runner of course. Amazing.
We finally finished the meal and departed the hotel at 15.30 and enjoyed the drive back which passed uneventfully, thankfully.
It was a cracking hash, and much enjoyed and appreciated by all those lucky enough to be there and of course all thanks to Niki and Brian, who made it happen.