Malvern College was proud to be a major sponsor of the Malvern Hills Challenge 2025, held on Saturday 13th September, in support of the Help for Heroes charity. This year’s event saw an impressive turnout of 320 participants, along with a cheerful contingent of canine companions.
Among the walkers was Old Malvernian Rob Barnes (No.9.63–68), who travelled from his home 250 miles north to take part in the challenge alongside his wife, Sue. Opting for the ‘short route’ (9km), the pair embarked on a scenic trek from British Camp to North Hill, finishing in Priory Park via St Ann’s Well.
Rob shared with us: “We thought this would be a great way to spend part of a late summer Saturday while visiting the area. The long route (18km) was a few hills too far this time, so we chose the short route, which still offered plenty of challenge and nostalgia. The terrain varied from rocky ridgelines to gentler man-made paths, and although the final stretch was steep, it was nothing I hadn’t tackled many times back in the ’60s.”
The weather added its own drama to the day, with sunshine giving way to horizontal stinging rain, followed by a brief return of sunshine and then a final downpour that lasted to the finish. Despite the soaking, their spirits remained high.
“Everything was soaked, but spirits were still intact after 2.5 hours as we were bagpiped across the line, to receive our finishers’ t-shirts and medals. Good fun and good exercise for a good cause, with a diary note to do it again next year!”
Huge congratulations to Rob Sue, and to all participants for their dedication and enthusiasm in supporting such a worthy cause.