The Wild Hunt

In search of the legendary King Herla in the Malvern Hills

- Anthony Nanson

Now and again a folktale brings an echo of the myths of far more ancient times. So we find in the story of Herla, an ancient British king said to have ruled the land between the Malvern Hills and the Wye and to have had the most extraordinary fate.

King Herla’s likely stronghold may be sought among the Iron Age hill forts on the Malverns. Let’s begin from Swinyard Car Park a mile north of Hollybush. Set out along the road to the left of Rufiz refreshments and take the path opposite the Old Barns into the woods on the right. Keep heading uphill and straight ahead until you emerge from the trees on the summit of Midsummer Hill. There’s an excellent view of Eastnor Castle and the distant Welsh mountains. The earthworks are evidence of an ancient hill fort, but maybe not one quite grand enough for a king. Northwards along the hills you can see ramparts on the higher peak of Herefordshire Beacon. That’s where I’ll tell you the story; but first let’s get some more exercise.