The Wild Hunt
Cotswold Life|November 2020
In search of the legendary King Herla in the Malvern Hills
Anthony Nanson
The Wild Hunt

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.

This story is from the November 2020 edition of Cotswold Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2020 edition of Cotswold Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COTSWOLD LIFEView All
Gloucestershire After The War
Cotswold Life

Gloucestershire After The War

Discovering the county’s Arts and Crafts memorials of the First World War

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
THE WILD SIDE OF Moreton-in-Marsh
Cotswold Life

THE WILD SIDE OF Moreton-in-Marsh

The days are getting shorter but there’s plenty of reasons to be cheerful, says Sue Bradley, who discovers how a Cotswolds town is becoming more wildlife-friendly and pots up some bulbs for an insect-friendly spring display

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Mr Ashbee would approve
Cotswold Life

Mr Ashbee would approve

In the true spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement, creativity has kept the Chipping Campden community ticking over during lockdown

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2020
The Cotswolds at war
Cotswold Life

The Cotswolds at war

These might be peaceful hills and vales, but our contribution to the war effort was considerable

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Trust in good, local food
Cotswold Life

Trust in good, local food

‘I’ve been following The Country Food Trust’s activities with admiration since it was founded’

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Why Cath is an open book
Cotswold Life

Why Cath is an open book

Cath Kidston has opened up almost every nook and cranny of her Cotswold idyll in a new book, A Place Called Home. Katie Jarvis spoke to Cath ahead of her appearance at this year’s Stroud Book Festival STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL – THIS YEAR FREE AND ONLINE: NOVEMBER 4-8

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2020
From the Cotswolds to the world
Cotswold Life

From the Cotswolds to the world

Most people know that the Cotswolds have featured in a fair few Hollywood movies and TV series.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The Wild Hunt
Cotswold Life

The Wild Hunt

In search of the legendary King Herla in the Malvern Hills

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Fighting spirit amid the flowers
Cotswold Life

Fighting spirit amid the flowers

Tracy Spiers visits Warwick, a beautiful town that is open for business and ready to welcome visitors

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2020
Final journey
Cotswold Life

Final journey

Cheltenham author and volunteer on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), Nicolas Wheatley, recounts the fascinating story of funeral trains

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020