VISITORS to the Malvern Hills will be able to get more easily to one of the area's well-known beauty spots thanks to the Conservators.

A footpath running from the Earnslaw car park, off Wyche Road, to the Earnslaw Quarry itself, has become seriously damaged over the years by water erosion and the growth of vegetation.

But now work has just been completed to smooth out the path's rutted surface by laying down and compacting new material.

Beck Baker, the board's community and conservation officer, said: “The surface of the path had become uneven and overgrown which was making access difficult, particularly for those using wheelchairs or buggies. The path is now wider and the surface more solid to provide a route along the hills for many more visitors to enjoy.”

The path follows an old driveway to Earnslaw House, which was demolished many years ago, from the car park. A scenic picnic spot at the quarry, with its distinctive spring-fed lake, ends the trail.

A second Easier Access Trail with a steady walk to the ridgeline can be found at Black Hill car park off Jubilee Drive on the western side of the hills.

The two Easier Access Trails were opened by the Conservators in 2003 as an alternative for those less able to tackle the steep slopes of the Malverns.

Other projects carried out recently to make the hills more accessible include backing the mobility scooter hire at the Wyche Innovation Centre and working in partnership with Malvern Rotary Club and Land Rover Experience Eastnor to provide access to the Worcestershire Beacon.