A WALKING trail in Great Malvern has been celebrated at the Heritage UK Awards 2019.

The Great Malvern: Route to the Hills project was highly commended for the ‘Must Visit’ category at the event on 25 March.

The popular heritage trail was also shortlisted for the ‘Contribution to Heritage’ and ‘Best Family Day Out’ categories.

The prestigious awards recognise places contributing to the world of heritage and are open to all historical houses, heritage gardens, museums, archaeological sites and more.

The judging panel was made up of leading figures and experts on UK Heritage.

Amanda Smith, Community Services Manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased that Great Malvern: Route to the Hills has been highly commended at the Heritage UK Awards. It is an honour to be recognised at such a prestigious event and we couldn’t have done it without the hard work and determination of everyone involved. The route has become a lasting legacy for the town which I am confident will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The Heritage Lottery Funded project was officially launched last year and encapsulates Great Malvern’s rich history through a series of wall and floor plaques, bespoke benches, signs and art installations.

Starting at Great Malvern Railway Station, the route tells stories of the town’s past including its unique geology, medieval beginnings, Victorian water cure developments, musical, literary and visual arts and world-changing scientific and technological innovations.

Malvern Hills District Council worked with 45 local partners to deliver the project and 503 days of volunteer time was contributed towards research, talks, tours, activities and social media.

More than 2,000 children and adults- ranging from six months to 93 years old- took part in activities and events in the community leading up to the launch.