I'm a University lecturer and former BBC broadcaster and journalist with extensive experience guiding walkers in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Since 2014, I've lived at West Malvern's historic Ryecroft House, which includes a two-bedroom apartment available through Airbnb.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
4.96, · 24 reviews
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, · 1 week ago
Our morning with Dan was the perfect mix of rambling and exploring both the hills and special places in Malvern and the history of the relationship between Tolkien and CS Lewis. It was great fun and Dan provided great commentary and conversation every step of the way. We didn’t have time for a pint in The Unicorn which is a great excuse to go back!
Jac And Mel
, · 3 weeks ago
It has been an extremely rewarding , inspiring and joyful tour for me and my 14year old daughter with a wonderful 3 hours in walking in nature and immersed ourselves in literature fantasy with Den. Den is warm, friendly, extremely knowledgeable and patient. He is also professional in outdoor activities . We discovered many hidden stories in the town and on the Malvern Hill even though we have been living here for several months. This trip make us feel great Malvern has more surprises than we expected. Would love recommend this tour to anyone who are first time visitor or who love to explore the area with more insights and unique experiences. Den will also host a tour for poem in Ledbury in upcoming Ledbury poem festival , really looking forward to it.
Conghui
, · May 2025
Our tour with Dan today was a stellar experience! His stories about Lewis & Tolkien enhanced our experience, and his knowledge and delivery of the history and major figures of GM as a spa town helped us understand the significance of this gem in the West Midlands. So happy we booked our tour with Dan & Fiona.
Billie & Gregory
Decatur, GA
, · April 2025
Excellent tour 👏 we had a great time walking and listening to the unknown stories of the authors. Beautiful scenery of the town!
Catalina
, · April 2025
Dan is a friendly welcoming guide who is happy to be flexible to meet the groups needs. It was great to get up into the hills and see the superb views whilst hearing about the Malvern’s literary past . Big thanks we had a great afternoon .
Elaine
, · April 2025
A perfect day for a perfect walk in the Malvern hills. Dan was an excellent host and very knowledgeable about the literary and musical connections with the town from days gone by. Many references to Narnia and Middle Earth.Walk was at a steady pace with frequent comfort stops and photo opportunities. Some steep inclines so you need to be reasonably fit although as a “young” pensioner I managed the 5 mile walk with ease. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon highly recommended.
Jacquie
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests aged 12 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is strenuous and the skill level is beginner.
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Fiona hosts as an individual
They’re responsible for this experience.
Cultural tours are vetted for quality
Cultural tours are led by authors, historians and other experts and showcase what makes the city unique. Learn more
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From £40 / guest
From £40 per guest
Free cancellation
Malvern Hills literary loop: Tolkien & C S Lewis
4.96 · 24 reviews
From £40 / guest
From £40 per guest
Free cancellation
What you’ll do
Meet dan
Head to the Mr. Tumnus bench in Priory Park.
See Knotsford Lodge
Visit Charles Dickens' lodgings during his wife’s treatment
See Lewis's Memorial
Discover more about CS Lewis and his links to Malvern.
Rest at St Anns Well
Buy refreshments and top up bottles with spring water.
Find Sayer's house
Visit George Sayer's home where Tolkien & Lewis both stayed.
See Montreal House
Stop where Charles Darwin stayed during Anne’s treatment.
Take in Unicorn pub
Stand where CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien often ended their walks.
Discover Hobbit door
Admire the Hobbit Door made by local artist Phil Ironside.
End at The Priory
Find Anne Darwin’s grave and perhaps "the" Narnian gas lamp.
Hosted in English
Where we’ll meet
Priory Park
Worcestershire, WR14 3HB
About me
Walking guide, journalist, and..
I'm a University lecturer and former BBC broadcaster and journalist with extensive experience guiding walkers in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Since 2014, I've lived at West Malvern's historic Ryecroft House, which includes a two-bedroom apartment available through Airbnb.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Malvern Hills literary loop: Tolkien & C S Lewis
Follow the footsteps of writers JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Charles Darwin & Charles Dickens.
Our morning with Dan was the perfect mix of rambling and exploring both the hills and special places in Malvern and the history of the relationship between Tolkien and CS Lewis. It was great fun and Dan provided great commentary and conversation every step of the way. We didn’t have time for a pint in The Unicorn which is a great excuse to go back!
Jac And Mel
, · 3 weeks ago
It has been an extremely rewarding , inspiring and joyful tour for me and my 14year old daughter with a wonderful 3 hours in walking in nature and immersed ourselves in literature fantasy with Den. Den is warm, friendly, extremely knowledgeable and patient. He is also professional in outdoor activities . We discovered many hidden stories in the town and on the Malvern Hill even though we have been living here for several months. This trip make us feel great Malvern has more surprises than we expected. Would love recommend this tour to anyone who are first time visitor or who love to explore the area with more insights and unique experiences. Den will also host a tour for poem in Ledbury in upcoming Ledbury poem festival , really looking forward to it.
Conghui
, · May 2025
Our tour with Dan today was a stellar experience! His stories about Lewis & Tolkien enhanced our experience, and his knowledge and delivery of the history and major figures of GM as a spa town helped us understand the significance of this gem in the West Midlands. So happy we booked our tour with Dan & Fiona.
Billie & Gregory
Decatur, GA
, · April 2025
Excellent tour 👏 we had a great time walking and listening to the unknown stories of the authors. Beautiful scenery of the town!
Catalina
, · April 2025
Dan is a friendly welcoming guide who is happy to be flexible to meet the groups needs. It was great to get up into the hills and see the superb views whilst hearing about the Malvern’s literary past . Big thanks we had a great afternoon .
Elaine
, · April 2025
A perfect day for a perfect walk in the Malvern hills. Dan was an excellent host and very knowledgeable about the literary and musical connections with the town from days gone by. Many references to Narnia and Middle Earth.Walk was at a steady pace with frequent comfort stops and photo opportunities. Some steep inclines so you need to be reasonably fit although as a “young” pensioner I managed the 5 mile walk with ease. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon highly recommended.
Jacquie
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests aged 12 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is strenuous and the skill level is beginner.