Walking in Herefordshire

Herefordshire is an enticing proposition for walkers who love peace and tranquility. As perhaps the most rural county in England, Herefordshire offers a wealth of unspoilt countryside where you can find solitude in which to reflect on the beauty around you. Herefordshire displays a rich diversity of character and landscape. To the east its gentle rolling countryside, green fields and rounded hills, interspersed with charming 'black and white' villages, exhibit many of those features which we think of as typically and traditionally English. To the west, with its rugged hills and dramatic views, the county becomes more Welsh, not only in appearance but also in its climate and its people.

Herefordshire is one of the English Marches counties, ancient borderlands with Wales whose idyllic landscapes belie their often violent history. The dramatically sited castles hint at this turbulent past and can provide an interesting focal point around which to plan a walk.

Writing about Herefordshire Sir Nikolaus Pevsner observed "Wherever one goes, there will not be a mile that is visually unrewarding". Remarkably, with the exception of Hereford's suburbs, this is still largely true today. However, choices must be made.

For open hill walking the western side of the county is the obvious first choice, giving a taste of the Black Mountains in the foothills south of Hay on Wye. The high land all along the western borders gives splendid views across the county. Offa's Dyke National Trail lies just over the Welsh border and sections can be incorporated into walks from Hay on Wye and Kington.

Perhaps the most beautiful walking is to be found in the Golden Valley, the peaceful unspoilt River Dore valley just east of the Black Mountains and running from near Hay on Wye to Pontrilas. Paths follow the riverside meadows and lead enticingly up the wooded western hillsides where spectacular views are to be had. Combine this with the rich heritage at sites such as Abbey Dore Abbey, and Arthur's Stone and you are sure to enjoy time spent in this lovely area.

The beautiful Wye Valley must also lay claim to be one of Herefordshire's most attractive walking areas. The whole river, during it's long journey right across the county from Hay on Wye to Ross on Wye, is worthy of exploration and, of course, you can do this following the Wye Valley Walk. Within Herefordshire the most dramatic scenery of the valley is in the south near Ross on Wye, in particular the stunning view from Yat Rock at Symond Yat.

The western side of the Malvern Hills and the countryside around Ledbury provides beautiful woodland, superb views and plenty of Herefordshire's peace and tranquility.

Aymestrey - The lovely wooded countryside around Aymestrey would encourage the most lethargic armchair rambler to put on their boots. Nestled in the valley of the River Lugg where a Roman road crosses the river, the village is set deep in Mortimer country, close to Mortimer Cross and with the Mortimer Trail passing through. There are several places of interest nearby. Yatton Court, to the north of the village, is a Georgian country house with a fine Venetian window. A little to the east is Croft Castle (National Trust) a large estate of woodlands, farm and parkland with miles of woodland trails and including the impressive ramparts of the Iron Age hill fort Croft Ambrey which offers spectacular views. Just south at Mortimer Cross, site of one of the most decisive battles in the Wars of the Roses, is a fascinating ancient Water Mill (English Heritage).

OS Map: Explorer™ 203

A Walk from Aymestrey [SO 426658]
This walk explores the woodland of the Croft Estate and visits a glacial gorge just west of Aymestry where the River Lugg runs in a small but spectacular gorge. This is a glacial overflow channel that exploited a fault in the rock associated with the ancient glacial Wigmore Lake. From the old quarry car park walk north-east up a track to Yatton and follow the lane through the village. Cross the A4110 road and follow paths down through woodland with a ravine on your left and eventually reaching a minor road. The glacial overflow channel is directly ahead. Turn left along this wooded riverside lane, now joining the Mortimer Trail route and follow it to the main road bridge. The Riverside Inn is just over the bridge. Continue following the Mortimer Trail, climbing past Yatton Court and passing through National Trust woodland, eventually leading to a lane at Hill Farm. Turn left here into School Wood and the Croft Estate. Where deciduous trees give way to conifers (GR SO433654) take a path on the left for Yatton and then back to the car park. About 5 miles.
Best Pub for this walk
Riverside Inn, Aymestrey Tel: 01568 708440 (Good Pub Guide)
This half-timbered inn stands at an attractive point by a low two-arched bridge spanning the River Lugg. The rambling beamed bar has several cosy areas and the décor is drawn from a pleasant mix of periods and styles. Warm log fires in winter while in summer big overflowing flowerpots frame the entrances. There is a wide and interesting choice of good quality bar food from snacks to hearty meals. Outside tables make the most of the fine views including those set on a steep tree sheltered garden. Accommodation is available.
This walk is fully described in the guidebook '50 Walks in Herefordshire and Worcestershire' by Nick Reynolds

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