The first stretch of this 150-mile journey unveils the hidden treasures of one of England’s most picturesque counties. The Herefordshire Trail, a circular walking route meanders through the heart of this rural paradise, allows walkers to discover a landscape steeped in history, dotted with charming villages, and blessed with natural beauty that changes with each passing season.
The trail begins and ends in the ancient city of Hereford, where the imposing Hereford Cathedral stands guard over centuries of history. Within its walls, the Mappa Mundi, a 13th-century map of the world, offers a tantalising glimpse into medieval minds. As you leave the city behind, the path quickly transitions from urban bustle to tranquil countryside, with the gentle murmur of the River Wye providing a soothing soundtrack to your journey.
Winding its way through orchards heavy with apples and pears, the Herefordshire Trail reveals why this county is renowned for its cider production. At Westons Cider Mill in Much Marcle, visitors can delve into the art of cidermaking, learning about the process from blossom to bottle while savouring the crisp, refreshing flavours that have made Herefordshire cider world-famous.
As you continue along the trail, the landscape unfolds like a patchwork quilt of green fields, ancient woodlands, and gently undulating hills. The Black Mountains loom on the western horizon, their dark silhouettes a constant companion as you traverse the county. In the charming village of Kilpeck, the 12th-century church stands as a testament to the region’s rich Norman heritage, its intricate carvings and grotesque gargoyles offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval craftsmanship.
The Herefordshire Trail takes you on a journey through time. At Longtown Castle, the crumbling ruins of a once-mighty Norman fortress tell tales of border skirmishes and long-forgotten battles. As you clamber up to the keep, the sweeping views across the Olchon Valley to the Black Mountains serve as a reminder of the strategic importance this lonely outpost once held.
One of the trail’s most enchanting stretches leads through the Golden Valley, a name that conjures images of sun-dappled fields and babbling brooks. The reality doesn’t disappoint, with the River Dore meandering through a landscape that seems lifted from the pages of a storybook. In the village of Peterchurch, the curious ‘golden church’ of St Peter’s, with its distinctive gilded weather vane, offers a moment of quiet contemplation and a chance to rest weary feet.
As you progress, the trail reveals the diverse nature of Herefordshire’s landscape. From the dense woodlands of Haugh Wood, alive with the chittering of birds and the rustle of unseen creatures, to the open expanses of Bromyard Downs, where wildflowers carpet the ground in spring, each day brings new vistas and fresh experiences.
The market town of Ledbury, with its black-and-white timbered buildings and cobbled streets, provides a welcome urban interlude. Here, you can stock up on provisions at the bustling farmers’ market, sample local delicacies in cosy tea rooms, or lose yourself in the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning at her birthplace, now a museum dedicated to her life and works.
While the Herefordshire Trail offers an abundance of natural and historical wonders, it’s not without its challenges. Some sections can be muddy after rain, and signposting can be sparse in places, requiring careful navigation. The trail’s length means that completing it in one go requires careful planning and a good level of fitness. However, these minor obstacles are far outweighed by the rewards of experiencing Herefordshire’s hidden gems at a walking pace.
As the trail loops back towards Hereford, passing through the charming town of Ross-on-Wye, perched dramatically above the river, walkers are treated to one final spectacle. The view from Symonds Yat Rock, looking out over a horseshoe bend in the Wye, is nothing short of breathtaking. Fans of the popular series starring Gillian Anderson “Sex Education” will be keen to know that the distinctive red and white house of Otis and Jean’s home overlooks the River Wye, at Symonds Yat Rock.
The Herefordshire Trail is a gateway to a county that has managed to preserve its rural charm and rich heritage. Whether you tackle it in stages or embark on the full 150-mile adventure, this circular route offers a unique perspective on a often-overlooked corner of Britain.
As you complete your journey back in Hereford, perhaps over a well-earned pint of local ale in a riverside pub, you’ll reflect on the miles travelled, the sights seen, and the stories uncovered. The Herefordshire Trail may not have the fame of some of Britain’s other long-distance paths, but for those seeking an authentic slice of English countryside, it offers an experience that is hard to match. So lace up your walking boots, pack your waterproofs (this is England, after all), and set out to discover the hidden treasures of Herefordshire, one step at a time.
