6 Herefordshire Walks To Enjoy
With the River Wye, the Malvern Hills, country parks and National Trust estates to explore, there’s a wealth of places to visit for great walks in Herefordshire.
The varied walking trails in this rural haven of market towns, river valleys and rolling hills along the Welsh border range from long-distance epics like the Mortimer Trail and the Herefordshire Trail to easy circular walks such as the one along the river in Hereford.
There are several thoughtfully planned National Trust walking routes around Croft Castle, the Brockhampton Estate and Haugh Woods, while south of Ross-on-Wye, glorious Wye Valley walks include a stretch of the Offa’s Dyke Path overlooking a ruined medieval abbey. For something a little more testing, you could hike along the Malvern Ridge to visit ancient hill forts with spectacular views.
If you’re itching for more details already, here’s our list of 6 Herefordshire walks to enjoy:
The Wye Valley at Tintern Abbey
The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, south of Ross-on-Wye, has been a darling of tourists since the 18th century. Here the river flows gently through woodlands that are carpeted with bluebells in spring, passing the fabulous waterside remains of medieval Tintern Abbey. You can take in the views that captivated poets from Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William Wordsworth by following the Offa’s Dyke Path from the abbey to the Devil’s Pulpit, a limestone outcrop at the top of a cliff.
The trail is around three miles long and gets steeper for the last mile or so, but it’s worth it for the spectacular views of the river, forest-clad hills and the ruins down below. If you can bear to leave, there’s a choice of routes down.
Haugh Woods
A 20-minute drive from Hereford, the 850-acre Haugh Woods is an ancient area of mixed woodland with views over the Herefordshire Hills, managed by the National Trust. The woods are famous for sheltering more than 600 species of butterflies and moths, which you can look out for on two dedicated Butterfly Trails of around two miles each, marked by red and green arrows.
The gentle terrain here is suitable for anyone, including parents with pushchairs, and there are helpful information boards to explain about the insects and local woodland conservation. Dogs are welcome, and entry is free.
Find a campsite close to Hereford.
Malvern Hills
Part of an Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty, these striking hills straddle Herefordshire’s eastern border with Worcestershire and are honeycombed with footpaths and bridleways. The classic walk here is along the entire length of the Malvern Ridge, which meanders for around 10 miles with outstanding rural views. If you’re really serious, you can do it all at once, but otherwise you can try visiting the Iron Age hillfort at British Camp or the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point on the whole route.
Dogs are allowed pretty much everywhere on the hills, as long as they’re under control, but it’s worth carrying a lead in case you encounter any livestock.
If you just can’t get enough of this lovely area, here are 11 things to do in Herefordshire.
The Mortimer Trail
Named after the powerful Norman family who held sway locally in medieval times, this long-distance trail covers around 30 miles from Ludlow in Shropshire across the hills, woodlands and river valleys of the Herefordshire Marches to Kington. Walking can be challenging at times and there are some steep climbs, but you’ll be rewarded with views as far as the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains. Along the way, watch out for the Iron Age hill fort at Croft Ambrey and the stately, 17th-century Croft Castle.
If you’re looking for a shorter walk, the official route guide lists several waymarked loop trails that branch off the main path to explore surrounding villages and attractions.
If your idea of a walk is something a little more sedate, here are 5 gardens in Herefordshire to visit.
The Brockhampton Estate
Brockhampton is a huge National Trust estate centred on a charming, timber-framed medieval manor house, surrounded by orchards, parkland, farmland and woodlands. A leaflet available from the house details four well-signposted walks of between two and four miles, three of which are circular, so you shouldn’t get lost. Look out for butterflies, woodpeckers and cuckoos while you’re exploring, and if you’re lucky you may even spot resident deer and otters.
Dogs are welcome all over the estate, but must be kept on a lead.
Croft Castle
A handsome fortification that’s one of the highlights along the long-distance Mortimer Trail, Croft Castle is definitely worth a visit in its own right. If a gentle stroll around the walled garden isn’t quite enough, five waymarked loop trails explore Fishpool Valley, hillside woodlands and the Iron Age hill fort at Croft Ambrey, where you’ll be treated to views as far as the Welsh mountains. The longest, at five and a half miles, includes stretches beside the River Lugg and passes through Pokehouse Wood, associated with legends of a mischievous spirit who led wanderers astray at dusk, so make sure you set off early…
Dogs on leads are welcome in the estate and gardens, where there’s a tea room for a well-deserved cuppa (and a bowl of water) after your walk.
Love a historic building? Take a look at our list of 6 castles in Herefordshire to visit.
Already planning another hike and need somewhere to stay? Here’s a handy list of the best Herefordshire campsites and holiday parks.