6 Herefordshire Walks To Enjoy

With parts of two wonderful National Landscapes to its name, plus several country parks and historic estates, Herefordshire is a fantastic place to get out for a walk. This rural county has all sorts of options, from short circular strolls through to long-distance epics like the Mortimer Trail and Herefordshire. Hills, valleys, woodlands and heritage sites are all waiting to be explored – so we’ve pulled together a list of our six favourite Herefordshire walks here for you to try out.

These suggestions all make great ways to explore the area for people that live nearby, or days out for visitors. If you’re visiting and would like to try out a few walks, take a look at Pitchup's range of campsites and other outdoor stays – all great places to make the most of this lovely scenery.

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Haugh Woods

A 20-minute drive from Hereford, the 350-acre Haugh Woods is an ancient area of mixed woodland managed by Forestry England. The woods have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, particularly because of the incredible 600 species of butterflies and moths that live here. For your chance to spot some of them, follow one of the two Butterfly Trails through the woods – they’re marked by red and green arrows and each one is roughly two miles long.

The trails here are mostly on hard forest tracks with only gentle slopes, so they’re suitable for most visitors, including families and parents with pushchairs. It's all free to visit, too – there’s a free car park and no charge to enter the woods.

Malvern Hills National Landscape

The beautiful Malvern Hills National Landscape straddles the eastern part of Herefordshire and the western section of Worcestershire. It’s honeycombed with a fantastic network of footpaths and bridleways, including a trail running along the entire 10-mile length of the Malvern Ridge, with some outstanding rural views.

Over here on the Herefordshire side, a couple of good options for exploring are the easy 5.5-mile circular trail from Colwall to Coddington and its vineyard, and the 4-mile family trail exploring the area around Bromyard. Dogs are allowed on these trails, and on most Malvern Hills paths, but you’ll need to keep them on a lead around livestock.

Symonds Yat and Peregrine Path

As well as the Malvern Hills, Herefordshire is also home to part of the Wye Valley National Landscape, running along the border of England and Wales. There are lots of great ways to explore this scenic area, including bike rides, canoe trips and no fewer than 50 official walking trails. 

One of our favourite trails on the Herefordshire side is the 3-mile loop from Symonds Yat, taking in parts of the riverside Peregrine Path and heading up into the woods for some great views from the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. It can be a little steep and muddy at times, but the fabulous scenery makes it all worth it.

The Mortimer Trail

Named after the powerful Norman family who held sway locally in medieval times, the long-distance Mortimer 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 gorgeous views to the Malvern Hills and Black Mountains. Historic highlights along the route include the Iron Age hill fort at Croft Ambrey and the stately 17th-century Croft Castle.

This long-distance walk usually takes 2 to 4 days, with accommodation along the way. If you’re looking for a shorter walk, try one of several waymarked loop trails that branch off the main path to explore surrounding villages and attractions.

The Brockhampton Estate

Brockhampton is a huge National Trust estate of 1700 acres, centred around a charming timber-framed medieval manor house, surrounded by orchards, parkland, farmland and woodlands. A leaflet available from the house or online details four well-signposted walks of between two and four miles – three of them are circular to keep things nice and simple. 

There’s something to see in all seasons here – look out for butterflies, woodpeckers and cuckoos while you’re exploring, and if you’re lucky you may even spot resident deer and otters. You’ll probably see traditional Hereford cattle in the fields as well (and local livestock is why you’ll need to keep dogs on a lead while you’re walking).

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, there are five waymarked loop trails running through the farmland and woods of the 1500-acre parkland. 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 trail, at five and a half miles, includes stretches beside the River Lugg and passes through Pokehouse Wood  – this place is 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.

 

If you’re visiting Herefordshire and would like to try out a few of these walks, Pitchup has a great range of campsites and glampsites that make excellent bases for an outdoor holiday. With prices starting from just £10 a night, scenic breaks can also be very affordable. Take a look at the full range below to find something that suits you.

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