Walking in the gorgeous Herefordshire countryside is always a pleasure. The spectacular scenery, nature reserves and wild woodlands make for a fantastic day out. So this spring why not embrace the great outdoors and venture into some of the most beautiful areas of our county.
Herefordshire is blessed with stunning countryside, wonderful woodlands and spectacular views that are all waiting to be discovered. And the best way to see it is on foot. So come and enjoy a plethora of beautiful walks that will have you returning time and time again throughout the changing of the seasons. Here’s our seven sensational spring walks to get you started.
Garway Hill, Garway, Herefordshire HR2 8RU
If you’re looking for pure ruggedness, wildness and some of the best views in Herefordshire then head up to Garway Hill. From this point you can look out upon seven counties. The 360-degree panorama taking in May Hill, The Sugar Loaf, Hay Bluff and Skirrid is both spectacular and breath-taking. It’s a fabulous spot from which to watch the gorgeous White Mountain horses and the abundance of wildlife that resides on the hill. Not to mention a perfect sunrise or sunset.
Wyndcliff and Eagle’s Nest SatNav NP16 6HD
If you enjoy a challenging trek then head out to Wyndcliff and Eagle’s Nest. It is one of the most stunning viewpoints in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. The climb up to the viewpoints are not for the feint hearted. But once at the top the panoramic views across the lower Wye Valley, the rivers Wye and Severn, Chepstow, the Severn Bridges and the Cotswolds hills are spectacular.
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Offa’s Dyke, Herefordshire
In the north west of Herefordshire the countryside is deeply rural area with breath taking countryside. Rolling hills, ancient woods, forests and water meadows and if you’re seriously ready for a good walk then head across to Offa’s Dyke.
Built in the 8th Century Offa’s Dyke is an old earthwork boundary between England and Wales. Running along the 80 miles between the Wye Valley and Wrexham. It was built by order of King Offa of the ancient kingdom of Mercia who reigned from AD 757 to 796.
Offa had seized power during a time of great unrest, when the skirmishes between the English and the Welsh were frequent and rife. In a bid to quell the unruly Welsh and in a show of power he built one of the most outstanding structures in Britain, Offa’s Dyke.
The Offa’s Dyke Path, a National Trail, has been created following the line of the dyke. The trail and heads through some of the most beautiful countryside full of outstanding panoramic views. The superb walks through the Herefordshire and Wye Valley section will definitely get you warmed up and make you glad that you ventured outdoors.
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Wye Valley Walk, Herefordshire
The Wye Valley Walk follows the river valley from Monmouthshire to the slopes of Plynlimon in Powys. Passing through The Wye Valley AONB, Ross on Wye, Symonds Yat, Hereford, and Hay on Wye. The Herefordshire section of the walk is just glorious with rolling lush landscapes, fields, woodland glades and traditional Herefordshire orchards. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore some of Herefordshire’s quaint black and white villages. Not to mention quench your thirst in some of the lovely hostelries en-route. Look out for the leaping salmon logo that will guide you on your way and most importantly take a moment to enjoy the gorgeous views.
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Symonds Yat SatNav GL16 7NZ
The gateway between south Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. Symonds Yat is famed for its beautiful river scenery. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that straddles the River Wye. Filled with gorgeous wooded expanses, natural landscapes and captivating wildlife. It’s the ideal spot for an adventure. If you fancy getting more of a bird’s eye view, head up Symonds Yat Rock which towers 120 metres above the river. Here you can look out for the peregrine falcons, goshawks, ospreys and buzzards. Who all feature here at different times of the year. It’s a magical place with the most wonderful views.
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The Herefordshire Trail
The Herefordshire Trail is a long distance path using existing public rights of way to give a circular tour around our county. The 150-mile route takes walkers through spectacular countryside enabling them to enjoy unequalled views across our county and neighbouring counties. The landscape varies from the Malvern Hills in the east to the Black Mountains in the west. Through rich arable land, apple orchards, hop fields, woodlands speckled with wild flowers, and river valleys.
Along the way are pretty rural churches, castle ruins and other historic features. The Herefordshire Trail links the five market towns of Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Kington, Leominster and Bromyard. Along with some of the picturesque villages and hamlets for which Herefordshire is renowned.
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Herefordshire Beacon, Great Malvern, Malvern WR13 6DW
To the east of Herefordshire on the border with Worcestershire you will find British Camp. An Iron Age Hill fort located at the top of the Herefordshire Beacon in the Malvern Hills.
This natural viewpoint has apparently inspired poets from John Drinkwater to WH Auden. It has been nominated as one of Britain’s best views. Dating from 200 BC it occupies much of the Beacon and it is thought that a Norman castle was originally built on the site.
There are various walking routes to the summit but whichever route you take the views at the top are absolutely spectacular. It really is something quite special.
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Many of Herefordshire’s market towns have Walkers are Welcome accreditation. Ross-on-Wye, Kington, Leominster, Bromyard and Knighton are all part of the WAW network.
WAW is a U.K. wide, community led network of accredited towns whose purpose is to develop and promote walking in areas with something different to offer.