Page 9 - ESLH Ultimate Guide 2025 for web.indd

as it straddles the Welsh border. To the east The Marches area, while originally
lie the Malvern Hills, to the west the Black branching to the east too, is now identifi ed
Mountains, and the Brecon Beacons are as the borderlands along Wales and
also in plain view. The southwesterly Golden England, predominantly the Powys,
Valley area is wonderful walking territory. Shropshire and Herefordshire boundaries,
It’s lush greenery and myriad of lanes and with castles for which battles were fought
small roads hide a plethora of unique and by the Marcher Lords. At the heart of The
authentic places to eat, sleep, explore Marches are Presteigne and Knighton. The
and experience. Magnifi cent countryside latter is home to the Offa’s Dyke Centre and
connects this with Mortimer Country and known as ‘The Town on the Dyke’. Follow
the Black and White Village Trail to the this famous 177 mile earthwork boundary
north, and the Wye Valley to the south. and path for incredible walking and views.
Renowned for its plentiful canoeing routes
and salmon fi shing, fi ve more attractive rivers The South Shropshire town of Ludlow is
also fl ow through the county including the steeped in black and white historic charm,
Lugg, the Frome, the Arrow, the Leadon with a recorded history beginning in 1086
and the Dore. and over 500 listed buildings. Ludlow is
a leading foodie destination, home to all
The Wye Valley National Landscape genres of eateries and food purveyors
spans the border between England and showcasing cuisine from around the region
Wales, sharing parts of south Herefordshire and the world. One of the fi nest medieval
and Monmouthshire. Deemed one of the ruins in England, Ludlow Castle is open to
most beautiful and scenic areas in southern the public and hosts many food and music
Britain, it’s particularly popular with walkers, festivals and theatre performances. The
climbers, canoeists and nature lovers. town is a perfect base for hiking, cycling
and walking and is the starting point of the
In 1782 William Gilpin published the UK’s Mortimer Trail; a 30 mile spectacularly scenic
fi rst tourist guide, ‘Observations of the route between Ludlow and Kington in
River Wye’. In the late 18C ‘Picturesque north Herefordshire.
Tourism’ was born and it became
commonplace for ‘tourists’ to take an Photos Simply Wild Restaurant | Ty Gwyn Cider
excursion down the River Wye, stopping off apples | Ludlow Castle | Farming at Lowe Farm,
at various viewpoints to dine, paint or walk. Pembridge | River Wye in the Wye Valley
Hence Ross-on-Wye and the Wye Valley
were branded ‘The Birthplace of Tourism’.

eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk 7