Walking and Cycling in Herefordshire
Walking in Herefordshire
Walking in the gorgeous Herefordshire countryside offers you spectacular scenery, nature reserves and wild woodlands and a fantastic day out.
So 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.
Bircher Common HR6 0BN
Bircher Common is one of our favourite go to places all year round. It’s a very pretty spot bustling with wildlife and the perfect place for a stroll. Located close by is the historic NT Croft Castle & Parkland. From spring snowdrops to the sea of glorious reds and golds in the autumn, walking along Bircher Common will always lift your soul. With fantastic views too it’s no wonder it’s a popular spot.
Bromyard Downs HR7 4QJ
Rising to over 700 feet, the Bromyard Downs dominate the local area and form an impressive backdrop to the market town of Bromyard. With spectacular views, it is a peaceful haven with a diverse range of wildlife. It attracts walkers and nature lovers with its peace and tranquillity. Swathed in beautiful bluebells in the spring and opulent orchids in summer. An area of outstanding natural beauty and a gorgeous spot for a walk at any time of the year.
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.
Haugh Wood Hereford HR1 4QX
The ancient woodland at Haugh woods is full of beauty and charm and is a haven for cyclists, walkers, nature lovers and photographers. With over 850 acres to explore of walking, cycling and butterfly trails, this is a popular destination for families and dog walkers. The two most popular walks are the Three Choirs Way and the Wye Valley Walk which skirt the edge of the woods. It also links with the Mordiford Loop a circular trail taking you through traditional orchards, woodland and more beautiful countryside.
The name Haugh, which is pronounced “Hoff” is derived from the name of a Saxon owner indicating that this is the site of an ancient wood. Haugh Woods, is nationally important for butterflies and moths, with over 600 species recorded within it. This makes the wood one of the top 10 woods in the country and is designated as a SSSI due to the presence of these invertebrates. Click here for more information.
Wyndcliff and Eagle’s Nest 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.
Click here for more information.
Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill Leominster HR6 0PY
One of the loveliest places to visit for a peaceful walk is Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum, the views are just breath taking and watching the change of seasons in this amazing 123 acre ancient woodland is just divine. Its wonderful arboretum, a 47 acre tree collection with over 1,200 rare and exotic trees is an absolute delight and the enchanting woodland is a fragment of the oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond.
A place where nature flourishes, providing us with a dramatic show of colours, fragrances and wildlife all throughout the year. It’s the place where generations of Herefordshire families have taken their children to explore nature, walk the dogs and enjoy some time together.
Once part of the Hampton Court Estate during the 17th century, Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
Click here for more information.
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. Pick up the footpaths at Hergest Ridge in Kington for amazing views.
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 and 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 and the trail and heads through some of the most beautiful countryside full of outstanding panoramic views.
The Black Hill stands out as an exceptionally scenic and awe-inspiring hiking trail within the Black Mountains. Referred to as the Cat’s Back, this pathway seamlessly connects to the Offa’s Dyke path.
Click here for more information.
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.
Click here for more information.
Symonds Yat 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.
Click here for more information.
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 and 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.
Click here for more information.
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.
Walking Festivals
Each year there are a number of vibrant walking festivals that take place across Herefordshire. Click the links below to find out more.
Walks and Trails
Herefordshire is abundant with great walks and trails including circular and national routes. Click here for more general information on Walks in Herefordshire. Also see:
Cycling in Herefordshire
Herefordshire, The Marches and The Wye Valley is perfect cycling territory with stunning scenery and delightful routes that will take you through spectacular countryside, woodlands and quaint villages. From a leisurely pootle along the pretty country lanes and beauty spots to more adventurous hill climbs and awesome views, the rural nature of the area makes it ideal to explore by cycle.
Wind your way past Herefordshire’s beautiful cider orchards or schedule a pit stop at one of the gorgeous open gardens, castles, country houses, galleries or artisan cider makers. With plenty of wonderful places for a well-deserved pub lunch or afternoon tea, exploring the area on two wheels is truly a delight.
Bikepacking
For those wishing to tour a wider area than walking would allow, how about bikepacking. There are some incredible camping and glamping sites available in the county to ensure a welcome break during your multi-day cycling adventure.
Off the Beaten Track
With an abundance of forests to explore, there is a great choice of challenging circuits, circular pathways and exciting downhill routes for those who relish off road cycling. Wapley Hill, Wigmore Rolls, Mortimer Forest, Symonds Yat and Hopton Woods are a fi rm favourite for thrill seekers looking for an adventure.
City Cycling
If you’re staying in Hereford City why not hire a Beryl Bike, Hereford has over 20 miles of traffic free paths, making exploring the City and its edges really easy. There are plenty of family friendly routes to choose from which can be found here www.herefordshire.gov.uk/cycling and its a great way to see some of the local attractions.
Ledbury Cycle Hire, Drovers Cycles in Hay on Wye, and Dean Forest Cycles all have a range of cycles available to hire including electric, which can be delivered directly to your accommodation.
Local cycle maps are available via Komoot and Strava or Herefordshire Council’s leisure rides and cycle touring page, click here for details.