The Herefordshire Trail
A superbly scenic 154-mile loop around the county
- Circular route, linking Herefordshire's five characterful market towns
- From steep hill climbs & wooded river valleys to gentle hikes through hopyards & orchards
- Dotted with historic landmarks including ancient hillforts, castle ruins, once-bloody battlefields & remote churches
- Stunning views and unrivalled tranquillity
- A walker-friendly welcome across the county
Tag us in your adventures on social and use the hashtags #FollowTheApple and #HerefordshireTrail
Download The Herefordshire Trail Guide
The Herefordshire Trail is a long-distance walking trail which loops the county, taking in our five historic market towns, undulating meadows, ancient orchards, steep hills and glorious river valleys.
Start in pretty Ledbury, heading towards the Wye Valley National Landscape and buzzy Ross-on-Wye before trekking the unspoilt landscapes of the Golden Valley. Head for the heights of Kington and Mortimer Country where the castle ruins tell the tale of past turbulence.
Dip into the antiques mecca of Leominster then make east for hop-picking country and foodie Bromyard. Hike through vineyards, skirting the Malvern Hills and the landscape which has inspired poets, to return to Ledbury.
Highlights include:
- Walking through Big Apple country and along the hop pickers' path
- Gazing at the panoramic view at Harley's Mountain & Merbach Hill
- Tracing the Rivers Wye, Teme, Lugg & Frome
- Taking in the serenity of deep forests
- Peeking into remote, medieval churches
- Roaming craggy castle ruins
#FollowTheApple!
New apple waymarkers will guide you on your way. Share your best trail photos with us on social with the hashtags #FollowTheApple and #HerefordshireTrail
Section 1: Ledbury to Marcle Ridge
Wind through Big Apple Country, 7.5 miles
- Walk through orchards & visit Westons Cider
- Discover 'The Wonder'
- Gorgeous views from Marcle Ridge
Section 2: Much Marcle to Ross-on-Wye
Sleeping Beauty & Trail Treasures, 11.6 miles
- See a beautiful medieval effigy
- Peaceful woodland wanders
- Admire the River Wye and visit vibrant Ross
Section 3: Ross-on-Wye to Little Dewchurch
Upriver with the glorious Wye, 10 miles
- See the scenic birthplace of English tourism
- Cross the elegant Sellack Suspension Bridge
- Tour Hoarwithy's Italianate church
Section 4: Little Dewchurch to Kilpeck
Field & forest of a lost kingdom, 6.23 miles
- Learn about the ancient land of the hedgehogs
- Relax in the tranquility of two forests
Section 5: Kilpeck to Abbey Dore
Pilgrimage through the hills, 11.6 miles
- Marvel at the ornately carved Kilpeck Church
- Soak up panoramic views from Garway Hill
- Trek through the unspoilt Golden Valley
Section 6: Abbey Dore to Peterchurch
Treasures of the Golden Valley, 7.7 miles
- Feel the unrivalled serenity of Dore Abbey
- Climb to St Margaret's Church for amazing views
- Amble to two charming medieval churches
Section 7: Peterchurch to Whitney Bridge
To the uplands of the Stone Age, 10.7 miles
- Roam the craggy ruins of Snodhill Castle
- Pause at the spellbinding Arthur's Stone
- Scale Merbach Hill for jawdropping views
Section 8: Whitney Bridge to Kington
Walking on the wild side, 11.9 miles
- Follow the deep holloways of Whitney Wood
- Find out about Brilley's funeral stone tradition
- Walk through Eardisley Park and a nature reserve
Section 9: Kington to Lingen
Tracking Lord Byron, 12.2 miles
- Trek in the scenic footsteps of Lord Byron
- Wend through river valleys via a hill fort
- Descend from Kinsham to an oak wood
Section 10: Lingen to Leintwardine
Mountain top to Roman road, 9.1 miles
- Climb the trail's highest hill (1260 ft)
- Wander through tranquil Brampton Bryan
- Trace the Teme Valley to a Roman town
Section 11: Leintwardine to Richards Castle
Mule tracks of the ironmasters, 13.3 miles
- Hike up Shelderton Hill to a medieval deer park
- Follow the River Teme, where iron was made
- Visit a church with rare cast-iron grave-slabs
Section 12: Richards Castle to Leominster
Battlefields journey, 9.2 miles
- Explore a rare pre-conquest Norman fortresses
- Pass through a patchwork of flat fields
- Walk the battlefields of the Wars of the Roses
Section 13: Leominster to Edwyn Ralph
Spires & towers of medieval landmarks, 11.65 miles
- See the grand Leominster Priory
- Trace the River Lugg through rolling meadows
- Peek into three characterful medieval churches
Section 14: Edwyn Ralph to Fromes Hill
The hop pickers' path, 9.9 miles
- Tread through hopyards with high bines
- Look out for the distinctive, traditional hop kilns
- Cross the River Frome and climb Fromes Hill
Section 15: Fromes Hill to Ledbury
To the realm of poets, 10.01 miles
- Travel green lanes and through a vineyard
- See poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's home
- Trace the Malvern Hills to John Masefield's birthplace
Hike & Paddle Endurance Challenge
Take our 6-day endurance challenge on foot and by canoe for an alternative way to experience the south-west section of the Herefordshire Trail.
Short Break Ideas
Make the most of a weekend away with a short break on the Herefordshire Trail.
