Exploring Big Apple Country: Day Hike on the Herefordshire Trail

Ledbury is easy to reach by train or car and is a super place to start your mini adventure on the Herefordshire Trail.

Leave your bags at your accommodation, with options including the wonderful black and white Feathers Hotel or the equally historic Seven Stars. 

Tour the town, calling in at the many independent boutiques including Tinsmiths and Hus & Hem for stylish homewares as well as Tusk and Raft for women's clothes, Blandfords for gifts and toys, plus Ledbury Books and Maps for literary treats.

Take a look at the church with its magnificent Last Supper paintings, one of which is believed to be the work of Titian's studio. Wandering back down the cobbled lane, visit The Prince of Wales for a real ale, see original Elizabethan wall paintings at the 16th Century Painted Room  or dive into local history at the tiny Butchers Row House Museum and The Heritage Centre

In the evening, book a table in advance if you would like to eat at foodie favourite No 33, or eat in at The Feathers or Seven Stars.

The walk begins at Ledbury's iconic Market House. Sat on stilts in the centre of town, this black and white beauty is a 17th-century addition to a market dating from 1122. It's a handy spot to buy picnic bits on Tuesdays and Saturdays, meanwhile Handley Organic and Ceci Paolo nearby also have delicious homemade snacks for sale.

From here, the route winds through town, soon reaching open country. It’s an extensive fruit growing area and much of the onward journey is through orchards, with tiny villages and historic buildings completing the scene.

In Aylton, spot the thatched barn at Court Farm, which dates from 1503. It is supported by eight ‘crucks’ – huge naturally-curved oak timbers – and has an infill between its wall timbers of thinly-cut and woven oak stave (‘wattle’). 

In nearby Putley, you’ll pass through the former landscape park of the elegant Queen Anne-style mansion of Putley Court. Former resident, Squire Riley, pioneered quality fresh fruit production and despatch by rail to the cities in the 1880s. 

Today, the local parishes celebrate their fruity heritage twice a year with the annual Blossomtime event in spring, followed in the autumn with the Big Apple Festival.

Walking in and near orchards is a rich experience for all the senses, from the scent of ripening fruit to the sight of wildlife.

A large depression on Marcle Ridge, The Wonder, is marked on the OS map. In 1575, a great landslip moved downhill engulfing all in its path. Kynaston Chapel, its churchyard, trees and cattle were swallowed up “to the astonishment of all beholders,” according to Tudor historian William Camden. Marcle Hill had indeed moved!

It’s easy walking with fine views on Marcle Ridge, passing the 540-ft mast of Ridge Hill Transmitting Station. .

Then, downhill to Much Marcle village, pausing perhaps at local landmark, Weston’s Cider Mill. 

Cider and perry have been made here since the 1880s and it is still run by descendants of the founder. Book a tour or perhaps indulge in a cream tea at the Scrumpy House Restaurant.

Continue into the village to find welcoming local pub The Walwyn Arms. Further up the road, you'll find the delightful Hellens Manor where you can book a tour of the fascinating Jacobean/Tudor house, roam the grounds or take tea in the pretty courtyard.

Catch the quaintly named Daffodil Line (232 bus) from the Walwyn Arms back to Ledbury. At the time of writing, there are services at 14.53 and 17.02 Monday to Saturday, 15.07 and 18.07 on Sundays and bank holidays.

In the evening, tuck into pizza at The Olive Tree or a locally-sourced steak at The New Market House Cafe and Grill.