Our Picks from Herefordshire Walking Festival

A fantastic three-day taster of this new walking route, which includes 'night sanctuary' in ancient country churches. There's even the option of spending the night before in the Cloisters of Hereford Cathedral, which we believe is a first since medieval times! You'll hike through the magical landscapes of the Golden Valley, taking in sacred sites, crumbling castles and holy wells. An absolute delight. 

17-19 June
£106 per person
Optional overnight in the Cathedral for £20 donation 

Meander through open moorland, along country lanes and up woodland paths on this scenic circular route. After a 900ft climb to the top of Garway Hill, pause to take in the 360-degree views of the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and even the Bristol Channel. If you're lucky, you'll also see the beautiful wild ponies who graze these lands. Afterwards, take a well-earned refreshment at the Kilpeck Inn and be sure to wander over to Kilpeck Church to admire the outstanding carvings.

23 June, 10am - 4pm
12 miles
£6.50 per person

Apples and cider are synonymous with Herefordshire. This walk starts with a guided tour of the Museum of Cider which tells the fascinating social and art history of cider. Even better, the Museum is housed in the original Bulmer's cider factory, complete with must-see champagne cider cellars which date from 1889. Following a stop for lunch - either pick up a bite in the tea room or bring a picnic - the walk will wind through the city suburbs to the museum's orchards at Breinton. After a talk from the orcharding team, the walk returns to the Museum, this time following the footpath along the River Wye.

22 June, 10.30am - 5pm
6 miles
£11.50 (inc entry to Museum)

Setting off from central Hereford, this strenuous cross-country hike traces paths, bridleways and minor roads. Reboot your energy reserves at the halfway point with lunch at the delightful Cottage of Content (payable on the day).  This 20-mile  loop is ideal for anyone who is up for a challenge and it's good to know that a safety vehicle will be on call if anyone wishes to return back to Hereford.
 

24 June, 8am - 6pm
20 miles
£6.50 per person

Make the most of the long summer evenings, with a post-work walk with the Duchy team. The event starts at Lower Blakemere Farm, discussing the tenant’s journey to improving biodiversity and working with the Duchy to improve natural capital, reduce carbon emissions and produce food.  The walk continues along the edge of Blakemere Wood, talking through the progress being made on the woodland. 

19 June, 5 - 7pm
2.3 miles
£6.50 per person

This walk shows how Herefordshire's ancient crystalline rocks reveal a dramatic past, starting with evidence of tropical shorelines at Gullet Pass and in the Upper Quarry at the Gullet. The walk along the ridge of Swinyard Hill looks at the very different scenery on each side of the hills, shaped by the underlying geology. Later in the day, the route calls at Clutters Cave where we can see lavas erupted from submarine volcanoes in the Precambrian.

20 June, 10am - 3pm
2.5 miles
£6.50 per person
 

For an entertaining evening, book this walk which promises to uncover the haunts and horrors of Hereford city. Accessible by both wheelchair and mobility vehicle, the route will tell the horrible histories of the Cathedral, Old House, Broad Street and other locations. Sweet dreams!

8.30pm
2 miles
£6.50

Exploring the Quaker history of the historic market town of Leominster. Mainly flat with some gentle hills. With the opportunity to purchase lunch from the Grange Court Café afterwards. 

23 June, 10am - 1pm
2 miles
£6.50 per person