Cycling in Herefordshire
Cycling Routes for all levels
- Great cycle routes for all abilities
- Road, gravel & mountain biking
- Gentle jaunts & long-distance challenges
- Rolling backroads, steep climbs & thrilling descents
- Along the River Wye, through 'black and white' villages
- Pause at medieval castles, country churches, open gardens and craft cider makers
- Stop en route at pretty villages and market towns well stocked with cafes and pubs
Whatever your fitness or pace, you’ll find routes to suit in Herefordshire, from gentle jaunts to 60-mile cross-country epics.
Ride through our beautiful landscapes, from the level lanes alongside the Rivers Wye, Lugg and Arrow, to switchback ascents across the Golden Valley, the Black Mountains and the Malvern Hills. For mountain bike trails, head to Mortimer Forest, Wigmore Rolls and Symonds Yat.
Headline Routes
The Watkins Way - 106 Miles
Woolhope · Holme Lacy · Kilpeck · Abbey Dore · Longtown · Bredwardine · Eardisley · Kington · Pembridge · Wigmore · Leominster · Bodenham · Hereford
A brilliantly scenic long-distance ride featuring steep inclines and thrilling descents. Takes in wild, ancient landscapes taking in the Wye Valley, Golden Valley and Black and White Villages, as well as heritage landmarks. Awesome views guaranteed.
Black & White Village Trails
Leominster · Kingsland · Eardisland · Pembridge · Eardisley · Weobley · Dilwyn · Leominster
Tucked beneath the wooded hills of the Arrow and Lugg river valleys in north-west Herefordshire lies a cluster of Black & White villages.
The history of these ancient settlements is far from monochrome, however, and among the timber-framed houses you’ll discover reminders of Norman conquerors, including fine stone churches and the remains of castles built to defend from Welsh incursions.
Choose your route below
Full Tour - 42 Miles
Leominster · Kingsland · Eardisland · Pembridge · Eardisley · Weobley · Dilwyn · Leominster
Tour northern Herefordshire’s most photogenic ‘black and white villages’. Timber-framed houses line the streets, interspersed with cosy pubs, historic churches and riverside picnic spots. Read more about the villages.
Shortcut Loop - 27 Miles
Leominster · Kingsland · Eardisland · Pembridge · Weobley · Dilwyn · Leominster
If you are short on time, try our pretty shortcut. It takes in Kingsland and Eardisland, before tracking cross-country from Pembridge to Weobley, ensuring that you experience the main stars of the show.
Eardisland to Pembridge - 9.25 Miles
Eardisland · Pembridge · Luntley · Eardisland
This route takes in a section along the River Arrow and quiet country lanes, making it perfect for a short but gentle jaunt. Ideal for beginners.
Cider Circuits
South Cider Circuit: The Redstreak
59 or 31.5 miles
Hereford · Wye Valley · Ledbury · Bromyard · Hereford
Travel a land of ancient apple and pear orchards as you roll between them on an undulating ride through glorious countryside and along the River Wye.
North Cider Circuit: The Newton Wonder
49 miles
Hereford · Weobley · Pembridge · Monkland · Hereford
A succession of moderate ascents, rewarded by sweeping vistas. Tour the trio of 'black and white villages' then refuel on artisan cheese and cider.
West Cider Circuit: Porter's Perfection
48.5 miles
Dorstone · Bredwardine · Whitney-on-Wye · Longtown · Dorstone
Tackle the double loop or just cycle one section. With craft cider makers, historic pubs and a Neolithic burial chamber.
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
Hereford · Kilpeck · Ewyas Harold · Clodock · Longtown · Michaelchurch Escley · Hay-on-Wye · Dorstone · Madley · Hereford
Bring your own beliefs (or none) on this stunning circular cycle route which takes in sacred sites, ancient castle ruins and holy wells.
And for the complete experience, take the opportunity to stay in remote medieval churches en route.
Pause for breaks at hidden farms which produce artisan cider and delicious ice cream, and soak up the shifting landscapes, from gentle wooded river valleys to dramatic mountain views.
Read our leisurely five day option or opt to cover the same ground over a weekend.
Gravel Cycle Rides
Croft Wood & Wigmore Rolls
Enjoy a satisfyingly lumpy ride along gravel, C-roads, forest tracks and bridlepaths through conifer woods and quiet country lanes. Pause at Croft Ambrey hillfort and Wigmore Castle en route.
Road Cycling Routes
Brilley Mountain & Painscastle
Trace the Welsh border south from Kington on a peaceful but lumpy route along mostly traffic-free C-roads – tackling one really testing climb that rewards with dramatic, far-reaching vistas to Hay Bluff.
Hay-on-Wye & Gospel Pass
Beautiful but testing ride along the side of Hay Bluff followed by a steady climb back past Llanthony Abbey, culminating in spectacular views from the top of Gospel Pass.
