Long Walks in Herefordshire
Discover the joys of long-distance hikes
- Explore eight long distance routes
- Headlined by the superb Herefordshire Trail
- Step back in time at Norman castles, Iron Age hillforts and ancient stone tombs
- Trace the sweeping meanders of the River Wye
- Roam the ridges ruled by the medieval Mortimer family
- Complete a circuit of the entire county
For a full sensory immersion in Herefordshire’s sparky towns, postcard-pretty villages and rural splendour, lace up your boots for a long distance walk. Eight long-distance trails run through Herefordshire, ranging from the modest 30-mile Mortimer Trail to the 154-mile Herefordshire Trail, which snakes its way around the county.
Of course, you don’t need to tackle a whole trail in one go – many walkers enjoy covering a day or two at a time, returning to complete the route in several stages. But if you want a really big adventure, a long-distance trail provides an accessible entry point, with waymarked trails and ample facilities en route.
Herefordshire Trail: Loop the county
This spectacular long-distance 154-mile loop visits five walker-friendly market towns – Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Kington, Leominster and Bromyard – as it makes its way through diverse terrain.
Trek high hills and ridges, rolling meadows and farmland, apple and pear orchards, hopyards and ancient woodland, as you follow the generous curves of the Wye, Monnow, Dore and Arrow valleys.
Highlights include:
- Admiring Herefordshire’s famed ‘black and white’ houses
- Visiting crumbling castles, medieval abbeys and a Neolithic burial chamber
- Following the glorious Golden Valley alongside the River Dore
- Mooching around our charming historic market towns
- Relaxing in cosy country pubs
Mortimer Trail: Break for the Border
This moderately testing 30-mile walk offers far-reaching views from the ridges and hills that stretch between Ludlow and Kington, alongside otter-slick rivers, through deer-browsed forest and past ancient hill forts.
The walk, typically taking 2–4 days, traverses the historic lands of the Mortimer family, one of medieval England’s most powerful dynasties of Marcher lords, whose strongholds defended this stretch of the border with Wales.
Highlights include:
- Absorbing spectacular views over the Malverns, Black Mountains and Radnor Hills
- Discovering Iron Age hillforts at Croft Ambrey and Wapley Hill
- Indulging in fine cuisine at the Stagg Inn, Titley and Riverside, Aymestrey
- Delving into dense woodland including vast Mortimer Forest
- Exploring the charming walking hub of Kington, gateway to Hergest Ridge
Twin Valley Ley Line Trail
The Twin Valley Ley Line Trail delves deep into Herefordshire's history and untouched landscapes. Commemorating the centenary of the discovery of ley lines in the county, it journeys from remote moorland and summits in the Black Mountains to ancient woodland and undulating fields
A total of 44 mile/71 km long, it can be completed over three to five days, depending on your pace, or walked as a series of day hikes.
Stage 1 and 2 are dotted with interesting historical sites, so allow time to linger. Stage 3 is a more remote stretch through dramatic landscape - it is more challenging in terms of distance and terrain.
There are a variety of accommodation options - including country pubs, B&Bs and atmospheric churches - which enable you to plan a trip to suit your requirements, shortening or extending each stage as preferred.
Wye Valley Walk: Ramble the River
Trace the course of the mighty river upstream from Chepstow Castle, where it meets the Severn, to its source in the Welsh hills at Plynlimon – a total of 136 miles. The Herefordshire section of the trail covers some 57 beautiful miles, from the Welsh border near Monmouth to Hay-on-Wye, typically taking 4–7 days.
En route you’ll admire the wooded banks flanking the river at Symonds Yat, Hereford’s stately cathedral, swathes of cider orchards and red kites soaring overhead.
Highlights include:
- Following the river between forested slopes and beneath the crags of Symonds Yat
- Roaming the streets of pretty Ross-on-Wye, birthplace of English tourism
- Picnicking in glorious riverside meadows while watching for birds and otters
- Exploring historic Hereford, with its russet cathedral and great food
- Enjoy the literary charms of border-straddling book town Hay-on-Wye
Five More Walks...
As well as the three main trails described above, five more visit the county.
The 177-mile Offa’s Dyke National Trail follows the route of the eponymous eighth-century defensive earthwork, weaving in and out of Herefordshire between Hay Bluff and Kington.
The Wyche Way links Offa’s Dyke to the Cotswolds, snaking 80 miles east from Kington through the Malvern Hills to Broadway.
The circular Three Choirs Way connects the cathedral cities of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester with a 100-mile triangular trail.
The 40-mile Monnow Valley Walk follows that river from Monmouth to Hay-on-Wye.
And the Geopark Way follows the line of hills between Bridnorth and Gloucester, covering 109 miles in total.
