Cider Circuits
Explore the spiritual home of apples and cider
- Celebrating our favourite thirst-quencher
- Three circular routes in the north, south and west
- Great by bike as well as car (all that boot space for bottles!)
- Complete each loop in one go or relax the pace and stay en route
- With recommended places to break for a coffee or bite to eat, as well as a wander. Please call ahead to check opening times.
Herefordshire is the home of the apple and cider, with orchards dotted all around and artisan producers inviting you to try their tipples. If your acquaintance with cider is the odd glass in a pub prepare to have your taste perceptions challenged! Take a tour of the Museum of Cider, housed in the original 1888 factory where Bulmers began, to uncover the story of the county's preferred drink.
The North Circuit: The Newton Wonder
North of Hereford stretches an undulating swathe of farmland, orchards and forested hills, studded with the ‘Black-and-White Villages’, which feature the traditional timber-framed houses typical of our region.
This 49-mile loop visits alluring hamlets, historic sites and passionate artisan producers creating excellent ciders, perries and juices. The circuit runs from Hereford to Tillington and Weobley, then on to Pembridge, Eardisland and Monkland, skirting Leominster, before arriving back in Hereford.
Producers featured:
Highlights include:
- Speeding down the descent to Weobley
- Stepping inside a leaning timber-framed dovecote from 1673
- Refuelling in the cafes and pubs in pretty Pembridge
The South Circuit: The Redstreak
The ancient apple and pear orchards of southern Herefordshire, some of them well over two centuries old, are lovingly harvested by local producers to ferment spectacular ciders and perries in traditional and innovative styles.
Producers featured:
Highlights include:
- Making your way over Foy Suspension Footbridge
- Pausing for a picnic in a shady spot on the Wye
- Admiring Hoarwithy's Italianate-style church
A well planned route using mainly back lanes and cut throughs that allows you to experience some of the best scenery. A challenge but worth every pedal stroke.
The West Circuit: Porter's Perfection
The west of the county is patchworked with apple orchards and studded with artisan cider producers. This is the glorious Golden Valley, laced with rolling hills and a network of peaceful backroads - perfect for cycling.
Tackle the rewarding 48.5-mile double loop from Dorstone to meet craft cider makers and slake your thirst at historic pubs. The circuit runs through north, taking in Bredwardine and Whitney, before snaking south to Rowlestone and returning via Ewyas Harold, Abbey Dore and Peterchurch. For a shorter ride, just cycle the north or south section.
Producers featured:
- Fair Oak Cider
- The Orgasmic Cider Company
- Artistraw Cidery & Orchard
- Ty Gwyn Cider
- Rowlestone Farmhouse Ice Cream
Highlights include:
- Pedalling the steep 100m climb to Bredwardine
- Calling in at the county’s oldest pub, The Pandy Inn
- Drinking in the dramatic views at the pre-historic Arthur’s Stone
Bike Hire
Wheely Wonderful Cycle Hire
They are open every day 9am - 5pm from April to the end of September. It's best to book your bikes a day in advance. Or you can call and check availability on the morning of.
Location: Petchfield Farm, Elton, Ludlow
It Takes 2 to Tandem
Retro tandem cycle hire for all occasions, enjoy a day out with your pedal pal and a picnic. Delivery to your accommodation available.
Drovers Cycles
Drover Cycles offer a wide range of rental bikes for all ages and riding styles. They offer bike rental from their base in Hay on Wye, but can also deliver hire bikes further afield by special arrangement.
