County of Herefordshire: Castles, Walking Trails and Cider

In County of Herefordshire, impressive buildings meet long trails through a wide variety of landscapes. You can explore Neolithic burial chambers, castles and Romanesque churches, hike through ancient woodlands, or discover the history of cider and routes along the River Wye. When planning your trip, it is worth first choosing the experiences that interest you most: the distances and demands of the individual trails vary considerably.

Castles, Churches and Special Collections

Arthur’s Stone is a Neolithic burial chamber made of large stone slabs in the hills above Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. You can reach the monument on foot or by car. Goodrich Castle offers a different perspective on medieval history: since its foundation in the late 11th century, the castle guarded a strategically important crossing over the River Wye. Inside, visitors can descend into the pitch-dark dungeon or climb a steep staircase to the top of the keep and enjoy views of the castle and its surroundings.

The Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Museum displays Hereford’s medieval world map alongside 229 illuminated manuscripts and more than 1,200 early printed books. The Museum of Cider, in the heart of Herefordshire, tells the story of cider from apple seed to finished drink; it is housed in the former Bulmers cider factory. Dore Abbey and Kilpeck Church also offer different highlights: Dore Abbey was founded in 1147 and has a medieval presbytery that is among the most significant surviving Cistercian buildings in the west of Great Britain. Kilpeck Church was built in the early 12th century in the Romanesque style. The carvings around the entrance to the outer south doorway stand out; an audio tour app explores possible background stories, theories and legends about the building.

In the north of Herefordshire, the Black-and-White Villages shape the area with their timber-framed architecture, pubs, tea rooms, art galleries and village shops. The 42-mile cycle tour through the villages is intended for a one- or two-day exploration. It combines a cultural discovery tour with a specific cycling route.

Walking Trails, Woodlands and Different Ways to Explore

The Herefordshire Trail is a 154-mile circular walking route through the county. It connects five historic market towns and passes through rolling meadows, old orchards, steep hills and river valleys. The trail is part of a 2,100-mile network of footpaths with numerous circular walks and nine long-distance trails, including the Twin Valley Ley Line Trail. For a shorter option, five waymarked walks are available on the grounds of Croft Castle. The 1,500-acre parkland includes woodland, farmland and parkland, ancient trees, archaeological remains and an Iron Age hillfort.

The nature areas also offer a range of options. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum includes an arboretum of national importance and extensive semi-natural ancient woodland designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Waymarked trails, a viewpoint, a playground and a Gruffalo sculpture trail are also available. Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve, by contrast, is an ancient woodland along a limestone gorge. Natural England runs a limited number of guided walks there in April and May. Gillian’s Wood offers public access, waymarked trails, shorter circular walks and more challenging routes. Flits National Nature Reserve allows access for quiet recreation and nature watching; however, there are currently no public rights of way or waymarked trails there. Check the latest information about facilities and activities before your visit.

Cider Routes and Activities on the River Wye

The three Cider Circuits are circular routes in the north, south and west of Herefordshire and can be explored by bicycle or car. Another circular route starts in Dorstone: over 48.5 miles, it visits artisan cider makers and historic pubs. The Watkins Way takes a different approach. The 106-mile tour starts in Woolhope and runs through the Golden Valley and the Black-and-White Villages to Hereford, passing through Herefordshire’s landscapes, described as wild and ancient.

Those interested in water activities will find another way to experience the region on the River Wye. More than 100 miles of the river are navigable by canoe or kayak, including the stretch from Hay-on-Wye to Symonds Yat. Operators on the River Wye offer training, taster sessions and guided wildlife safaris. The Wye Valley in Herefordshire is also designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means a trip can bring together very different interests: historic places, longer hikes, cider culture and experiences on the river.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

Trains run between Hereford and some market towns; bus routes cross County of Herefordshire. Check the latest timetable for your specific journey before travelling. You can then factor travel to your chosen destinations into your decision without treating different routes or places as the same.

Discover More Destinations

Whitney-On-Wye, Moreton On Lugg, Leominster, Titley, Ross-On-Wye, Kington, Hereford, Fownhope, Bromyard, Whitchurch, Burley Gate, Eardisley, Leintwardine, Bodenham, Staunton On Wye, Ledbury, Pontrilas, Bishop's Frome, Kinnersley, Bringsty, Much Cowarne, Mathon, Eardisland, Burghill, Whitestone, Almeley, Clehonger, Lugwardine, Middleton on the Hill, Madley, Letton, Upper Sapey, Eaton Bishop, Weston under Penyard.

For the broader travel overview: West Midlands.