From Ledbury’s charming streets you head west into classic Herefordshire countryside, famed for its apple orchards. Ledbury’s narrow alleys and characterful timber-framed shops are well worth taking time to explore. With only 7.2 miles (11.6 km) to cover in this stage, you have plenty of time.

You begin… read more

Stage 2 turns south and continues its journey through pastoral Herefordshire countryside. The route traverses the flanks of the Woolhope Dome, before descending and gradually climbing again to Perrystone Hill above the Wye. The stage ends in picturesque Ross-on-Wye.

Rejoin the Herefordshire Trail, as… read more

This stage is a marvellous walk that flirts with the River Wye and passes some of its most beautiful settlements, before ascending to higher ground, passing through village after village before arriving in Kilpeck. As well as sumptuous countryside, there is a great deal of architectural interest on this… read more

In this stage you ascend to the summit of Garway Hill for spectacular views of the Wye Valley and Wales’ Black Mountains, before descending to Kentchurch and the River Monnow. From here you head into the Golden Valley’s gently rolling countryside to Abbey Dore. With 1,450 feet (442 m) of elevation gain… read more

This stage is a picturesque journey through the Golden Valley. A short ascent brings you to the simple but beautiful St Margaret’s Church, with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. After this, you follow the River Dore to the villages of Peterchurch and Dorstone, with a visit to the evocative… read more

The patchwork fields and rolling hills of this part of Herefordshire are revealed in all their glory on this stage. An ascent of Merbach Hill rewards with sumptuous views, before you descend to the wildly meandering River Wye, explore the castle ruins in Clifford and cross the Wye at the charming Whitney… read more

At 19 miles (30.6 km), stage 7 is the longest on the Herefordshire Trail, as it makes its way over hillsides from the Wye Valley to the valley of the River Arrow. En route you visit the charming village of Eardisley, before heading cross-country to the market town of Kington. The stage could be shortened… read more

This is a spectacular, fiercely rural stage, but you have to work for the rewards. There’s a strenuous 18.7 miles (30 km) to cover and 2,075 feet (632 m) of elevation gain on an undulating journey across the wooded hills of north west Herefordshire, visiting the villages of Byton, Lingen and Brampton… read more

This stage explores the Herefordshire and Shropshire border on yet another gently undulating journey across magnificent, patchwork countryside. You visit the dramatic, limestone Downton Gorge, the historic village of Burrington and have the option of exploring the myriad trails of Mortimer Forest. It… read more

In stark contrast to the previous stages, this is a completely flat walk across the Herefordshire Plain to the market town of Leominster. With only 10.5 miles (16.9 km) to cover, you can treat it as a rest day and take the opportunity to explore Leominster at your leisure. I have added an optional detour… read more

The penultimate stage journeys between the market towns of Leominster and Bromyard over rolling pastureland. It is a remarkably rural and sparsely populated stretch. The tiny villages you chance upon feel like something from JRR Tolkein’s Shire, with emerald-green fields, trickling streams, little ponds… read more

This final stage from Bromyard to Ledbury is a beautifully varied hike. The first section follows the River Frome, through the village of Bishop Frome, before leaving the river and ascending to the hamlet of Fromes Hill, with terrific views towards the Malvern Hills. After a gentler section alongside… read more