Inaugural winter walking festival Herefordshire
Herefordshire’s Winter Walking Festival is the ideal chance to walk off that extra helping of Christmas pudding whilst enjoying magnificent views of Herefordshire’s countryside and breathing the crisp, fresh rural air.
The inaugural Winter Walking Festival, happening between Christmas and the New Year, offers plenty of opportunities to sample the finest local foods from around the county.
Building on the success of the annual summer Walking Festival in June, we are offering an exciting programme of seven guided walks over four days.
Cllr Roy Stockton, Cabinet Member (Community and Social Development), said: “The walks meander through some of the most attractive parts of Herefordshire and you’ll be guided by experienced, knowledgeable leaders who are happy to share their knowledge and love of the countryside.
“To tempt you even further all of the walks start and end somewhere warm and cosy where walkers can have a well-earned drink or a meal.”
All of the walks are circular and between three and five miles in length. As the weather can be unpredictable all routes are following regularly used and maintained footpaths.
Some of the walks include a meal and booking is essential.
Cllr Stockton added: “There is no better way to explore the beautiful Herefordshire countryside than with friends and relatives during the festive season.
“Carefully browse the programme of walks and contact our booking office who will be happy to take your call.”
Winter Walks Timetable
A Gander Through the Golden Valley - Sunday 28th December
A special opportunity to stroll amongst the ancient woodlands and pastures in this little known corner of the Golden Valley. Walkers will be rewarded with wonderful views across the Black Mountains and at the end of the walk you are invited to join us in eating a hearty traditional Sunday roast dinner with all the trimmings, cooked by the walks leaders, and served in their listed farmhouse.
Meet at 10.30am Cothill Cattle grid OS Map OL13 ref 346359. Cost £15 for adults; £7.50 for under 14s.
Ledbury’s Hill - Monday 29th December
Starting along Ledbury’s town trail the route takes walkers through orchards and under Frith Wood giving uplifting views over Herefordshire towards Wales. On through the village of Wellington Heath walkers return through Frith Wood experiencing possibly the best view of Ledbury town. The walk ends in the town centre where a well-deserved drink can be found.
Meet at 10.30am Bridge Street Car Park Ledbury. Cost £2 for the walk.
Walk the Wigmore Loop - Monday 29th December
This walk starts in the village of Wigmore and takes walkers to Wigmore Castle, the original home of the Mortimer family. By climbing the hillside walkers gain tremendous views over the Teme Valley and the North Herefordshire hills. The route then drops down to Lower Lye and after a few stiles walkers will find themselves back in Wigmore.
(Parking is available at the Compasses pub where walkers can find refreshments at the end of the walk)
A Stroll Around Turnastone - Tuesday 30th December
Explore the ancient woodlands, field patterns and farmsteads in this part of the Golden Valley whilst taking in the breathtaking views of the Black Mountains of Wales. At the end of the stroll walkers will be warmed with a bowl of hearty home made soup & a roll served in the leader’s listed farmhouse.
Dorstone’s Dramatic Views of the Golden Valley - Tuesday 30th December
Passing the earthworks of Dorstone Castle walkers will ascend to the top of the western side of the Golden Valley to be rewarded by the outstanding views. The return journey will be a tranquil walk without any roads down to the Pandy Inn where walkers can get a hearty lunch.
Meet at 10.30 am Pandy Inn Car Park, Dorstone.
Cost £2 for the walk + meal costs. Main courses and light bites from £4.95 -£8.25
Between Arrow & Lugg - Wednesday 31st December
Before the start of the New Year’s Eve festivities why not join us in an easy walk from Leominster through Millennium Wood and along the River Lugg to Broadward. The walk continues along the River Arrow returning to the town via Cockcroft Hill and Gateway Lane. Hungry walkers can get lunch at the Old Merchants House Tea Shop in Corn Square
Meet at 10am Tourist Information centre, Corn Square, Leominster.
Cost £2 for the walk Lunch £5 - to be booked in advance
North Via The Broad - Wednesday 31st December
This is an easy walk north of the black and white market town of Leominster. Walkers will return to the town by following Ridgemoor Brook to its confluence with the River Lugg and here will hear the legend of the monk and the lion in the Court of King Merewald. (This walk can be linked with the morning Arrow & Lugg walk with an opportunity to lunch at the Old Merchants House in Corn Square)
Meet at 1.15 pm Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster.
Cost £2 for the walk