County Of Herefordshire: Holiday Cottage Between Castles, the Wye Valley and Walking Trails

County Of Herefordshire reveals its history not only through buildings: Arthur's Stone is a Neolithic burial chamber made of large stone slabs in the hills above Herefordshire's Golden Valley. It can be reached on foot or by car.

Culture and history

Goodrich Castle guarded a strategically important crossing over the River Wye from its foundation in the late 11th century. At Goodrich Castle, visitors can descend into the pitch-dark dungeon or climb the 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 together with 229 illuminated manuscripts and more than 1,200 early printed books. The Mappa Mundi is the largest surviving medieval world map. The Chained Library contains 225 illuminated manuscripts, the oldest of which dates from the 8th century, as well as more than 1,200 early printed books.

Dore Abbey was founded in 1147; its medieval presbytery is one of the most significant surviving Cistercian structures in western Britain. Kilpeck Church was built in the Romanesque style in the early 12th century. The exterior south portal is decorated with several carvings around the entrance.

In the north of Herefordshire, the Black-and-White Villages are characterised by distinctive timber-framed architecture as well as cosy pubs, tearooms, art galleries and village shops. The Museum of Cider presents the history of cider in the heart of Herefordshire, from apple pip to finished drink.

Nature

Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum comprises a nationally significant arboretum as well as extensive semi-natural ancient woodlands designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The park includes signposted paths, a viewpoint, a playground and a Gruffalo sculpture trail.

The parkland of Croft Castle covers 1,500 acres of woodland, farmland and parkland. It contains ancient trees, archaeological remains and an Iron Age hillfort. Five signposted walking routes run through the parkland and the Herefordshire countryside.

Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve is an ancient woodland along a limestone gorge. Natural England conducts a limited number of guided walks through Downton Gorge in April and May. Gillian's Wood is open to the public and has signposted paths as well as a network of footpaths with shorter circular walks and more challenging routes.

The Flits National Nature Reserve allows the public access for quiet recreation and nature observation, but currently has no public rights of way or signposted paths.

Walking and routes

Herefordshire has a 2,100-mile network of footpaths with numerous circular walks and nine long-distance trails. These include the 154-mile Herefordshire Trail and the Twin Valley Ley Line Trail. The Herefordshire Trail is a circular route through the county, linking five historic market towns and passing through rolling meadows, ancient orchards, steep hills and river valleys.

The Cider Circuits in Herefordshire consist of three circular routes in the north, south and west, which can be travelled by bicycle or car. The Watkins Way is a 106-mile scenic tour through the wild, ancient landscapes of Herefordshire. It begins in Woolhope and passes through the Golden Valley and the Black-and-White Villages to Hereford.

River and countryside

The Wye Valley in Herefordshire is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. More than 100 miles of the River Wye can be navigated by canoe or kayak, including the section from Hay-on-Wye to Symonds Yat. Providers on the River Wye offer training, taster sessions and guided wildlife safaris.

Other places

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, Weston under Penyard, Lugwardine, Middleton on the Hill, Madley, Letton, Upper Sapey, Eaton Bishop

For the overarching travel overview: West Midlands.