The Herefordshire Trail, a 154 mile circular walking route, is relaunching in time for the summer and the Herefordshire Walking Festival, between 18 – 26 June 2022, with walkers guided along the route by a series of new golden way makers, with cleared pathways and a ‘walk the trail in a day’ event on 17 June.
The relaunch has seen a collaboration between Herefordshire Council, Herefordshire Ramblers and Visit Herefordshire, working together to ensure that each of the 15 sections of the walk is in tip top condition to attract even more walkers to the county as well as launching an in-depth guide to the walk.
The trail was Herefordshire’s first walking route entirely dedicated to exploring the county and was developed in 2004 by the Herefordshire Ramblers linking all five of the county’s market towns and picturesque villages with easy public transport links too.
Walkers will now be guided along the route by over 2000 new golden way markers featuring a distinctive rosy Herefordshire cider apple and urged to #FollowTheApple over the 154 mile route and enjoy the vast views, time-worn hollow ways threading through deep forest and flower-rich meadows.
Historic landmarks along the way include the ruins of some of England’s earliest castles, the iron age hillforts of Wapley and Bache, Arthur’s Stone neolithic chamber tomb and 12th century Dore Abbey.
Visit Herefordshire has launched a new 48-page guide which can be downloaded here.
It breaks the walk down into 15 sections with overview directions, links to OS maps, each leg ranging in length between 7 to 15 miles, with the average distance being 9 miles.
Also introduced is a series of recommended ‘ways to enjoy’, the trail for those planning to visit breaking it down into shorter itineraries for a short break even a longer holiday including practical advice on recommended transport.
There’s also a new six day ‘Hike and Paddle’ Challenge trip for those looking to really push themselves exploring the south west section from Ross on Wye over a 50 mile hike staying at country pubs, returning to the walk start by means of a three day 43 mile paddle, camping along the way.
Herefordshire Trail in a Day – 17th June 2022
Coinciding with the relaunch of the trail is the 20th anniversary of the Herefordshire Walking Festival, a week-long festival of walks. To celebrate the relaunch a 'Trail in a Day' event is taking place inviting walkers across the county to join a series of walks happening concurrently on Friday 17 June, 2022 when event organisers hope to gather hundreds of walkers led by expert leaders to hike a section of the trail covering distances ranging from 8 to 19 miles. Choose from a challenging trail running day, to orchard wanders with cider-tasting, or themed history, geology and wildlife walks. Participation is priced between £6 to £11 per person – details online here.
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