Hereford Walking and Cycling Guide
Meander through black-and-white houses and discover this cider-filled region
The River Wye snakes its way through Hereford passing the elegant, Gothic cathedral where you will find the medieval Mappa Mundi. The narrow streets are brimming with independent shops and there is a myriad of green spaces. Established walking routes follow trails through meadows, along the banks of the River Wye and through the intriguing streets. Set just outside the Wye Valley it is a spectacular town to explore and walks further afield take you into dramatic natural scenery. Stop off at a country pub for lunch halfway or take a picnic to enjoy at your destination. There is so much on offer in our Hereford walking and cycling guide. It is also a great destination for water sports along the river if you fancy something different.
Suggested Hereford Walks
Cross the bridges over the River Wye, admire the blossom in cider orchards and head off road through beautifully lush farmland as you explore Hereford and beyond.
You can follow an easy stroll around Hereford to get your bearings when you first arrive in the city. From the cathedral head north to the Black and White House Museum before turning back towards All Saints Church. Follow the route down to The Old Bridge crossing the River Wye and get lost in the labyrinth as you walk through Bishops Meadow. Back over Victoria Bridge and return to the cathedral where we encourage you to spend some time. The stunning architecture is a marvel and inside you can view the Mappa Mundi and chained library.
The Breinton Circular walk takes you out of the city along the river. This 5.5-mile walk is a Miles without Stiles walk making it accessible to a range of walkers. Starting from the centre of Hereford you join the Wye Valley Walk which follows along the side of the river. The path continues to Breinton Springs which is cared for by the National Trust. You will see the natural freshwater spring before you reach the orchard. This pretty cider orchard is beautiful when blooming in spring with a carpet of bluebells beneath. Stop off at St Michael’s Church and look out for historic remains of a moated house from the Middle Ages.
In the other direction, from Victoria Bridge a route follows the inner curve of the River Wye. This is a gentle riverside walk taking around an hour-and-a-half to complete. You will reach Canary Bridge which crosses the river and takes you along the greenway to the Sustrans portrait bench. Pause here and enjoy the river view before continuing back to Hereford for lunch.
Just outside Hereford, the Woolhope circular route makes a lovely blossom walk in spring. Starting from the village you head north past the church and amble through Broadmoor Common. A short walk along the road, crossing the field to your left before then joining the footpath over a cattle grid will take you back to Woolhope. Enjoy a meal at one of the local pubs before continuing your walk. The second half follows a signposted route through farmland with some sections along the road. When you reach the hamlet of Lower Buckenhill you loop through the fields past St Michael’s Church. The route then continues back north to where you began your walk.
Hereford Cycling Routes
If you’re a cider drinker, these cycling routes around the Herefordshire countryside are for you!
Both the northern and southern cider routes pass through Hereford making it the perfect place to stay. The northern route is a 49-mile loop taking you through hamlets, black and white villages filled with traditional timber-framed cottages and beautiful countryside. Visit Dunkertons Cider Mill, the Museum of Cider, Butford Organic Cider and Perry and Newton Court Cider along the way. Just don’t sample too much and be sure to take an empty backpack to bring your shopping home. If you’re not a cider fan it is still a lovely undulating trail showcasing this stunning region.
The southern route is less cider heavy but meanders through Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye which are both worth spending some time in. This is a 59-mile route which you can cut short by getting the train back from Ledbury. Stop off at Westons Cider and Gregg’s Pit Cider and Perry. Treat yourself to a meal at one of the picturesque countryside pubs to catch your breath and rest your legs.
The Watkins Way is a 106-mile route which warns you to be prepared for a climb around every corner. While cycling the entire route can take five days, two sections are easily accessible from Hereford. From the centre of the city heading north the route goes up Aylestone Hill towards Sutton St Nicholas and Sutton St Michael. You will see some beautiful black and white timber framed houses on this route, and you can continue as far as you would like! To the south of Hereford the Watkins Way heads from Woolhope to Portway with a steep detour up to Dinedor Camp, an iron age hill fort.
Hereford Cycle Hire
With the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and the glorious Herefordshire countryside on your doorstep this is a fantastic region for cycling. Wheely Wonderful Cycling (23 miles from Hereford) have a range of bikes available for hire and also include well-researched route guides so you can be on your way quickly.
If you’re heading into the Wye Valley, Wye-Bikes (22 miles from Hereford) offer e-bikes for hire so you can enjoy the many bike trails without having to struggle uphill.