Welcome to our annual Walking Festival. Since 2012 we have offered the chance to explore the frontier lands between the green and asymmetrical hills of Herefordshire and the wild uplands of Wales.
Once again the Festival programme offers a wide range of walks for all abilities led by experienced leaders who have a wealth of local knowledge. Many walks focus on a particular specialist subject and vary in length from 2 to 15 miles with a range of heights to climb and descend.
Among the selection of walks this year we are planning to walk the Mortimer Trail (Ludlow to Kington) in two stages on Thursday and Friday. On Friday, following a walk around the Rodd, there will be an opportunity to explore Sidney Nolan's studio and view some of his work. Amongst the choices on Sunday, Joe Kerr will be recreating a walk taken by the Woolhope Club in 1904 and exploring the life and times of Alfred Watkins, and Kathryn Moore will be leading a walk to sketch the local landscape. Once again we will stage the Eight Peaks Challenge and in addition a less strenuous Three Peaks version. All this and more within the glorious Herefordshire / Powys landscapes with their stunning views and a few pubs along the way.
Duration | 9 hrs |
Distance | 15 Miles |
Leader | Helen Lauder |
Max no. | 14 |
Price | £10.00 (inc. transport) |
Bring a packed lunch and adequate drink for a 9 hour walk as there is no opportunity to replenish water bottles.
Starting at the gates of Ludlow Castle the route leads below the towering walls of the castle to cross the River Teme at Dinham Bridge. From the river there is a long and steady climb up to High Vinnalls located within the vast tract of Mortimer Forest affording superb views across the Marches and into Herefordshire. Continuing through rolling countryside the walk crosses Bircher Common before passing alongside the Iron Age hillfort of Croft Ambrey and around the edges of the National Trust's Croft Castle. Steady walking through fields and woodlands leads to Aymestrey and a short road section leading to Lyepole Bridge on the River Lugg and the minibus pickup point.
Duration | 6 hrs |
Distance | 9 Miles (1,500 ft ascent) |
Leader | Nigel Sheath |
Max no. | 14 |
Price | £8.50 (inc transport) |
Bring a packed lunch.
After a minibus to the start point we start off through the forest before exiting onto a track that takes us along the edge of Bache Hill with stunning views to the south. Just before reaching the Whimble we turn north across open moorland and eventually climb up to Black Mixen, at 650m, the second highest peak in the area with more great views. We then head back into the forest taking some lesser known paths and tracks, descending all the time, until we reach Cwm Mawr. We then follow the edge of the forest with a gentle ascent back up to the starting point. The route is mainly on wide tracks and there are no stiles. There are a couple of short but steep ascents. We return to Kington by minibus.
Duration | 3 hrs |
Distance | 3 Miles |
Leader | Elizabeth Banks and Rowan Griffiths |
Max no. | 15 |
Price | £8.50 (inc. garden entry) |
Hergest Croft Gardens is the creation of five generations of the Banks family, all of whom have been passionate gardeners and distinguished dendrologists. It comprises 'the most extensive arboretum in Britain' with over ninety Champion Trees. Set in seventy acres, the walk will include the Gardens, the Park and the medieval Park Wood, in which the landscape conjures up a Himalayan valley but with many more varieties of rhododendrons of immense size. Homemade lunches and teas are available in the tea room. Stout shoes and rainwear required. Elizabeth Banks, President Emerita of the RHS will lead the walk, and Rowan Griffiths, the gardener responsible for cataloguing the collection, will assist.
Duration | 7 hrs |
Distance | 7 Miles (1,100 ft total ascent) |
Leader | Rachel Barnes-Wehrle |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring a packed lunch and money for bus fare. Depart on the service bus no 461 at 10.10 am.
After alighting the bus at Llandegley the walk starts with a steep ascent to the top of Llandegley Rock with 360 degrees of stunning views followed by a walk along the ridge to Llandrindod Wells. Some road walking, some wet areas and a few stiles. The walk concludes with a long descent to Llandrindod Lake to catch the return bus.
Duration | 7 hrs |
Distance | 10 Miles |
Leader | Dorcas Wedmore |
Max no. | 10 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring packed lunch and bus fare. Depart on the service bus no 41 at 10.10.
A linear walk from Presteigne (former county town of Radnorshire) back to Kington, with spectacular views along the way. Our route starts westwards through rolling pasture and woodland up to Lower Rowley and over to Thorn before turning south and rising over the eastern side of Pen Offa to Granner Wood and the Offa’s Dyke Path. We follow an exposed section of the Dyke to Burfa before crossing the border back into England. There’s a final steep climb up Herrock onto Rushock Hill, with wonderful views, before the undulating descent back into Kington.
Duration | 5 hrs |
Distance | 8 Miles |
Leader | Paul Finch |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring a packed lunch.
Starting by the clock tower, we walk northwest to cross the bypass near Floodgates, where we join the path that takes us west below Bradnor Wood and then north above Dunfield. We continue to contour around Bradnor Hill and near Holywell we ascend steeply onto the saddle between Herrock Hill and Rushock Hill. Here we join Offa's Dyke turning east and the high point of our walk at 375m. From here and along the ridge there are wonderful views both to the north and south. We continue east to join the Mortimer Trail and then turn south, following the trail to below Bank Farm. Leaving the Mortimer Trail, we turn south west, past Bank Farm and on towards Kington, using St Mary’s Church spire as our guide. Crossing the bypass we return to our starting point.
Duration | 2 hrs (followed by lunch) |
Distance | 1 Mile |
Leader | Robert West |
Max no. | 30 |
Price | £14.50 (inc. ploughman's lunch) |
A walk around the orchards at Dunkertons Cider with explanation of and chance to see the different varieties of cider apples and perry pears in their organic orchards, hear a description of the cider making process and to taste the results. Includes a ploughman's lunch at the Cider Barn restaurant. (Drinks not included). Meet in the car park at the Cider Barn Restaurant, Luntley, outside Pembridge.
Max no. | 40 |
Price | £6.00 |
See the night sky as you have never seen it before. Using a state of the art digital planetarium Dark Sky Wales will take us on a guided mythological tour of the heavens, and to discover the modern cosmos including the planets, galaxies and nebula. All while the audience is immersed in a spectacular visual and audio experience.
The show will be run three times during the evening to accommodate all who are interested.
Please note the show will last about 40-45 mins and seating will be on the floor inside the inflatable planetarium. There will be plenty of time to see one of the shows and either before or after (depending on your show time) to enjoy the casserole evening.
Max no. | 120 |
Price | £9.00 |
This year The Cider Barn On Tour and Weobley Brewery link up to treat us to a casserole evening. There will be meat or vegetable casserole and home made desserts and a bar selling beer from Weobley Brewery as well as a selection of wines and soft drinks. It’s a great opportunity to meet other walkers, walk leaders and organisers. Book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.
Thanks go to Weobley Brewery for sponsoring the evening. The Cider Barn is a well known local restaurant and has recently started the Cider Barn On Tour concept.
Max no. | 40 |
Price | £6.00 |
See the night sky as you have never seen it before. Using a state of the art digital planetarium Dark Sky Wales will take us on a guided mythological tour of the heavens, and to discover the modern cosmos including the planets, galaxies and nebula. All while the audience is immersed in a spectacular visual and audio experience.
The show will be run three times during the evening to accommodate all who are interested.
Please note the show will last about 40-45 mins and seating will be on the floor inside the inflatable planetarium. There will be plenty of time to see one of the shows and either before or after (depending on your show time) to enjoy the casserole evening.
Duration | 4 hrs |
Distance | 5 Miles (total ascent 500 ft) |
Leader | Marilyn Kelly |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £5.00 |
Bring a mid-morning snack.
Starting at the 13th century Church of St. Thomas à Becket Huntington, from where we will walk through fields, across streams, pass kettle holes and tumps. We will see erratic rocks formed 400 million years ago, traces of a glacial path and continue on to the site of a Norman castle before returning to the church for tea/coffee. To enlighten us as we go along will be a knowledgeable local guide.
Duration | 6 hrs |
Distance | 10 Miles (1,600 ft total ascent) |
Leader | Rob Rees |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring a packed lunch.
From Erwood Station craft centre car park we will walk along the Wye for a mile or so before climbing up through the fascinating landscape of Aberedw Rocks. Blessed with a range of views we climb onto Llanbedr Hill, a SSSI heather moorland. We move clockwise around the common before emerging on Twyn Y Garth a hillfort known locally as “The Cannon” due to the howitzer on its summit. Finally we descend back to the beauties of the Wye for what is a fantastically varied 5 – 6 hour walk.
Duration | 5 hrs |
Distance | 3 Miles |
Leader | Lucy Trench |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £11.00 (inc. entry to the Rodd and all its facilities) |
Bring a packed lunch.
This is a wonderful opportunity both for a guided walk and an introduction to Rodd Court, near Presteigne, home of Sir Sidney Nolan (1917-92), Australia’s most celebrated modern artist. The walk follows Hindwell Brook and loops back through ancient woodland before returning to the beautiful gardens and orchards surrounding the historic manor house. On arrival, you will be able to enjoy tea/ coffee. Following the walk and packed lunch, there will be a guided tour encompassing Nolan’s studio, a selection of his paintings and two exhibitions by other artists.
Duration | 3 hrs |
Distance | 3 Miles |
Leader | Sheila Hardwick |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £5.00 |
Kington has a total of fourteen water powered sites serving a variety of industries including corn milling, woollen cloth making, iron founding, tanning, threshing, pumping water etc. The walk will include eight of these sites and Sheila will explain how they developed and the evidence that remains. Stout shoes are recommended and there is one gate to be climbed over. The walk will finish at Border Bean, where tea and coffee will be provided.
Duration | 3 hrs. |
Distance | 4 Miles |
Leader | Nigel Sheath |
Max no. | 15 |
Price | £12:00 (inc. entry to the Small Breeds Farm) |
This is a relatively easy walk to one of Kington's main visitor attractions, the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre. The centre houses one of the best collections of owls in Europe, as well as a wonderful collection of friendly miniature and rare creatures. The walk starts in the centre of Kington, proceeding down the Arrow valley and then across farmland to the Centre. Whilst the walking is generally easy, it should be noted that there is one short but steep climb and a number of stiles. On arrival at the Centre tea or coffee will be served whilst a member of the team gives an introductory talk. We will then be given a tour of the Centre before returning downhill to Kington via Kingswood Road.
Duration | 5.5 hrs |
Distance | 6 Miles |
Leader | Geoff Cooper |
Max no. | 13 |
Price | £16.50 (inc. main meal at pub and transport) |
A torch and money for drinks, dessert and bus fare.
Actually, more of a brisk walk than a crawl to ensure arrival at the final pub before dusk. The short bus ride takes us to Stanner Rock. After a pleasant walk skirting Worsell Wood hill we follow the steep path to climb the northwest side of Hergest Ridge. At the top, the panoramic views over Herefordshire and Powys can be enjoyed before descending through farmland to the pretty hamlet of Huntington. Here we can enjoy a drink by the fire in the delightful Swan Inn, soon to leave to follow the up and down cross country cross border route to the Royal Oak at Gladestry for an evening meal. Minibus back to Kington.
Max no. | 200 |
Price | £7.50 (inc. refreshments) |
Formed in 2018 by Colin and Amanda Reeves, The Ludlow Concert Band grew from 5 members to the current 30. We are core funded by Ludlow Town Council so you will often hear us playing at events in that town – Remembrance Sunday, The Fringe and the recent Jubilee celebrations. We also give regular concerts indoors and out – The Shrewsbury Food Festival in June on the bandstand to a Ukraine Charity fundraiser at St Lawrence’s, Church Stretton.
We play a wide range of music from classical music to music from films and the theatre and we really enjoy sharing our music-making with an audience. We are a charity and are grateful to Kington Walks for their sponsorship of this concert in St Mary’s.
Our founder Colin Reeves died earlier this year but the conductor’s baton has been taken up by David Redmayne, a Kingtonian and 2022’s Mayor of Kington!
Duration | Self paced |
Distance | 15 Miles (approx) |
Leader | Self led at own risk |
Max no. | Unlimited |
Price | £7.00 |
For entry on the day you must register before 10:00.
You can take part in this event either walking or running on your own or as a team. You find your own way round using a map and collect clipper marks on each summit. You may go either clockwise or anticlockwise. Times are recorded and everyone who completes receives a certificate of completion. The person/persons with the quickest time has their result displayed on the oak board at the Oxford Arms. You can take part, however, without completing all the peaks, tackling only those within your capabilities. Registration and info sheets with marker cards available from 9:00 am until 10:00 am from the start and end point in the Festival Office in the Burton Hotel. You can check back in until 6:00 pm and collect the Eight Peaks Challenge Certificate which will show your recorded time. The event centre will close at 6:00 pm. The eight peaks are to the north and west of Kington and each gives a different perspective of the amazing views of the area. They range in height from 303 to 426 meters with Kington at 170m. On each hill there will be a clipper to mark your card. There are also three extra clippers to assist you in keeping to footpaths and not stray. Explorer map 201 will be needed for this event (for sale in numerous shops around the town).
Please ensure you have adequate water and food as well appropriate clothing for the forecast conditions.
Note that dogs are welcome on this walk. Maximum one dog per adult please, and kept on a lead at all times.
Duration | Self paced |
Distance | 8 Miles (approx) |
Leader | Self led at own risk |
Max no. | Unlimited |
Price | £7.00 |
Similar to the Eight Peaks Challenge but a shorter version covering Hergest, Hanter and Worsell. The fittest runners could complete the course in under an hour; alternatively take a picnic and enjoy the spectacular views as you discover your own route. Start and finish as for Sa1. (quickest will not be displayed on the Eight Peaks board).
Explorer map 201 will be needed for this event (for sale in numerous shops around the town).
Duration | 4 hrs |
Distance | 7 Miles |
Leader | Richard Burden |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring a packed lunch.
The walk starts by following the disused Leominster to Kington railway to a bridleway through Lyonshall Park Wood. The walk passes the historic village church of Lyonshall which sits alongside the ruins of the moated Lyonshall Castle. We climb to Rhodds Wood where there are tremendous views of the Black Mountains to the west and the Malvern Hills to the east. The walk then descends along Vaughan’s Way back into Kington.
Duration | 7 hrs |
Distance | 11 Miles (1,679 ft total ascent) |
Leader | Chris Franks |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring a packed lunch.
There is a difference of 1,000 feet between the highest and lowest points of this walk. Starting from Hay Bluff car park we find ourselves on the location of a famous Hollywood film. After the only strenuous climb to the trig point of Hay Bluff the hard work is completed. The walking from now on is fast, mainly dry and down hill. We make our way across the Black Hill and descend the Cats Back receiving the full benefit of one of the best views in the country (depending on the weather). We then turn along the base of the hill to the old Bulls Head pub. Along the lane for a short time before we reach the ancient Craswall church, a gem in itself. Through the fields and bridleway to the ruins of Craswall Priory. Public footpaths take us through the fields back to the car park.
Duration | 3 hrs |
Distance | 4 Miles |
Leader | Lis Darwin |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £5.00 |
Starting in the centre of Kington we follow the Offa's Dyke Trail as it leaves the town and ascends Bradnor Hill with its 360 degree views over Herefordshire, Wales and beyond. We then follow a circuit of the hill home to England's highest golf course at nearly 1,300 feet before descending via a sunken path back to Kington. Whilst the walk has been graded as a three this is due to the initial steep climb which will be taken at an easy pace with the rest of the walk on easier ground.
Duration | 4 hrs |
Distance | 7 Miles |
Leader | Paul Finch |
Max no. | 14 |
Price | £6.50 (inc. transport) |
Packed lunch or money for snack at pub.
We leave Kington to walk along the River Arrow, going along part of the old Kington to Pembridge tramway/railway, through Lyonshall Wood, passing Tramway Pool. We then cross the A44 and walk part of Offa's Dyke (but not part of the Offa's Dyke footpath) towards Holme Marsh. From there we continue over rolling countryside with views to both east and west, through Lower Wootton, along a wooded valley before arriving in Almeley, where our walk ends at the Bells Inn, both the village pub and shop. We will stop here for a drink and a snack if you wish, before being collected by minibus to return to Kington. (If you bring your own snack we will stop on the way, please do not eat it at the pub.)
Duration | 7 hrs |
Distance | 9 Miles |
Leader | Kevin Robinson |
Max no. | 14 |
Price | £19.00 (inc. main course dinner and transport) |
Bring an afternoon snack.
This walk begins in the centre of Kington and takes in a short stage of the Herefordshire Trail, following the valley of the River Arrow which runs alongside the route of the disused Leominster to Kington railway line. A short incline through the ancient deer park of Lyonshall Park Woods leads to Titley junction, the only remaining track on this section of the Great Western Railway, with rolling stock, station house and workshops.
We then criss cross the disused railway line walking through the undulating Herefordshire countryside, with views to the north of Wapley Hill and onwards past the Court of Noke and the magnificent 18th century house and gardens.
The final section again picks up the River Arrow as we push towards the beautiful Black and White village of Pembridge with its magnificent Tudor architecture, passing the Anglo Saxon ‘Rowe Ditch’, a 10th century defensive and boundary earthwork.
Dinner will be served at a local pub in Pembridge (main course pre-ordered, drinks not included). Transport provided for the return journey to Kington.
Max no. | 100 |
Price | £8.00 |
A welcome return of the much loved Whiskey River Trio back to the Festival for our traditional Saturday night gig. They will be playing a mixture of cajun, blues and country rock. We guarantee you will find it impossible to sit still - however far you have walked. So swap your walking boots for your dancing shoes and come and join in. It promises to be truly memorable evening.
Duration | 5 hrs |
Distance | 9 Miles |
Leader | Helen Lauder |
Max no. | 20 |
Price | £7.00 |
Bring a packed lunch.
This circular walk starts from from Gladestry. Heading south on Offa's Dyke Trail to traverse Disgwylfa Hill with its wide open views in all directions, Hergest Ridge to the north and the Black Mountains to the south. Descending the southern slope of Disgwylfa we reach the village of Newchurch before heading north again for our return to Gladestry via Upper Gwernilla.
Duration | 3 hrs |
Distance | 3 Miles |
Leader | Kathryn Moore |
Max no. | 6 |
Price | £8.50 (inc. sketching materials) |
Share the experience of walking with local landscape artist Kathryn Moore. Kathryn will lead this guided circular walk through Park Wood and Lower Hergest pausing to observe locations, being informed about the aspects of sketching, and participating in the practical activity of drawing the landscape. This exciting visual journey through an artist's eyes will enable individuals to produce 2-3 pencil sketches with Kathryn's professional tuition, gaining an understanding of observational drawing.
Portable chairs available if required.
Duration | 6 hrs |
Distance | 7 Miles (1,100ft total ascent) |
Leader | David Griffith |
Max no. | 14 |
Price | £8.50 (inc. transport) |
Bring a packed lunch and money for drinks at the end of the walk.
Join David Griffith for a leisurely stroll along old drovers' roads, Offa's Dyke Path and ancient holloways around Herrock Hill, over Bradnor Hill and back to Kington. We will have time to enjoy remarkable old trees and hedgerows, including several Champion Trees. All this and stunning panoramic views (weather permitting). David is a woodland guardian helping to protect woods and trees as a recorder and verifier for the Ancient Tree Inventory and through his role as an Observatree volunteer for the Woodland Trust. David is an award winning citizen scientist and is well respected by the Forestry Commission and Natural Resources Wales. His knowledge and enthusiasm make this a very popular and informative walk.
There are a couple of steep climbs and descents and some stiles to negotiate.
A minibus will take us out to the start point and we will finish at the historic Olde Tavern pub in Kington.
Duration | 4 hrs |
Distance | 4 Miles |
Leader | Geoff Cooper |
Max no. | 15 |
Price | £22.00 (inc. main course Sunday lunch and transport) |
Bring money for drinks and dessert.
The minibus takes us 12 miles south of Kington. The walk is mostly on high farmland and moorland over Bredwardine and Merbach Hills, though there is one steep descent and climb. It is, therefore, a walk for those that enjoy panoramic views in a remote area. We get the chance to observe a neolithic chambered tomb before returning to The Red Lion at Bredwardine for a Sunday roast (including vegetarian option). Return to Kington by minibus.
Duration | 5 hrs |
Distance | 5 Miles |
Leader | Sarah Lee |
Max no. | 10 |
Price | £5.00 |
Bring a packed lunch.
We will walk up through the parkland adjoining Hergest Croft gardens, then climb to the Monkey Puzzle trees on Hergest Ridge, where we can enjoy the views before bearing left to Bage Common. The track through the common becomes a lane, which winds down to Lower Way Farm, in picturesque Lower Hergest, which houses James Burnett-Stuart’s pottery. The old farm buildings are set in lovely gardens, and an ancient barn will provide a place to eat our lunch, accompanied by hot drinks and cakes provided for us by our host. The studio will be open for viewing, and we can chat to James about his work. Local artists and makers will have work on show alongside James’ glazed earthenware pots. See www.jamesburnettstuart.co.uk ; www.hergesthelly.com and rebeccareynolds935 on Instagram. We return to Kington via a varied path, passing the ancient Castle Twts, entering Park Wood, and leading ontoCutterbatch Lane.
Duration | 5 hrs |
Distance | 7 Miles |
Leader | Joe Kerr |
Max no. | 15 |
Price | £7.00 (inc. tea & biscuits) |
Bring a packed lunch.
In May 1904 an intrepid band of walkers alighted at Lyonshall station. They were members of the Woolhope Club led by Alfred Watkins, a stalwart of the Club. To celebrate the centenary of Watkins’ theory of ley lines, we will retrace their steps across fields and down lanes to Almeley, stopping at various historical sites to compare them with the images he took that day, connecting us across time to the Herefordshire landscape. We will call for tea at a house in Almeley that is celebrating its 350th anniversary where the Woolhope Club took refreshments that day, before returning to Lyonshall by a different network of paths and lanes. We will see two churches, two chapels, the sites of three castles, a range of historical houses, with fine views of the Wye Valley and beyond.
Duration | 3 hrs |
Distance | 2 Miles |
Leader | Allan Payne |
Max no. | 15 |
Price | £5.00 (inc. refreshments) |
Come and enjoy an afternoon’s stroll through a newly planted 14 acre woodland. Hear how, having retired from working our organic smallholding after 32 years, and with sponsorship from The Woodland Trust, we planted around 6,000 native broadleaved trees and shrubs, and a few exotics, and created what will be a substantial new woodland area in Woonton, near Kington. There will be refreshments available at the end of our stroll, and a chance to hear more about our experiences of running an organic smallholding.
Please wear stout footwear.
In addition to the ever popular casserole evening on Thursday, Dark Sky Wales will be offering their spectacular planetarium show. On Friday there will be a concert by the Ludlow Town Band and on Saturday there is an opportunity to dance the night away at The Burton with live music from Whiskey River Trio.
Once again we are running a photography competition in 2022. We will accept entries from both the Spring Weekend and September Festival. Click the Photography Competition button on the right for more details.
So do come and join us for another weekend of spectacular walking with sublime views, welcoming pubs, good food and the great company of fellow walkers.