Herefordshire – Rolling Hills, River Valleys, and Border Country

A rural border county of low hills, farmland, orchards, and winding river valleys along the Welsh Marches

Herefordshire is a rural county of rolling hills, farmland, and river valleys on the Welsh border in western England. Walking routes cross the Wye Valley National Landscape, follow the Offa’s Dyke Path, the Wye Valley Walk, and the Mortimer Trail, and link places such as Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, and Leominster across wooded ridges, pasture, orchards, and the River Wye corridor.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently rolling underfoot. Field paths, bridleways, woodland tracks, and riverside routes allow steady progress with moderate gradients rather than sustained climbs. Short ascents occur along ridge lines and valley sides, while larger sections follow flatter valley floors.

The landscape shifts between sub-areas. The south and west follow the River Wye through wooded slopes and limestone gorge sections. Central areas include open farmland and orchards around Hereford and Leominster. To the north and east, ground rises into rounded hills and wooded ridges along the Mortimer Forest and the border hills.

Towns and villages are regularly spaced, creating frequent access points for both shorter circular walks and longer point-to-point routes between settlements without extended remote sections.

Trails and Routes Through Herefordshire

Offa’s Dyke Path

A national long-distance route following the England–Wales border along ridges and hills west of the county.

Wye Valley Walk

A long-distance riverside route following the River Wye through wooded valleys and low hills between Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye.

Mortimer Trail

A cross-county route linking Ludlow with Kington via forest, farmland, and ridge paths across northern Herefordshire.

Herefordshire Trail

A circular county route using footpaths, tracks, and quiet lanes to link market towns, villages, and countryside across the county.

Walking Character

Rolling hills and mixed farmland
Wooded ridges and border hills
Riverside valleys and meadows
Field paths, bridleways, and woodland tracks
Frequent villages and market towns
Predominantly rural and inland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Herefordshire located?

Herefordshire lies in western England along the Welsh border, between Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Powys.

What defines walking here?

Gentle hills, farmland, and river valleys dominate, with ridge routes along the border and flatter riverside sections along the Wye.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Offa’s Dyke Path, Wye Valley Walk, Mortimer Trail, and Herefordshire Trail provide extended routes across the county.

Is the terrain steep?

Mostly moderate. Expect short climbs onto ridges and valley sides rather than sustained steep ascents.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers the most reliable ground conditions. Paths can be muddy after heavy rain, particularly across farmland and woodland.