Walks in Herefordshire by train

Majestically out of the Severn Plain. Undulating hills, steep ascents and descents and rocky paths and scree. Malvern Hills formed from ancient rock 680 million years old; inspired Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Renowned spa destination from 17th century.

Hilly: three fifths on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 5h–10h

Warnings: Boggy sections; steep descents treacherous in unsuitable shoes; loose scree.

Walk details: Walk Midlands (tips, photos and local insights).

Similar walk: Slow Ways (inc. GPX).

Spectacular (Priory gate). Undulating peaks, steep woodland paths and rocky valley sections. Malvern developed as spa town in 19th century; inspired Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Hilly: three fifths on high ground, rising above the surrounding land.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 3h–6h

Warnings: Steep descents need careful footing; muddy at stream crossings; steep slope near Beacon.

Walk details: Walk Midlands (tips, photos and local insights).

Similar walk: Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (PDF, inc. GPX).

Some fantastic scenery. A long, glorious walk through beautiful Herefordshire countryside, mostly off-road on well-signposted named trails, with farmland, vineyards, orchards and the peaceful Haugh Wood. A decent level of fitness is needed for the length, climbs, scrambles, steps and stiles and narrow bridges. Muddy in places after rain; the first 10 km out of Hereford can become boggy. Passes the Mordiford Dragon Trail sculptures and the Lugg Stank raised bank. Few rest stops before the half-way mark at Woolhope, so bring supplies. Well wooded with plenty of shade on hot days.

Time: 7h–14h

2 lunch spots: the Moon, or the Crown

Warnings: Parts can become inaccessible following heavy rain and flooding, particularly the first 10 km out of Hereford where the Wye and Lugg can burst their banks. Some climbs and scrambles are not suitable for less able walkers; there are stiles and narrow bridges. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A walk across low-lying boulder-clay farmland with relatively little variety, much of it on the Herefordshire Trail; some fields are difficult to cross because of mud, standing crops or ploughing right up to the hedge line. Takes you high in places for good views; badly maintained stiles and boggy bridges and one tricky traveller's-site crossing. Follows the Herefordshire Trail for much of its length. The route is shadowed by a railway line and a village bus route, useful for splitting the walk. Passes nationally significant glacial landforms (moraines) from the last ice advance.

Time: 5h–10h

Lunch: A shop in Richard's Castle; the Castle Inn there does not appear to be open.

Warnings: Several poorly marked and confusing sections, especially around Moor Park School and Burnt House Farm, with no working gates (climbing required), little signage and awkward boundary crossings. Crosses the Manchester–Cardiff railway line twice. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.