THURSDAYKINGTONWALKS.ORG 18 SEPTEMBER 2015 T 07585 055 984

KINGTON WALKING FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 17TH -20TH 2015

1 THURSDAYWELCOME TO 17 SEPTEMBERKINGTON WALKS 2015 2015...

Our walking festival returns for its fourth year, already Programme guide a firm fixture for all who love the great outdoors. All walks are graded according to their difficulty and Nestled below Hergest Ridge, the historic drovers' town of length as follows: Kington stands alone from a walking perspective, with more long-distance paths converging on the town than almost Key to symbols anywhere else in the UK. The smallest of the five market towns in , it is also the remotest and there is Easy No steep gradients and a definite feel that you are almost in . But despite minimal rough terrain. These walks it's size the town has all the facilities you could want, with are suitable for most, including those plenty of accommodation both within the town, including a youth hostel, and in the surrounding area. There is a Tourist with limited walking ability and Information Centre and different independent shops that families with children. offer great personal service. walking and cycling with no concerns about traffic, Moderate There may be some This year we shall be officially opening The Wyche Way, a tour of historic cider orchards, four pub rambles and visits short sections of steep gradients and to local quarries old and new. You can discover the artists a new walking link between and the Welsh border, some rough terrain but any climb will spanning 80 miles between Kington and Broadway in the of Kington or amble through delightful gardens. There is a Cotswolds. Why the Wyche Way? Besides the connotation chance to explore secret river bank paths or the hill forts be taken at a relaxed pace. These of Which Way (to go), the name derives from an old and standing stones of Wales. Whether you choose to walk walks are suitable for most people of the asymmetrical hills of Herefordshire, famous for apples, 'Saltway' crossing of the Malvern Hills known as The average fitness. Wyche Cutting. In addition there is an area in the original beef and beer or the wild uplands of Wales you will receive a warm welcome. settlement of Kington close to the church known as the Energetic May include rough terrain, Wych where one can find several buildings bearing the In the town there will be a programme of events which with steep climbs and descents. name. The walk will link Offa's Dyke Path with the Cotswold both non-walkers and post-walkers can enjoy including Requires a good level of fitness. Way from where it is possible to join The Shakespeare a goulash evening when the community choir will entertain Way and walk all the way down (or up) to London! The diners, a talk on the pre-history of the Radnor Valley by Strenuous Walks require fitness official opening of this new walk will take place on Friday Bill Britnell of the Clwyd Archaeology Trust, a poor 18 September by Kate Ashbrook, General Secretary of the weather navigation workshop, a photography workshop and stamina to cope with several Open Spaces Society as well as President of The Ramblers and a David Bowie tribute band to while away an evening steep climbs and to cover a good and a patron of the Walkers are Welcome Towns Network. or two. distance at a steady pace. Immediately afterwards Guy Vowles, whose brainchild the trail is, will lead the first leg of The Wyche Way from So do come and join us and share in this little known Historical or scientific interest Kington to Weobley followed by the second leg the next perfect walking country. The views are sublime. day from Weobley to Bodenham. Spectacular views and / or photo- Our festival programme comprises 38 guided walks and graphic opportunities one self-led walk, the Eight Peaks Challenge, an orienteering style event for all. There are walks for all abilities. There is Pub walk a Legs and Wheels event combining the twin pleasures of 2 OUR FOURTH WALKING FESTIVAL KINGTONWALKS.ORG

Clothing Walks will commence at the given time, whether all You will be expected to ensure that you are properly participants have arrived or not. Please note that equipped for the grade and length of walk. For walks durations given for walks are approximate. graded 2, 3 and 4, walking boots, a waterproof jacket Age and trousers, warm clothes, gloves, plus hat and Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. a rucksack are essential (it may be cold on the tops in late September). For walks graded above level one Booking we would strongly advise against walkers wearing Most walks are priced at £5 for a half day and £7 for jeans on any of our walks, as these are not sufficiently a longer walk. Some walks involve an additional cost weather proof. Walk leaders may refuse to take people to cover transport, food or admission charges. who are not properly equipped or prepared. NB: Walks using public bus services Food and drink All information is correct at time of going to press; Ensure that you have an adequate supply of water however, both Herefordshire & Powys County Councils (and a hot drink if you wish) and sufficient food for are reviewing public transport provision. Should a the length of walk – there are no cafés on the hills! particular service be axed, we will make alternative A packed lunch for an all day walk is strongly advised. arrangements. walkers should be aware that this may Where refreshments are included on a walk, this entail a small extra charge for the walk. is clearly stated. To avoid disappointment please book your place[s] in advance. We anticipate that many of the walks will Safety be fully booked prior to the event. Priority is given to Your leaders’ duty is to the group and they may refuse online bookings; however, should you wish to book by to accept a walker whose clothing or equipment post please complete the booking form on page 21 is unsuitable. If you choose to leave the group and send it, together with a stamped, self-addressed at any time, your leader is no longer responsible for envelope and your cheque (made payable to Kington you. Please have consideration for other people and Walks) to Tourist Information Centre, 5 Church Street, keep mobile phone use to a minimum. We also ask Kington, HR5 3AZ. You can also book in person at the all walkers not to smoke while on guided walks, out Tourist Information Centre. of consideration for others and to avoid undue risk of fire or littering the countryside. No liability will Any unsold places will be available on the day from the be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result Festival HQ at The Burton Hotel, Mill St, Kington. of taking part in any Walk or Event. Bookings are non-refundable except in the unlikely event that a walk is cancelled. Timing Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes Dogs before the start of each walk. This is especially We regret that dogs are not allowed on any of the important for walks that include a bus journey. guided walks. 3 THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2015

Th1 Knighton to Kington on Offa planted like a Himalayan valley. Homemade lunches and Leader Malcolm Mason teas are available in the tea room. Stout shoes and rainwear Sponsored by Offa’s Dyke National Trail Max No 20 people required. Elizabeth Banks, President Emeritus of the RHS will Price £7 + bus fare Start 9:00am Mill St car park, Kington lead the walk and Rowan Griffiths, the gardener responsible (SO 295 565) for cataloguing the collection, will assist. Bring packed lunch & bus fare. A looping walk through Duration 8 hrs open countryside to visit the churches and Norman Castles Distance 14 miles Eywood: the ghost of the park of Eardisley and Almeley. As their names suggest, both these Th3 villages can claim Saxon foundations but they developed as Leader Rob Dingle & garden Norman strongholds in the Marches. There will be time to Max No 14 Sponsored by The Arms explore the earthworks of the Motte and Bailey castles in Price £10 (inc. transport) Start 10:00am Mill St car park, Kington both villages and look at the rich history of the churches. Bring packed lunch. This walk follows the Offa’s Dyke (SO 295 565) Path National Trail from Knighton to Kington on a particularly Duration 5 hrs stunning section of the trail with iconic views of the Welsh Distance 6 miles border country. During the day you are never far away Leader Mark Birchley from King Offa’s earthwork, the longest scheduled ancient monument in Britain. Walk includes a couple of steepish Max No 20 people climbs, plus about 10 stiles. Minibus to Knighton. Price £5 + bus fares

Bring packed lunch. & bus fares. From the Eywood drive Th2 Trees of the World II entrance at Titley, the walk visits Titley Pool Nature Reserve Start 10:00am Entrance, Hergest Croft Gardens, and proceeds to the site of the demolished house via its Kington (SO 284 566) abandoned carriage drive, exploring the remains of the Duration 3 hrs park, pleasure gardens and other features before returning to Kington on footpaths, tracks and lanes via Rushock and Distance 4 miles Barton. Our thanks to various landowners for permitting Th5 Secrets of the Stones Leader Elizabeth Banks & Rowan Griffiths. access to areas not generally open to the public. Meeting Sponsored by H&W Earth Heritage Trust Max No 25 people 10:00am for 10:10am service bus 41 to Knighton, alighting at Titley. Start 10:30am Place de Marines, Mill Street, Kington Price £7.50 (inc. entry to garden) Opposite the Burton Hotel (SO 295 566) Hergest Croft Gardens is the Banks’ family garden where Duration 3 hrs four generations have been passionate gardeners and Th4 Two Churches and Two Castles Distance 3 miles distinguished dendrologists. It comprises one of ‘the most Start 10:00am Eardisley Church (SO 312 491) Leader Elliot Carter extensive private arboreta in Britain’ with over 90 champion trees. Set in 70 acres, the walk will include the Gardens, the Duration 5 hrs Max No 20 people Park and the medieval Park Wood, which contains a garden Distance 7 miles Price £5.00 4 THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2015

Join the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Leader Bean Benson Trust for a walk around Kington town centre and discover the Max No 30 people stories that the building stones tell. From tropical oceans to quarrymen and architects, every stone has a secret history. Price £12.00 (inc. lunch) The walk will be on pavements and footpaths around the A walk around the orchards, press and bottling plant at town centre. Dunkertons’ Cider, with explanation of and chance to see the different apples and the process, and to taste the Th6 North by North-West results. Includes a ploughman’s style meal at the Cider Barn Sponsored by Church House B&B restaurant. (Drinks not included). Start 10:30am Co-op car park, off Mill St, Kington (SO 296 566) Th8 Artists In Focus: Duration 5 hrs Painters and Potters Distance 8 miles Start 11:00am Mill St car park, Kington Leader Andrew Darwin (SO 295 565) Max No 20 people Duration 3 hrs Price £7.00 Distance 5 miles Bring packed lunch. A circular walk up and round the Leader Shannon Donovan hills of Kington. On a fine day, expect spectacular views in Max No 8 people all directions from the various summits. Our route is: Kington Price 5.00 - the exotic Park Wood - Castle Twts - up and over Hergest Ridge - down past Hanter Hill to the valley floor -steeply This walk, led by Kington-based ceramic artist Shannon up Herrock Hill - join briefly the remains of Offa’s Dyke - Donovan, will start with a visit to Lyonshall painters Laura onto Bradnor Hill - circle the top of the golf course before and Nick Rowlatt. Strong line and keenly observed colour dropping back down into Kington. characterise Laura’s watercolours and oils, much of which is inspired directly by her delights in gardening; whereas Nick, a former architect, will be creating a new series of drawings Dunkertons’ Apple & Cider Th7 and paintings based on his favourite things. We then retrace Walk our steps and visit the home studio of Nancy Frost, maker of Sponsored by Dunkertons’ Cider cheerful, functional ceramic homeware. The walk concludes with a stop at Leg of Mutton, an informal gallery that Start 11:00am Car park at the Cider Barn showcases Shannon’s work and that of her husband, fellow Restaurant at Dunkertons’, outside Pembridge (SO 395 566) ceramicist Andrew Eastwood. Both create unique sculptural Duration 2 hrs, followed by lunch pieces that demonstrate the joy and versatility of clay as an Distance 0.5 miles artistic medium. 5 THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2015

Th9 The 8 Pubs Challenge, Part 1: Th11 1284 Panorama Crossing Kington Start 2:00pm Kington Golf Club, Bradnor Hill Sponsored by Southbourne B&B (SO 291 577) Start 11:40am Mill St car park, Kington Duration 2 hrs walking + refreshments (SO 295 565) Distance 3 miles Duration 6 hrs Leader Robert Pritchard Distance 8 miles Max No 20 people Leader Geoff Cooper Price £5 (excl. refreshments) Max No 20 people Enjoy a leisurely stroll round Bradnor Hill savouring the Price £7 + bus fares magnificent panoramic views. On a good day one can see From Lyonshall the route follows the former tramway and seven old counties from the highest point, 1284ft. Bradnor the old railway line into Kington for our first pub stop at Hill is an area of outstanding natural beauty and home The Swan. From here we climb steadily up Hergest Ridge, to the highest golf course in England. Afterwards enjoy with views across Radnorshire as the reward. The second refreshments in the clubhouse (not included in cost). pub visit is the historic Harp Inn in , before a short walk for the 6.15pm bus (461) back to Kington. Food available at The Swan. Catching the 11:50am bus (461) to Lyonshall. Bring bus fares and money for food and drink.

Th10 Walking for Health Sponsored by Walking for Health Start 1:00pm Victoria Road, opposite YHA Kington (SO 300 567) Duration 1 hr Leader Derek Blunn Price FREE The Kington walk takes place every week at 1pm on a Thursday. The walk is around the footpaths and lanes that criss-cross Kington and is classed as a ‘progression’ walk so will involve some stiles and undulating ground. It may last up to two hours. The walk is FREE so just turn up wearing sensible shoes. 6 The Lion R E S T A U R A N T The Square, Kington www.lionkington.com Herefordshire HR5 3BA 01544 239407 We o er a great variety of locally sourced delicious hot or cold food and drinks to eat in or take away. Panini, pierogi, salads, soups, jacket potatoes,  lled rolls, bacon and sausage baps, cakes, smoothies, speciality teas, freshly made barista co ee, hot chocolate and much, much more! Walkers and cyclists welcome! Large parties easily catered for with prior notice. Easy parking.

Titley, Kington HR5 3RL Tel: 01544 230221

[email protected] www.thestagg.co.uk images supplied by lesliejarrettphotography.co.uk Looking forward to another fabulous festival Call us now on 01544 231002 to book your table 52 Bridge Street. Kington. Herefordshire HR5 3DJ | [email protected]

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ARCHANT}PROOF ARCHANT}PROOF ARCHANT}PROOF FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2015

Fr1 Moorland to Whetstone Fr2 The Hard Rock Ridge Bring packed lunch or money for café. Have you ever wondered where the stone in Kington’s buildings came Start 8:45am Mill St car park, Kington - out of Wales into England from? Join us in this vigorous walk, including two steep climbs (SO 295 565) Start 8:30am Mill St car park, Kington and some rough ground, as we go in search of our elusive (SO 295 565) Duration 9 hrs quarries. Our route takes in Bradnor Hill, Yeld Wood, Park Duration 8 hrs Distance 11 miles Wood and Hergest Croft café (refreshments not included). Distance 14 miles Leader Nick Eve Leader James Blair Max No 14 people Fr4 The Wyche Way Stage 1 Max No 12 people Price £10 + bus fare Sponsored by The Wyche Way Price £10 (inc. transport) Start 10:00am Mill St car park, Kington Bring packed lunch and bus fare. A spectacular walk (SO 295 565) Bring a packed lunch and money for coffee. Starting along two consecutive ridges of hard rock that create a from a minibus drop off above the dramatic landmark in the landscape. We will take a minibus Duration 6 hrs walk contours around the moorland plateau of Great Rhos to , walk steeply up through old quarry roads Distance 12 miles (2200ft ) with extensive views west towards the Cambrian to the top of the first ridge and then along into wilderness, Leader Guy Vowles Mountains. Following a narrow path high above Davey passing several hill forts and standing stones. Descending into Max No 20 people Morgan’s dingle, an old quarry track then leads down to the a remote valley we will climb again to the second ridge and village of with an opportunity for refreshments then using tracks and paths, will continue on to Llandegley Price £7 (+ bus fare and pub money) at the Old Station café. Leaving the Radnor valley with a Rocks and descend to the church. We will make a small Bring packed lunch or money for pub lunch. very steep climb up and over the Smatcher Hill, the walk detour during the second ridge to visit an old mining level, The Wyche Way is a new long distance trail that starts in continues on a mix of quiet country lanes and sunken old so bring a torch. This is a remote country walk, well off the Kington and finishes at Broadway in Worcestershire, thereby byways to where Offa’s Dyke path is joined to lead beaten track. Return will be by public service bus. providing a link between The Offa’s Dyke Path and The up on the final climb of the day to Hergest Ridge and the Cotswold Way. These initial stages are through typical rolling Whetstone and then down into Kington. Experience of long Fr3 Old Quarries of Kington Herefordshire countryside, with many fascinating features en day walks essential. route. Stage 1, Kington to Weobley. Bring bus fare for return Sponsored by H&W Earth Heritage Trust to Kington and money for tea in Weobley (time permitting). Start 9:30am The Tavern, Victoria Road, Kington (SO 302 568) Fr5 Secret Paths of the Duration 7 hrs Arrow Valley Distance 9 miles Sponsored by Logaston Press Leader Paul Smith Start 10:00am Outside Church Max No 20 people (SO 370 601) Price £7.00 Duration 3 hours 8 FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2015

Distance 5 miles Leader Richard Burden Leader Andy Johnson Max No 20 people Max No 20 people Price £5 + bus fares Price £5.00 Bring packed lunch and bus fares. From New Radnor Exploring a secret part of the Arrow Valley largely using we ascend steadily crossing the Castle Mound and up to private paths, with a chance to see weirs, a railway viaduct, Bache Hill. (375m total ascent). The wilder scenery of the water meadow management systems, newly landscaped is evident once the highest elevation has been gardens and sites once occupied by prehistoric man. attained. From the half way point, we contour the steep sided Bache Brook and descend via Mutton Dingle. Two rickety stiles and the possibility of mud on some paths. This

Fr6 A Walk too Spa! walk is to be taken at a leisurely pace with time to catch Llandegley to your breath and enjoy the views. Catching the 10:10am bus (461) to New Radnor. Return to Kington on either the Start 10:00am Mill St car park, Kington 1:34pm or 2:34pm bus. (SO 295 565) Duration 5 hours Distance 7 miles Fr8 Magic, Myth, Mystery, Leader Sandra Payne Mayhem and Murder Max No 20 people Sponsored by Walk Herefordshire Start Price £7 + bus fares 10:30am Mill St car park, Kington (SO 295 565) Bring packed lunch and bus fares. A very steep ascent Duration 4 hrs up to the top of Llandegley rocks with 360 degrees stunning Distance views. Walking along the ridge to Llandrindod Wells. Some 6 miles road walking, some wet areas and a few stiles. A long Leader Denis Downey descent to Llandrindod lake to catch the return bus. Catching Max No 20 people the 10:10am bus (461) to Llandegley. Price £5.00 Bring packed lunch. Join us on a walk around the Kington Fr7 Bimble round the Whimble area surrounded by Magic, Myth, Mystery, Mayhem and Start 10:00am Mill St car park, Kington Murder. Prepare to find out things you may not have known (SO 295 565) about Kington. 6 stiles. Duration 6 hrs Distance 5 miles 9 FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2015

Fr9 Creative Kington Court, a medieval house, is situated near the bank of the . The original family of Llowes were the Sponsored by The Swan on the Square Vaughans whose court was praised in a poem by the Start 11:00am Mill St car park, Kington medieval bard, Lewys Dwnn. Low lying garden of walled (SO 295 565) courtyards, lawns, woodlands, meadows, running and still Duration 3 hrs water surrounding the striking house. The garden is planted with box, yew, old roses and fruit. It also has many unusual Distance 3 miles features including the Grotto, Mineral Pavilion and Willow Leader Andrew Eastwood Maze. (Teas will be available at a small cost; all proceeds Max No 8 people to Echo Herefordshire). Cost includes a donation of £2.50 to Longtown Mountain Rescue. Price £5.00 Meet a selection of the inspired, and inspiring, artists and Fr11 The 8 Pubs Challenge, part 2: artisans who choose to make their home in Kington. You’ll visit 2 Pubs Before Nightfall the studios of jeweller Angela Soulier, who learned her craft in a silver mining town in Mexico; lampshade maker Celia Sponsored by Southbourne B&B Kibblewhite, who integrates nature directly into her products; Start 4:00pm Mill St car park, Kington sculptors Shannon Donovan and Andrew Eastwood (your (SO 295 565) walk leader), whose work demonstrates the versatility Duration 5 hrs of clay; and potter Nancy Frost, creator of cheerful, functional ceramic homeware. Distance 6 miles Leader Geoff Cooper Fr10 Llowes Court Gardens: Max No 14 people A Modern ‘Renaissance’ Garden Price £8.00 (+ pub money) Start 2:00pm park by entrance to Llowes Court Starting in Old Radnor we walk through the quiet borderland Gardens (SO 194 418) country, before stopping for a drink at The Royal Oak in the picturesque village of Gladestry. Then, after a short climb we Duration 3 hrs cross the border before darkness to reach Huntington, to sit Distance 3 miles by a roaring fire in The Swan, a hidden gem. Meet to catch Leader Paul Baines mini bus to Old Radnor. Return to Kington by mini bus at (Former Head Gardener and garden designer) 8.30pm. Bring a torch and pub money. Max No 25 people Price £7.50 (+ money for tea)

10 The Swan on the Square Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3AZ T: 01544 230510 [email protected]

The Swan on the Square “Relaxed and informal but with no compromise on quality; the sort of place I would like to go to on my days off.” That is Cath and Ian’s aim for the Swan on the Square. As well as our freshly prepared meat, fish and vegetarian meals, try our fantastic range of cask ales, lagers, local ciders and range of wines, individually tasted and selected by John Hope.

11 SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2015

Sa1 The Eight Peaks Challenge Bring packed lunch. The Wyche Way is a new long Sa4 Hergest Ridge Walk ‘n’ Wheels distance trail that starts in Kington and finishes at Broadway Start 10:00am Hergest Croft Gardens car park, Start 9:00am The Coach House, in Worcetershire, thereby providing a link between The Offa’s Kington (SO 285 567) opp The Burton Hotel, Kington (SO 296 565) Dyke Path and The Cotswold Way. These initial stages are Distance 15 miles approx through typical rolling Herefordshire countryside with many Duration 3 hrs Leader self led fascinating features en route. Stage 2, Weobley to Bodenham. Distance 7 miles Lunch at Queenswood Country Park café. Catching the Leader Bernard Ray Max No 500 people 9:50am bus (461) to Weobley. Bring money for tea in Price £7.00 Bodenham (time permitting). Minibus back to Kington. Max No 20 people Price £12.00 (inc. lunch) Marker cards available throughout the day. Cards also available on Sunday. The 8 peaks are to the north and west Sa3 Up the Junction Here is a chance to combine the twin pleasures of walking of Kington and each gives a different perspective of the views Start 10:00am Place de Marines, Kington and cycling with no concerns about traffic. We meet at of the area. They range in height from 303 to 426 metres (SO 295 566) Hergest Croft Gardens car park. From here we walk up to the Old Race Track pushing our bikes. We then take with Kington being at 170 metres. On each hill there will be Duration 7 hrs a clipper to mark your card and they can all be done in one a leisurely ride/walk along the top of the ridge to a point day or over two days. Competitors can check back in until Distance 8 miles above Gladestry Village, stopping en route to observe wildlife 6:00pm and collect the 8 Peaks Challenge Certificate. This Leader Malcolm Mason or take in the superb views of the Welsh border. Then we return on the long downhill track to Kington via the world walk can be continued on Sunday where Certificates can be Max No 20 people collected at the Festival Office. For the Saturday, a recorded renowned Hergest Croft Gardens, where we stop for a Price £7.00 time will be given to those finishing by 6:00pm. Explorer map light lunch. We are cycling for pleasure, not endurance. Any 201 will be needed for this walk. Thanks to JDW Building and Bring packed lunch. We leave Kington to head south, and challenging stretches will be taken at the pace of the slowest Conservation Ltd for kindly donating the oak for the leaders steadily uphill, towards lunch near the crest of the Elsdon party member. Stout shoes or trainers required. Mountain board, sited in the dining room of the Oxford Arms. ridge before descending to cross Offa’s Dyke and skirt the or hybrid type bikes best. village of Lyonshall. The route continues to an afternoon break at the restored Railway station and line at Titley Junction, Sa2 The Wyche Way Stage 2 where four lines of the Great Western Railway met. We Sponsored by The Wyche Way return to Kington following the River Arrow. Start 9:40am Mill St car park, Kington (SO 295 565) Duration 6 hrs Distance 11 miles Leader Guy Vowles Max No 14 people Price £10 + bus fare 12 SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2015

Sa5 An Eye for the Land: Bring packed lunch and bus fares. Alighting from the Sa8 See the wood: for the trees bus at Water-Break-Its-Neck, the route follows a track that Landscape and Geology from climbs over open moorland to Cowlod and on to the first (I-spy trees of Kington) Bradnor Hill and Stanner Rocks Hewitt, Great Rhos 660m. Then on to the Black Mixen, Start 2:00pm Place de Marines, Kington 650m, via Shepherds’ Well and finally over Bache Hill, 610m (SO 295 566) Start 10.00am outside The Garth Nursing Home, to complete the Three Hewitts. There remains a pleasant Duration 4 hrs The Square, Kington (SO 295 568) descent to the village of New Radnor where refreshments Distance 6 miles Duration 6.00 hrs plus an hour for debrief may be taken. The walk traverses high and rough hill terrain, Leader Richie Cotterill Distance 5 miles so please wear and carry suitable equipment. Return from New Radnor on the 461 at 4:47pm or 5:47pm. Max No 20 people Leader Robert Williams Cost includes a donation to LMRT. Catching the 10:10am Price £5.00 Max No 14 people bus (461). We will walk along old paths in the Kingswood direction to Price £10.00 (excl. tea) meet a few ‘old character’ trees, some of which are a little Bring packed lunch. The walk will show how, by looking at Sa7 Merbach and Beyond off the beaten track (for which thanks to various land owners the landscape, you can discern the underlying geology, just as Start 10:30am The Red Lion Hotel, Bredwardine for permissive access). We will also follow Natural England’s if you were an early geologist such as Murchison. A minibus (SO 333 445) permissive path around Woodville Farm. Bring a snack. will take you to a quarry on Bradnor Hill and bring you back Duration 5 hrs from Stanner Rocks at the end of the walk. Tea and a small Sa9 Kington Mills and Weirs Distance 7 miles exhibition at the Burton Hotel back in Kington will ensure Sponsored by Border Bean Café you complete the day warm, whatever the weather! Bring Leader Gary Burton money for tea. Max No 20 people Start 2:00pm Lych Gate, St Mary’s Church, Kington (SO 292 567) Price £7.00 (+ money for coffee) Duration 2.5 hours Sa6 The Radnor Three Hewitts Bring packed lunch. This walk explores Merbach Hill and Distance 3 miles Charity Walk a little of the famous Wye Valley. We climb through woods to the summit and enjoy 360 degree views. We stroll along the Leader Alan Stoyel Sponsored by Longtown Mountain Rescue ridge to Arthur’s Stone, a 5,000 year old Neolithic Chamber Max No 18 people Start 10:00am Mill St car park, Kington Tomb, then return via old tracks and two castle sites to the Price £5.00 (SO 295 565) Red Lion Hotel. This route includes steep ascents and may be muddy. Meet at 10:30am for coffee, with an 11:00am start. Kington has had a total of 14 water-powered sites serving Duration 8 hrs Bring money for coffee. a variety of industries: corn milling, woollen cloth-making, Distance 12 miles iron-founding, tanning, threshing, pumping water etc. The walk Leader Glyn Jones, LMRT will include eight of these sites and Alan will explain how they developed and the evidence that remains. Stout shoes are Max No 15 people recommended and there is one gate to be climbed over. Price £7 + bus fares The walk will finish at Border Bean café for tea and cake. 13 SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Su1 A Border Battle Su3 Following Offa over the hills Start 9.30am Mill St car park, Kington to Newchurch (SO 295 565) Start 10.00am Gladestry Village Hall (SO 231 551) Duration 8 hours Duration 5 hrs Distance 11 miles Distance 9 miles Leader James Blair Leader Mike Goodwin Max No 14 people Max No 20 people Price £10.00 (inc. transport) Price £7.00 Bring packed lunch. to Kington. We start by visiting Bring packed lunch. We walk south along Offa’s Dyke Pilleth Church, close to the site of the Battle of Bryn Glas path onto open ground and over Disgwylfa Hill, where we fought approx. 610 years ago between the Welsh and the can enjoy splendid views of the surrounding countryside with English. We will then walk back to Kington via Litton Hill, Hergest Ridge to the north and the River Arrow valley to the Hoddell Farm, Evancoyd and Offa’s Dyke path. 3 steep climbs south. Going down into Newchurch we follow the river and and 3 steep descents but glorious views! Minibus to Pilleth. then gradually climb to Gwernilla with more splendid views as we make our way back to Gladestry. Su2 The Historic Radnor Valley Sponsored by The Harp Inn, Old Radnor Start 10:00am The Harp Inn, Old Radnor Su4 Knill, a thankful village (SO 250 591) Start 10:00am Knill Church (SO 291 605) Duration 3 hrs Duration 3 hrs Distance 5 miles Distance 5 miles Leader Richard Burden Leader Nick Eve Max No 20 people Max No 20 people Price £5.00 (inc. refreshments at start) Price £5.00 This walk begins and ends at Old Radnor Church which This walk starts and finishes at St Michael’s Church where possesses a superb late-Medieval rood screen. Due to a plaque records the gratitude of the village for the safe its elevated position, it enjoys an excellent view over the return home of all its servicemen from duty in WWI - a rare historically important Walton Basin, an area of Radnorshire occurrence even in sparsely populated areas. The walk starts which has been continuously settled since prehistoric times. with a steep ascent through Knill Garroway Wood to Knill A sketch map will be provided, illustrating the various layers Garroway and Rushock hills, and returns to Knill on the Offa’s and chronology of the settlement of the valley. Refreshments Dyke Path (steepish descent) where the views over the Knill will be provided at the start of the walk by The Harp Inn. valley are sensational. Bring a mid morning snack. 14 SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Su5 The 8 Pubs Challenge, part 3: Su6 The Nature, History & Future Su7 Amble to meet the Alpacas Over Brilley Mountain for of a Really Obscure Rural Start 10:30am Huntington Village Hall Sunday lunch Parish (SO 248 537) Duration 4 hrs Sponsored by Kington Tourist Information Sponsored by The Little Wood House Distance 6 miles Start 10:15am Mill St car park, Kington Start 10:30am Borderwood Farm, Lemore, Eardisley Leader Marilyn Kelly (SO 295 565) (SO 313 514) Max No 20 people Duration 5 hrs Duration 5 hrs Price £5.00 (inc. tea) Distance 6 miles Distance 6 miles Leader Geoff Cooper Leader Jeff and Carey Glyn-Jones Bring packed lunch. Leaving Huntington Village Hall, we take the footpath to Offa’s Dyke which we follow to Max No 14 people Max No 20 people Disgwylfa (one fairly steep ascent). After a picnic lunch on Price £18.00 (inc. main course & transport) Price £7.00 the hill, we descend to meet the alpacas and have tea. From Huntington the route descends to The River Arrow Bring packed lunch. A gentle wander through the life Continuing across the fields we find the charming St. Thomas before the climb up to Brilley Mountain, all of 200 feet! With of Almeley Parish through the ages. The amazing facts and a Becket Church before returning to the cars. views of Merbach Hill and the Wye Valley, it’s all downhill for stories surrounding a small village no one has heard of, and Sunday Roast at the Tram (optional drink in the New Strand some imaginary visions of life in a rural future. The walk Su8 A talk and walk on Dolyhir beforehand). Mini bus out to Huntington. Mini bus back to includes the gardens and grounds of Newport House open & Strinds Quarry Kington at 3pm approx. Price includes main course. Starter/ with the kind permission of the owner. Involves a clambering dessert extra. ramble with some steep slopes, a number of stiles and Sponsored by LaFarge Tarmac possibly muddy conditions depending on the weather. Bring Start 2:00pm Dolyhir Quarry, Old Radnor a packed lunch or money for food and drinks from the Deli (SO 246 580) counter at the pub. Meet at Borderwood Farm (also called Duration 3 hrs The Little Wood House). Distance 3 miles Directions: The Little Wood House at Borderwood Farm is off the A4111. 4 miles south of Kington, 1 1/2 miles north Leader Paul Smith of Eardisley. Take the entrance lane to Lemore Manor and Max No 20 people follow past Lemore to Little Wood House. Price £5.00 Meet at Dolyhir quarry at for a talk on its geology, production and recent history. There will then be a safety briefing and the issuing of safety equipment before we set off for a walk inside the quarry.

15 17 18

EVENTS THURSDAY EVENTS FRIDAY

OPENING EVENT Poor Visibility Navigation Workshop Goulash Evening Sponsored by Kevin Walker, Mountain Activities Start 2:00pm Sponsored by Lafarge Tarmac, Kington Venue Marwick Hall, behind the Burton Hotel, Kington Start 6:00pm Max No 12 Venue Market Hall Price £5.00 Max No 50 Learn to find your way on the hills in the thickest mist! In this Price £5.00 in advance, £6 on the door indoor workshop Kevin Walker introduces the skills needed Come along to the Market Hall and enjoy our goulash to navigate accurately in misty conditions, including compass evening with a vegetarian option too. This is an informal work and estimating time and distance. Bring a compass, if friendly occassion with an opportunity to meet people you have one, but there should be enough around to borrow from the walks, walk leaders and those who organise one for the lesson. A 2 hour workshop. the walking festival. Music will be provided by Kington Community Choir. Nordic Walking Sponsored by Brightstripe Start 10:30am Venue Recreation ground entrance, Kington Max No 14 Price £3.00 Learn the specific technique of Nordic Walking with Zoe Hooper, a British Nordic walking qualified instructor. Enjoy getting exercise in the great outdoors. Suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Specialist poles will be provided. • Burn 46% more calories than regular walking • Less stress on your body and joints • Good for posture and mobility of the spine • Exercise over 90% of your skeletal muscles • Releases neck and shoulder tension The session will last 1 hour. 16 EVENTS 19 EVENTS 20

SATURDAY SUNDAY EVENTS

The Archaeology of the Walton Basin - Arts and Craft Market ancient mysteries in the landscapes Start 09:00am Sponsored by Clwyd-Powys ArchaeologicalTrust Venue Market Hall Start 7:30pm A showcase for arts and crafts traders, artists and crafts Venue The Burton Hotel people to promote their business and products. The Market Hall is a source for arts and crafts, hand crafted items, Max No 100 different art work, unique gifts, crafting trends. Come and visit Price £5.00 the market in the heart of Kington. Bill Britnell will be talking about the remarkable concentration of archaeological sites in the Walton Basin (Radnor Valley) dating from the earliest times up to the medieval period and beyond. The talk will focus on the enigmatic cluster of Neolithic sites, dating to the period between 4000-2500 BC, which include long avenues, a causewayed camp and timber Photography Walk enclosures, some of which are amongst the largest known - led by local Landscape Photographer in Britain. Why were the sites constructed here, and what they were for? Bill’’s booklet Walton Basin, archaeology and and Teacher Jane Dickinson (ARPS) conservation published in 2013 has recently become out of Sponsored by Lady Hawkins’ Sixth Form print but is now available digitally from the website of the Start 10:00am Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (www.cpat.org.uk). The Ziggy Stardust Experience Venue Lady Hawkins’ School and Sixth Form, car park Bill was Director of the Trust for many years and has worked - take a walk on the wild side! on archaeological sites of sites of a wide range of periods, Start 8:00pm Max No 12 including Neolithic chambered tombs, Bronze Age barrows, Venue The Oxford Arms Price £10.00 Iron Age hillforts and medieval churches, and is still actively Max No 120 This will be a relatively short walk of approximately 3 miles involved in a number of projects, even after retiring. at a gentle pace, the emphasis being on photography. We will The talk will last about 50 minutes and Bill will be happy Price £10.00 be looking at how to improve your pictures. How to make full to answer questions. From 1969 to 1974 we pretty faithfully recreate the sound, use of your camera controls, using composition and available energy and look of the best of David Bowie’s early era. light to enhance your pictures and finding those photographic As a band we play all the singles and great songs from opportunities. We will meet at 10.00 at Lady Hawkins’ Space Oddity to Aladdin Sane via The Man Who Sold The School and start with an overview of the route and examples World, Hunky Dory & “The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust & of what to look for, the camera techniques that could be The Spiders From Mars” LP all the way through (both sides!). used. Bring a packed lunch and a camera. Any camera is Very danceable & energising! We are of course a little more suitable even if its just a phone! We will convene back at mature than Bowie was then but we can at least say, Lady Hawkins’ School at approx 3.00pm for discussion and “We were there man!!” Feel free to dress up! friendly critique and aim to be finished at 4.00pm. 17 CWF A6 advert 2016.pdf 1 07/05/2015 15:35 Walking Festival

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CY Hand-knotted carpets, kilims, cushions and blankets. CMY Rugs cleaned and repaired. Gifts, ceramics, jewellery, K toys, cards, scarves. Homemade cakes, soup, savoury tarts, salads, sandwiches, teas, coffee, wine and beer. SHOP ONLINE www.theworkhousegallery.co.uk Free parking & easy access OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10 - 4 Industrial Estate, , LD8 2UF [email protected] 01544267864

18 LOCAL INFORMATION

Travel & Transport (Powys). All other English passes are only valid in Herefordshire (not valid for journeys BY TRAIN The nearest train station into Wales). Powys residents can use into approaching from England is at Herefordshire. (20 miles). The closest stations approaching from Wales are Knighton and Llandrindod SUNDAY We will provide free transport to Wells (both are on the Central Wales line). Hereford Station, leaving Kington at 5:30pm. Please email us in advance if you wish to BY BUS There is a frequent bus service from make use of this service. Hereford to Kington (routes 461, 462, 463). BY CAR The town of Kington is easily reached But not on Sunday. Information on all bus by car, being on the A44 from Worcester to services in Herefordshire is available at www. and the A4111 from Hereford. herefordmove.org. For timetable queries call traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or go to www. Accommodation traveline.info. For information on bus services The Kington Walks website lists a range of from Llandrindod Wells to Kington call bed and breakfast, self-catering and other 2016 Sargeants Buses on 01544 230 481. accommodation options. 15th to 18th September For information on bus services from Further information is available from the Knighton to Kington call 0871 2002233. Tourist Information Centre in Church Street. BUS PASSES Only Herefordshire concessionary Visit their website at kingtontourist.info or call passes are valid for journeys into Wales on 01544 230778. NOTE IT IN YOUR DIARY!19 for emergencies and in case of cancellation call 07585 055 984

20 for emergencies and in case of cancellation call 07585 055 984 BOOKING FORM

Thursday 17 September Walk Title Tickets Qty Total £ Name The Radnor Three Hewitts Charity Walk Title Tickets Qty Total £ £7.00 Sa6 Walk Th1 Knighton to Kington on Offa £10.00 Sa7 Merbach and Beyond £7.00 Th2 Trees of the World II £7.50 Sa8 See the wood: for the trees £5.00 Address Th3 Eywood: ghost of park & garden £5.00 Sa9 Kington Mills and Weirs £5.00 Th4 Two Churches and Two Castles £7.00 Sunday 20 September Th5 Secrets of the Stones £5.00 Su1 A Border Battle £10.00 Th6 North by North-West £7.00 Su2 The historic Radnor Valley £5.00 Th7 Dunkertons’ Apple & Cider Walk £12.00 Postcode Following Offa over the hills to Su3 £7.00 Th8 Artists In Focus: Painters & Potters £5.00 Newchurch Telephone Su4 Knill, a thankful village. £5.00 Th9 The 8 Pubs Challenge, part 1 £7.00 Su5 The 8 pubs Challenge, part 3 £18.00 Th10 Walking for health Free Mobile for emergency & in case of cancellation The Nature, History and Future of Th11 1284 Panorama £5.00 £7.00 Su6 a Really Obscure Rural Parish Email Friday 18 September Su7 Amble to meet the Alpacas £5.00 Fr1 Moorland to Whetstone £10.00 Su8 A talk & walk on Dolyhir Quarry £5.00 Fr2 The Hard Rock Ridge £10.00 Festival Events Signature Fr3 Old quarries of Kington £7.00 1 Nordic Walking £3.00 Fr4 The Wyche Way Stage 1 £7.00 2 Goulash Evening £5.00 Cheque enclosed for £ Fr5 Secret Paths of the Arrow Valley £5.00 3 Navigation Workshop £5.00 Fr6 A Walk too Spa! £7.00 4 Archaeology Talk £5.00 Names of other walkers Bimble round the Whimble £5.00 Fr7 Take a walk on the wild side with 5 £10.00 Fr8 Magic, Myth, Mystery, ... £5.00 Ziggy Stardust Fr9 Creative Kington £5.00 6 Photography Workshop £10.00 Fr10 Llowes Court Gardens £7.50 Please complete the booking form IN BLOCK CAPITALS and send it, together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope and your Fr11 The 8 pubs Challenge, part 2 £8.00 cheque (made payable to Kington Walks) to Kington Walks, c/o Tourist Information Centre, 5 Church Street, Kington, HR5 3AZ. You can also book in person at the Tourist Information Centre. Please note that priority is given to online bookings. Saturday 19 September Sa1 The Eight Peaks Challenge £7.00 Booking conditions Sa2 The Wyche Way Stage 2 £10.00 • Bookings are non-refundable except in the unlikely event that • Age: children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult a walk is cancelled • Timing: please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes Sa3 Up the Junction £7.00 • We regret that dogs are NOT allowed on the walks before the start of each walk. This is especially important for walks Sa4 Hergest Ridge Walk ‘n’ Wheels £12.00 • Clothing: your leader’s duty is to the group and they may refuse that include a bus journey. Walks will commence at the given time, Sa5 An Eye for the Land £10.00 to accept a walker whose clothing or equipment is unsuitable whether all participants have arrived or not. 21 port_ad.qxp_Layout 1 27/04/2015 14:41 Page 1

FESTIVAL THANKYOU FOODS Our thanks to our supporters FROM We are most grateful to all those who have sponsored individual walks and events this year, and to all THE those who have placed advertisments with us – in the brochure, on our BORDERS website and in our 2016 calendar.

Kington Town Council Lafarge Tarmac Claridges Clubsport Grandad’s Shed Kington Chamber of Trade

Fri 29th April to Mon 2nd May 2016 © MMXV Kington Walks The contents of this publication are subject GASTRONOMIC to copyright protection and reproduction in whole or in part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly INSPIRATION FROM forbidden without the prior consent of Kington Walks. A May Spring Bank Holiday All details were correct at the time of going to press THE MARCHES PLUS LIVE but may change at the publisher’s discretion. Landscape photography: weekend of walks in and around ENTERTAINMENT IN Richie Cotterill E [email protected] THE STREETS OF KINGTON Jane Dickinson (ARPS) and the Black Mountains E [email protected] Andy Compton www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org E [email protected] Designed by Wayne Summers/Mary Cobbett T 01544 262 794 / 350394 SATURDAY E [email protected] / DECEMBER 5th 2015 [email protected] 22 9.30am - 3.00pm OPENING EVENT

THURSDAY 6PM MARKET HALL £5 in advance £6 on the night GOULASH EVENING Sponsored by Lafarge Tarmac, Kington

see page 16 for more details 23 Herefordshire’s leading specialist in dedicated dementia care • Kind, caring staff • Long term and short term nursing care • Beautifully appointed accommodation • Respite and post-operative care

Come and see what we have to offer . . . LYNHALES HALL Lynhales Hall, Lyonshall: 01544 340238 PEACE OF MIND Hampton Grange, Hereford: 01432 272418 Gwen Walford House, Hereford: 01432 803200

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