HEREFORDSHIRE Walking FestivalFestival

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 13-21 JUNE 2015 Welcome to the 2015 Walking Festival

Our sincere thanks go to all who lead, back-up and work together voluntarily to make the Herefordshire Walking Festival the success it has achieved in the fourteen years since its inception and to Steve and Sue Dennis for their important contribution to its future. Herefordshire Walking Herefordshire Walking is a small social enterprise whose committee and members are enthusiastic walkers and local businesses working through the 2015 Walking Festival towards bringing the joy of walking in Herefordshire to as many as possible. Walking with Offa Walking with Offa is a cross border cooperation project between Welsh and English Local Action Groups, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a National Park and local authorities whose territories include the border area along the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. Ramblers Association, Herefordshire www.ramblers.org.uk Members of the Ramblers Association in Herefordshire are firm supporters of the Herefordshire Walking Festival, leading and advising on many of the walks. Balfour Beatty Living Places We work in partnership with Herefordshire Council and other local authorities to maintain and manage roads, street lighting and public realm infrastructure. In Herefordshire, we manage the complete rights of way network which covers over 2,100 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways. Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The Wye Valley AONB Unit works for the conservation and enhancement of the Wye Valley. A range of work will continue in volunteer conservation tasks, tourism initiatives, farming awards, management of the Sustainable Development Fund and the implementation of river and landscape projects. Details from www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk The Herefordshire Bat Group The Herefordshire Bat Group is now an integral part of the Herefordshire Mammal Group, dedicated to the conservation of mammals in Herefordshire. A guide to British Bats will be available to buy during the Bat Walk on Friday 19th June, when donations to HMG will be appreciated.

2 Nine days - more than thirty walks and one beautiful county to explore...

Opening especially for the festival this year is The Leen, a farm combining a modern farm unit with 700 milking cows and a herd of cattle founded in 1780, Turnastone Court Farm, whose ancient water meadows have remained unploughed for 400 years and a walk through the Duchy of Cornwall’s Athelstans Wood learning the history and management. A farmer’s daughter will show you round Golden Valley farmland through a farmer’s eyes. The archaeologist guides around the site of the second largest Iron Age hill fort in Britain, the historian leads along the newly created and carved Post Walk, enjoy the panoramic views from Bringsty Common and benefit from the experience of a travel photographer, who will show you how to use the camera to best advantage. Start the week with a unique half day’s training using map and compass and put it into practice orienteering on the beautiful trails, forests and slopes surrounding Symonds Yat Rock. Polish up your skills during the rest of the festival. There are walks in the other three corners of the county, in the north west, Brimfield and Little Hereford in the north east, Llangarron and Welsh Newton in the southwest, three ways to walk back into Hereford, enjoy the bird calls, catch the Hay Ho! Bus, acknowledge Hereford’s fruit growing heritage with tutored cider tastings, stride along Offa’s Dyke Path. There is Hereford’s graceful new bridge, a thatched arts and crafts church, the Malvern’s southernmost hills and a black swan, a geologist’s view of a town and castles galore. Another first this year, is a new solo walking performance by a local artist. For the duration of the festival, Jess Allen will be following the power lines on foot as they cross the county east to west talking to the people she meets, inspired by Herefordian archaeologist Alfred Watkins. If you can’t walk with the festival, join us following her progress daily online at trans-missions.org.uk or on Twitter @hedgesprite #transmissionshfds #pylonwalkhfds Nine days enjoying the beauty of the Herefordshire countryside in the warmth and humour of good company.

3 How to Book All walks in the programme must be booked in advance. Numbers are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Walks can be booked by post, using the form in the centre pages of this leaflet or online at www.walkingfestival.com Public Transport Herefordshire Council wishes to encourage people to use public transport where possible to access walks or as part of the walk itself. Travelling by bus or train can add to your enjoyment and extra users to help to support the rural bus network and reduce the impact of cars.

Even more walking... There are so many opportunities for walking in Herefordshire and the surrounding counties all the year round. Here are just a few. There are 15 self-guided circular walks available for download from www.herefordshire.gov.uk Herefordshire Archaeology, The Council’s Archaeology Service has an on-going programme of walks which explore the landscape and history of the County. At Queenswood Country Park, there is a network of trails, easy access routes and Electricity Mobility Vehicles to hire. Walking for Health in Herefordshire Free short walks throughout the county. Get active, stay active, make friends, share laughs. Go to www.walkingforhealth.org.uk or email [email protected]

Map References These refer to the grid on the map at the back of this programme. They provide a quick reference for the approximate location of the meeting place for the walk. Full details of how to join each walk will be sent with your tickets and booking confirmation.

4 Key to Symbols

Easy guided walk Suitable for most levels of fitness, this walk will be at a gentle pace.

Moderate guided walk A moderate level of fitness is required as there may be some steep sections.

Energetic guided walk A good level of fitness is required as the walk is quite long and/or is quite steep in places.

Very Energetic guided walk A high level of fitness is required as walk is very long and/or is very steep in places.

Please bring a packed lunch or coffee/tea time refreshments.

A meal is available in association with this walk. See text for details. All meals included in the ticket price include a vegetarian option.

Tea/afternoon tea is available in association with this walk. See text for details.

Dogs are welcome on short leads – do not bring your dog unless you see this symbol.

This activity is accessible by public transport. Always check times with 0871 200 22 33.

This walk has a special emphasis on Herefordshire food and drink.

Suitable for wheelchair or Electric Mobility Vehicle users please check the walk text.

5 Getting to Herefordshire There are excellent motorway and main road links to Herefordshire, just 3 hours from London and 1½ hours from Birmingham and Cardiff and Manchester to Hereford, , Colwall and stations. National Express Coaches serve Hereford, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye. Plan your journey on www.nationalrail.co.uk 08457 484950 www.nationalexpress.com 08717 818178 www.herefordshire.gov.uk/transport/ 08712 002233

Where to Stay To take advantage of the great range of walks on offer during the Festival, why not stay in the county? Look at the accommodation section on www.walkingfestival.com, visit the website www.visitherefordshire.co.uk or ring Visit Herefordshire on 01432 268430 to request a county brochure.

6 Booking Conditions Health and Safety It is the responsibility of all walkers to ensure that they are physically fit enough to take part in the walks that they have selected and that they have appropriate clothing and equipment. • For most walks, walking boots/shoes are essential. • Carry sufficient water for the length of the walk. • Carry both sun protection and wet weather protection. • Take high energy snacks. The walk leaders will exercise their right to refuse to take ill-equipped walkers. Age Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Timing Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the start of each walk. This is especially important for walks that include a bus or train journey. Walks will commence at the given time, whether all participants have arrived or not. Weather The walk leader will be at the meeting place whatever the weather. However, in exceptional weather conditions, the walk may be re-routed or cancelled to ensure your safety. Dogs Where dogs are welcomed on a walk, this is indicated by the symbol. Dogs may accompany these walks and must be kept on a short lead at all times. This symbol does not guarantee a dog friendly route, you may need to help your dog over stiles. Dogs are not permitted on any other walks. Refunds The booking fee - £5.00 per adult per walk - is non-refundable. If the booking includes additional payment for transport or a meal, we will try to re-sell your tickets provided you notify us of cancellation no later than 21 days in advance of the walk date. However, our own unsold tickets will take priority. A £2.00 administration fee will be charged per ticket resold. Any cancellations within 21 days of the walk will not be refunded. Please inform us of any cancellation as soon as possible since many of the walks have a waiting list. Alterations Herefordshire Walking reserves the right to alter this festival programme without prior notice. The details in this programme are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. Liability Herefordshire Walking has endeavoured to ensure the safety of all festival participants. It cannot, however, be held liable for any injury or loss of, or damage to, personal property, however caused, except to the extent to which it is unlawful to exclude such liability under the applicable law. You are advised to take out insurance against accident and personal injury.

7 Hereford’s Edgelands Walk 01 Saturday, 13th June, 2015. 10.00am to 3.00pm

Climbs one route to the summit of Dinedor Hill, using the new Greenway Bridge and descends via another route using the Victoria Bridge. Explores Hereford’s urban-rural fringe. Good views in all directions from the slopes and summit of Dinedor Hill. Ideas from ‘Edgelands’ written by Paul Farley and Michael Symmons Roberts will be used on the walk.

Distance 7 miles Meet Hereford Map Ref E7 Organiser Nic Howes Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Farming and Wildlife Walk 02 The Old and the New Saturday, 13th June, 2015. 10.00am to 2.00pm

Beside the River Arrow to hear about the wildlife, then across the fields to see the 14C farmhouse and buildings of The Leen. Continue on to see the modern farm unit with 700 milking cows, broiler sheds and anaerobic digester. Return past the Hereford cattle (herd founded in 1780) and Moseley Common, a site of special scientific interest, in time for a light lunch.

Distance 3 miles Meet Pembridge Map Ref C4 Organiser Tony Norman Cost Adult £13.00 Child £8.00, inc lunch

Track the Kingfisher Line Walk 03 Saturday, 13th June, 2015. 10.15am to 4.45pm

Along the Arrow Valley to Titley Junction before ascending Rushock Hill. Wonderful views of the Wye Valley and the Black Mountains. Return to Kington across the highest golf course in .

Distance 10 miles Meet Kington Map Ref B5 Organiser Rex Eckley and Rachel Hicks Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

8 Introduction to Navigation Walk 04 Sunday, 14th June, 2015. 9.15am to 12.30pm

An introduction to navigation using a map and compass. The training will take place on the beautiful trails, forests and slopes surrounding Symonds Yat Rock. We will cover the construction of maps and decrypt their hieroglyphics, talk about navigation strategies, before putting it all into practice orienteering around the local area.

Distance 3-5 miles Meet Symonds Yat Map Ref E11 Organiser Summit Mountaineering Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE (car park £3.50)

Catch the Hay Ho! Bus Walk Walk 05 Sunday, 14th June, 2015. 10.00am to 4.00pm

Catch the Hay Ho! Bus from Hereford (pay on the day) and alight at in the Golden Valley. Climb up to Cefn Hill for lunch, with glorious views across the Black Mountains. Drop down through Newhouse Wood and Cusop Dingle to Hay-on-Wye, where there is time for tea before catching the bus back to Hereford.

Distance 9 miles Meet Hereford Map Ref B7 Organiser Ramblers Association, Hereford Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Wye Walk Round Fownhope? Walk 06 Sunday, 14th June, 2015. 10.00am to 3.30pm

From Fownhope, walk up to the Wye Valley Way. Visit 2 nature reserves, a hill fort and Brockhampton Church, one of the few thatched churches in the country, a beautiful and unique arts and crafts place of worship. View points over the Wye Valley.

Distance 9-10 miles Meet Fownhope Map Ref F8 Organiser Walking Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

9 Hills and Cider Walk 07 Sunday, 14th June, 2015. 10.00am to 2.30pm

The walk takes in the spectacular magic of the hills, wood and orchards in , finishing with a cider talk at the Crown Inn pub. Lunch available (pay on the day).

Distance 5½ miles Meet Woolhope Map Ref G8 Organiser Robert Williams Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

The Herefordshire Pomona Walk 08 Sunday, 14th June, 2015. 2.00pm to 5.00pm

This gentle walk explores the famous Putley Orchards and traces the history of fruit growing in the area with particular emphasis on the 1870s. This era was the birth of commercial orcharding and the Herefordshire Pomona, just reprinted by the Folio Society. Do bring a picnic to eat in the orchard, arriving from 1pm.

Distance 4 miles Meet Putley Map Ref G8 Organiser Dragon Orchard Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Dinmore Hill to Hereford Walk 09 Monday, 15th July, 2015. 9.30am to 5.30pm

Take the bus to Dinmore Hill (pay on the day). Walk back to Hereford via Bodenham, Amberley, Preston Wynne, Sutton St. Nicholas and the Lugg Meadows before finally arriving at the Cathedral. All done on quiet lanes and footpaths.

Distance 14½ miles Meet Hereford Map Ref E6 Organiser Ramblers Association, Hereford Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

10 Llangarron and Welsh Newton Walk 10 Monday, 15th June, 2015. 10.00am to 3.00pm

A circular walk through fields and meadows visiting the villages of Welsh Newton and Llangrove. An opportunity to visit the interesting parish churches of these two villages.

Distance 9 miles Meet Llangarron Map Ref E10 Organiser Ramblers Association, Ross-on-Wye Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Conservation in Action Walk 11 Monday, 15th June, 2015. 10.00am to 1.00pm

Credenhill Park Wood contains the second largest Iron Age Hill fort in Britain and is owned by the Woodland Trust. This guided walk describes the surviving archaeology on the site, the landscape history and the on-going management of such an impressive monument and its environs.

Distance 3 miles Meet Credenhill Map Ref D7 Organiser Herefordshire Archaeology Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Up North in Leintwardine Walk 12 Monday, 15th June, 2015. 1.30pm to 4.30pm

A gentle exploration of the hills, valleys and super views of the county’s northernmost parish, with time to look at the landscape and wildlife along the way. Relaxed afternoon tea to round off the day.

Distance 5 miles Meet Leintwardine Map Ref D2 Organiser Clive and Cynthia Prior Cost Adult £10.00 Child £5.00, including tea

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

11 Birds of Ewyas Harold Walk 13 Tuesday, 16th June, 2015. 9.30am to 2.30pm

Walk across Ewyas Harold Common down to the village. Gradual climb up past the 10C motte and bailey and then descend to Dulas Brook, returning by Dulas Court and woodland. A leisurely pace allows us to observe bird life and the flora and fauna of the area.

Distance 4½ miles Meet Ewyas Harold Map Ref C9 Organiser Herefordshire Ornithological Club Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

The Wonder of the Wonder Walk 14 Tuesday 16th June, 2015. 9.45am to 1.00pm

This walk examines the famous ‘Wonder’ landslip of 1575, its geology and outcomes. The feature has also given the name to some special Once Upon A Tree drinks and, at the end of the walk, there will be tutored tastings of these delights. Do bring a picnic to eat in the orchard after the walk.

Distance 7 miles Meet Putley Map Ref G8 Organiser Once Upon A Tree Cost Adult £7.50 Child £2.50, including tastings

From Heath to Hill Walk 15 Tuesday, 16th June, 2015. 10.30am to 4.00pm

From The Shop at Bromsberrow Heath, we walk over and round the three southernmost Malvern Hills, taking in the obelisk and the village of Eastnor enjoying stunning views and lovely countryside. The Shop opens from 9am so coffee/tea and cake is available at the start or finish of the walk (pay on the day).

Distance 11 miles Meet Bromsberrow Map Ref J8 Organiser Rachel Hicks and Rex Eckley Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

12 HEREFORDSHIRE Walking FestivalFestival

Booking Form 13-21 JUNE 2015

13 Booking Instructions It is recommended that you book your tickets as early as possible, as numbers for each walk are limited. Please look carefully at the programme, referring to the start and finish time and location of each walk before making your choice. Full details of how to join each walk will be included in your booking confirmation. How to Book Online www.walkingfestival.com By post Send completed booking forms with cheque payable to Herefordshire Walking to the address below. Bookings are subject to availability. All bookings will be acknowledged – you can contact us on [email protected] or 01432 352287.

BOOKIN I wish to book places on the following wal

Date Nº Title Tickets Qty Cost £ ADULT CHILD ADULT CHILD

13.6.15 1. Hereford’s Edgelands £5 FREE

2. Farming & Wildlife – Old & New £13 £8

3. Track the Kingfisher Line £5 FREE

14.6.15 4. Introduction to Navigation £5 FREE

5. The Hay Ho! Bus Walk £5 FREE

6. Wye Walk Around Fownhope? £5 FREE

7. Hills and Cider £5 FREE

8. The Herefordshire Pomona £5 FREE

15.6.15 9. Dinmore Hill to Hereford £5 FREE

10. Llangarron & Welsh Newton £5 FREE

11. Conservation in Action £5 FREE

12. Up North in Leintwardine £10 £5

16.6.15 13. Birds of Ewyas Harold £5 FREE

14. The Wonder of the Wonder £7.50 £2.50

15. From Heath to Hill £5 FREE

16. The Hush of Huff Wood £5 FREE

17.6.15 17. Woolhope to Hereford £5 FREE

18. Brimfield & Little Hereford £5 FREE

19. Legends of the Dyke £5 FREE

20. Turnastone Court Farm £5 FREE

21. Brockhampton Post Walk £5 FREE

18.6.15 22. The Border Hills £5 FREE

23. Bringsty, Bromyard & Brockhampton £5 FREE

24. Building Stones of Bromyard £5 FREE

25. The Eyes of a Farmer’s Daughter £6 FREE

14 Please complete and sign the booking form for your party.

Name:

Address:

Postcode: Tel:

Email:

G FORM lks. Child price applies to age 12 or under

Date Nº Title Tickets Qty Cost £ ADULT CHILD ADULT CHILD

26. Stand, Stare, Stop to See £5 FREE

19.6.15 27. The River Monnow & its Castles £5 FREE

28. Kings Thorn to Hereford £5 FREE

29. Of Wet and Wilderness £5 FREE

30. Athelstans Wood £5 FREE

31. Go Batty at Bodenham £5 FREE

20.6.15 32. Let the Fingers Do the Walking £5 FREE

33. In the Steps of Kings £5 FREE

34. Mystery Walk on the Malvern Hills £5 FREE

35. Offa’s Dyke Path £5 FREE

21.6.15 36. Castles of the Golden Valley £5 FREE

37. A Taste of Paradise £10 £2.50

Please tick this box if you require the vegetarian meal option

Payment

My total payment for £ is enclosed.

Please make cheques payable to Herefordshire Walking.

I have read, understood and agree to the booking conditions and I am over the age of 18.

Signed:

Date:

Name in block capitals:

Return to: Herefordshire Walking Festival, 7 St. Ethelbert Street, Hereford HR1 2NR

15 16 The Hush of Huff Wood Walk 16 Tuesday, 16th June, 2015. 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Huff, Haugh or Half Wood are all names used for the wood as you travel towards Woolhope. Enjoy an evening meander around as the wood and the occupants slowly settle down for the night. The leader will identify any birds we hear.

Distance 4 miles Meet Haugh Wood Map Ref F7 Organiser Marika Kovacs Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Woolhope to Hereford Walk 17 Wednesday, 17th June, 2015. 8.40am to 4.00pm

Take the bus to Woolhope (pay on the day). Return via lanes and paths through Checkley and skirting Haugh Wood to Mordiford, with tales of the Mordiford Dragon. Pick up the into Hereford with a look at the Greenway Bridge before arriving at the Cathedral.

Distance 10 miles Meet Hereford Map Ref G8 Organiser Ramblers Association, Hereford Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Brimfield and Little Hereford Walk 18 Wednesday, 17th June, 2015. 10.00am to 1.00pm

A walk on a mixture of tracks, paths and country lanes in North Herefordshire, which includes two churches, a castle site and historic farmhouse. Gentle hills with good views ending with the chance of a meal at the Roebuck Inn (pay on the day). Several stiles on the route and they tend to come in clutches.

Distance 7 miles Meet Brimfield Map Ref F3 Organiser Andy and Karen Johnston Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

17 Legends of the Dyke Walk 19 Wednesday, 17th June. 10.15am to 2.15pm

Field, track and quiet lanes to Hergest Ridge and Offa’s Dyke Path past an ancient motte, a 12C house and a beautiful garden with puzzles, legends and amazing views along the way.

Distance 6½ miles Meet Kington Map Ref B5 Organiser Rob Dingle Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Farm Wildlife Walk Walk 20 at Turnastone Court Farm Wednesday, 17th June, 2015. 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Walk around the ancient meadows of Turnastone Court Farm looking at the many interesting features, including the farm animals, historical features and wildlife.

Distance 3-4 miles Meet Turnastone Map Ref B8 Organiser Countryside Restoration Trust Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Brockhampton Post Walk Walk 21 Wednesday, 17th June, 2015. 2.00pm to 5.00pm

From Brinkley Hill, paths lead to Totnor where the newly created and beautifully carved Post Walk leads through a delightful valley and up to Capler Camp offering splendid views (courtesy of Peter Clay).

Distance 4 miles Meet Brockhampton Map Ref F9 Organiser Wye Valley AONB Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

18 The Border Hills Walk 22 Thursday, 18th June, 2015. 10.00am to 3.30pm

Walk the upland pastures of Herefordshire and across the border via Newchurch, Disgwylfa and Milton Hills.

Distance 10 miles Meet Brilley Map Ref A6 Organiser Ramblers Association, Hereford Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Walk 23

After crossing A44, we climb Bromyard Downs to reach Shepherds Cottage and then Warren Farm and the Lawn Pools at Brockhampton. Here we climb back up to the A44 and on to the Jubilee, before returning to the pub and a well-earned drink. Hopefully orchids and spectacular views but certainly local beer or a cup of tea.

Building Stones of Bromyard Walk 24 Thursday, 18th June, 2015. 10.30am to 1.00pm

Following the success of last year’s walk, with new extra information, this is a walk around Bromyard to look at the different types of stone used in construction of the town. Learning a little about the geology that formed them and the stories around extracting and using the stone.

Distance 2 miles Meet Bromyard Map Ref G5 Organiser Herefordshire and Worcs. Earth Heritage Trust Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

19 Through the Eyes Walk 25 of a Farmer’s Daughter Thursday, 18th June, 2015. 2.00pm to 5.00pm

A walk in and around Longtown in the Black Mountains, viewing the landscape through the eyes of a farmer’s daughter, examining the impact on the farmer and how he looks at the same features. Some uneven surfaces and 1 short steep section. Tea and Welsh cakes served in the farm shop.

Distance 3-4 miles Meet Longtown Map Ref B9 Organiser Hopes of Longtown Farm Shop Cost Adult £6.00 Child FREE

Stand, Stare, Stop to See Walk 26 Thursday, 18th June, 2015. 6.00pm to 8.30pm

An evening walk with some climbs accompanied by Nick Meers, travel photographer, who will show you how to use your camera to best advantage while taking in the panoramic views of Bringsty Common looking out towards the Malvern Hills and Worcester. Camera essential, tripods recommended, suitable for people familiar with manual settings on Bridge and DSLR cameras.

Distance 1½ - 2 miles Meet Bringsty Common Map Ref H5 Organiser Bromyard Walking Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

The River Monnow and its Castles Walk 27 Friday 19th June. 9.30am to 12.45pm

Walk beside the R. Monnow then up beside a tumbling woodland stream to the ridge with panoramic views. View Pembridge Castle and hear its dark story before descending through pastures to walk back along the Monnow to the Norman Castle at Skenfrith (free entry). Refreshments and meals possible at the Bell Inn by the castle. 16 stiles. Stock grazing. No Dogs.

Distance 5.7 miles Meet Skenfrith Map Ref D10 Organiser Ramblers Association, Ross-on-Wye Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

20 Walk 28

Follow the River Wye and over the Greenway Bridge into the city, crossing Castle Green before arriving at the Cathedral.

Of Wet and of Wilderness: Walk 29 Odie Robey’s Olchon Valley Friday, 19th June, 2015. 10.00am to 3.00pm

Explore Olchon Valley locations described by Odie Robey in her account of life there in the post war years, including the harsh winter of 1947. Most of the walk is along quiet surfaced lanes but there are some steep gradients, both up and down.

Distance 7 miles Meet Longtown Map Ref B9 Organiser Nic Howes Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

The Management and History Walk 30 of Athelstans Wood Friday, 19th June, 2015. 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Circular walk through Athelstans wood discussing the rich history of the wood and also modern day management practices including the current felling programme. There may be some muddy sections depending upon the weather.

Distance 2 miles Meet Athelstans Wood Map Ref F9 Organiser The Duchy of Cornwall Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

21 Go Batty at Bodenham Walk 31 Friday, 19th June, 2015. 8.00pm to 11.00pm

Led by James Bisset, local ‘batman’, orchard enthusiast and Herefordshire Mammal Group member An introductory talk on bats and orchards will lead you around the edge of Bodenham Lake, then via the , Bodenham Church and old Bodenham village listening and looking for signs of those special ‘Angels of the Night’ – bats. Free, loan, bat detectors will be provided or BYO, along with a torch just in case!

Distance 1 mile Meet Bodenham Map Ref F6 Organiser Herefordshire Mammal Group (HMG). See page 2. Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Let the Fingers Do the Walking Walk 32 Saturday, 20th June, 2015. 8.50am to 15.40pm

Led by a visually impaired lady using Braille instructions but with someone being her eyes. Catch the bus to Woolhope Church to walk up to and over Marcle Ridge. Pass the mast on the Three Choirs Way and through woods and pastures to Church and then through Kynaston and Putley, to catch the bus back to Hereford. (Bus fare – pay on the day).

Distance 8½ miles Meet Hereford Map Ref G8 Organiser Marika Kovacs Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

In the Steps of Kings Walk 33 Saturday, 20th June, 2015. 10.00am to 1.00pm

An easy walk with one short climb. In the vicinity of King Offa’s Palace and King Ethelbert’s untimely demise.

Distance 5 miles Meet Marden Map Ref E6 Organiser John Dawson Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

22 Walk 34

Pass through parts of Eastnor and Bromsberrow Estates and visit a number of mysterious sites.

Offa’s Dyke Path Walk 35 Saturday, 20th June, 2015. 10.05am to 5.00pm

Bus to Knighton (pay on the day) and walk back to Kington on the Offa’s Dyke Path. This section contains many examples of the original dyke.

Distance 13 miles Meet Kington Map Ref B2 Organiser Ramblers Association, Hereford Group Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

Castles of the Golden Valley Walk 36 Sunday, 21st June, 2015. 10.00am to 4.00pm

Catch the Hay Ho! Bus from Hereford and alight at Dorstone in the Golden Valley. Then walk back via the foothills of the Black Mountains to visit Dorstone, Snodhill and Urishay castles en route to Peterchurch to return on the bus to Hereford. Bus fares payable on the day.

Distance 8 miles Meet Hereford Map Ref B7 Organiser Les Lumsdon and Mike Ledlie, Border Walks Cost Adult £5.00 Child FREE

For more information visit www.walkingfestival.com

23 [email protected] A Taste of Paradise Walk 37 Sunday 21st June. 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Discover more about the archaeological heritage of Brockhampton on an evening walk exploring the grounds surrounding the medieval manor house and chapel. Take in the peace and tranquillity of Lower Brockhampton and view the exterior of the manor house. Continue your walk through Paradise Valley to our ancient orchards.

Distance 5 miles Meet Brockhampton Map Ref H5 Organiser The National Trust Cost Adult £10.00 Child £2.50

24 Trans-missions Trans-missions is a new solo walking performance by local artist Jess Allen. For the full duration of the festival, Jess will be walking along the rights of way that follow the power-lines and pylons (transmission towers) as they cross the county, border to border, west to east. She must speak to everyone she meets, forming an unbroken line of transmission. Carrying a rucksack of low-energy lightbulbs, she will gift one to each person who offers to engage in conversation with her. Each bulb is an invitation to attend an intimate performance gathering at Dragon Orchard, Putley at the close of the festival on the Summer Solstice. The bulbs brought along by those who choose to attend will become part of a solar-powered art installation suspended in the trees, made by and in collaboration with the local community. Trans-missions is inspired in part by Herefordian amateur archaeologist Alfred Watkins’s Old Straight Track (1925), contrasting the network of ancient lines he perceived in the Herefordshire landscape, with these modern lines of power and what they might mean to people and place in the 21st century. While Jess will be walking this ‘mission’ alone, you are warmly invited to follow her progress online at trans-missions.org.uk or on Twitter @hedgesprite #transmissionshfds #pylonwalkhfds

25 Other Festivals

Crickhowell Walking Festival 28th February to 8th March, 2015 The Crickhowell Walking Festival is now entering its 8th successful year. Featuring 84 guided walks at different levels of duration and difficulty, there is something for everyone. In addition, there is an extensive programme of events for walkers and non-walkers alike. www.visitcrickhowell.co.uk/whats-on/crickhowell-walking-festival Talgarth Walking Festival 1st - 4th May, 2015 Talgarth Walkers are Welcome Group is delighted to welcome you to Talgarth’s Third Walking Festival. Our programme has a variety of walks and events for all ages, from full day walks to town walks lasting a little over an hour. For further information www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org Malvern Walking Festival 23rd – 31st May 2015 Forty-four walks ranging from slow gentle strolls around town to a new extremely demanding 64 mile, 6 day Discovery Trail. Designed for people with varying abilities and interests. For further details and to book, visit the website www.malvern-hills.co.uk/malvern-walking-festival Country Walking Festival www.exploremortimercountry.com and click on Events Offers a great programme of walks running all through the summer from May to September. Mortimer Country is just west of in north Herefordshire. There are walks for all types of walkers, from local pub walks to long distance walks on The . To request a leaflet or ask for information [email protected]

26 Leominster Walking Festival 1st to 7th June, 2015 Walkers are Welcome in Leominster run a Walking Festival alongside the Leominster Festival so if you go walking and your partner does not, they have plenty of choice of other activities to enjoy. www.leominster-festival.co.uk Kington Walks 17th - 20th September, 2015 Nestled below Hergest Ridge, the pocket-sized market town of Kington is criss-crossed with paths including Offa's Dyke, the and ancient drovers' routes - a perfect hub for this walking festival, planning its fourth year. The full programme should be available and on the website by Easter. www.kingtonwalks.org 7th Annual Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival 25th - 27th September, 2015 Fifteen country walks with some great ideas. A walk plus a paddle down the Wye or a steam train ride or a cruise on the river. But remember, Ross is open for walking and outdoor pursuits all year round. Walking, cycling, canoeing, climbing, golf are all available in the Ross area. e: [email protected] www.rosswalkingfestival.co.uk 5th Annual Hay-on-Wye Walking Festival 7th – 11th October, 2015 A comprehensive programme with a mix of short and long walks each day, plus family friendly walks and themed walks - foraging, geology, archaeology, local history - with some literary references along the way. e: [email protected] www.haywalkingfestival.co.uk © Reproduced from Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. 100024168. 2010 © Copyright Herefordshire Tourism / APH Updated 2010

For further information about the Walking Festival and to book your tickets for the walks go to www.walkingfestival.com Supported by