Cycling Routes in Herefordshire
Below are a few ideas for bike rides in Herefordshire, or more specifically from the village of Orleton (between Ludlow and Leominster) in north Herefordshire. We'll add a variation on this ride from Ludllow later.
The Deerfold Ride from Orleton
33 miles, 3 big climbs.
It's an area we know well, having grown up (Rob) near here and having spent many years cycling in the Deerfold. There's plenty of good riding to be had...
Cycle west up the lane next to The Baker's Arms opposite the cottage. Take lanes that go up to High Cullis (up in the trees near The Goggin) and down to Leinthall Starkes and Aymestrey. Cycle up the Lugg Valley onto the Deerfold (stunning scenery) and down to Lingen - at Lower Lye you can either go via Upper Lye or via Cross Of The Tree (both have a big climb, the later is longer but has better views of the Deerfold's smoothly-rounded hillocks). At Lingen (pub probably closed), head north. Lunch at the Ardvark Books cafe in Brampton Bryan (then note yew hedge at church on A4113 crossroads). Cross A4113 into lane and go to Bucknell village. Follow B4367 NE for 2 miles. Turn right into a very little-used lane to Leintwardine for afternoon tea at The Sun pub (next to chip shop on lane going east from A4113 bridge). Then lane via Burrington to Elton (note the elaborate Dutch duck house on left at Elton Hall). Lane up over The Goggin, back to Orleton. Here is the map (Orleton village is on the right side of the route)...
Ordnance Survey map for this ride is: "Church Stretton & Ludlow" Landranger Map 137 (also on "Presteigne & Hay-on-Wye" Landranger Map 148).
Accommodation: the Perseverance Cottage self-catering chalet in the village of Orleton would make a really good base for a couple of days cycling break (there is also another B&B in the village).
Other rides from Orleton could be...
(1): Ride east along lanes on the south side of the Teme Valley. Turn right up to Oldwood Common before you get to Tenbury Wells. On common, take narrow lane to Laysters church. At Leyster, take pretty lane SW to Whyle. Go west (gated lane) and then south to Upper Hamnish. North via Hamnish Clifford to Kimbolton for lunch at the Stockton Cross pub. Then down A4117 to A49 (cyclepath on pavement) and into Leominster. North along B4361. Lane to Eyton. Right then left to The Riddle (on older OS maps only footpaths go to The Riddle!). Lanes to Yarpole (note bell tower, shop, pub). Up onto Bircher Common, and follow tracks along bottom of common to lane at Ashley Moor. Back to Orleton via Broad Green.
(2): Ride north to Richards Castle. Cross A49 and River Teme at Ashford Bowdler. Turn left at the Serpent crossroad, and follow lane to Ludlow. then explore anywhere north of Ludlow in the Corve Dale, Wenlocke Edge or foothills of Brown Clee Hill, return to Ludlow (great tarmaced bridleway between Bromfield and Ludlow via Oaklly Park and Priors Halton farm); and back to Orleton.
You'll need to carry a map to understand the 2 rides above: both are on the Ordnance Survey "Church Stretton & Ludlow" Landranger Map 137.
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We take no responsibility and give no guarantees or warranties, implied or otherwise, for the accuracy or safety of the above routes. You use these cycle routes entirely at your own risk. Please cycle responsibly and safely.
