Welsh Borders Cycling Info
...places to cycle & things to do

Cycling Attractions in the Welsh Borders:

Kilpeck Church - Small Norman church with exquisite sandstone carvings portraying an extraordinary variety of animals, birds, people, mythic creatures, and Celtic images, including a Sheila-na-gig [on left in left photo below] on the corbel gargoyles and a Green Man [right photo] either side of the door and west window. Also note house-platforms of deserted mediaeval village in field next to church, and scant remains of the castle. Kilpeck village is 8 miles SW of Hereford. For more interesting churches to visit, go to Friends of Friendless Churches or Churches Conservation Trust.

Dore Abbey - This wonderful barn-like church (once a great abbey) is well worth a visit. Stop and read the unfortunate wording of the inscription above the lych gate [photo below]. Abbey Dore village is SW of Hereford.
Hellens - Probably the most interesting old house in Herefordshire - well worth a visit. Situated in the village of Much Marcle (between Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye) which is also worth a visit for the church with its rare wooden effigy (inside, opposite main door) and hollow yew tree in the churchyard which can seat 7 cyclists inside - but you can never see more than 5 cyclists in any of the photos [photo].

Cider Perry - Herefordshire is famous for it's farm cider-making. Near Pembridge, in north Herefordshire, is Dunkertons Cider (organic cider & perry - we've been drinking their perry since 1982 and very nice it is). At Much Marcle, in south Herefordshire, is Gregg's Pit and Lyne Down Farm. Near Abbey Dore in the Golden Valley, in west Herefordshire, is Gwatkins (at Morehampton Park Farm on B4347) - Gwatkins perry is our favourite. There are a couple of Cider Routes to cycle. Big Apple weekends take place every year at blossom time (in April or May) and at apple harvest time (early October) with an organised bike ride.

Cyclists resting

Ludlow - Once the parliament of the Marcher Lords, this medieval town with imposing castle set on a hill overlooking the River Teme, is a must place to visit. It is now a gourmet's paradise! Would make a good base for a week's cycling.
Church Stretton - Situated in a rift valley in the Stretton Hills, Shropshire. Great area to cycle if you're into some good hill climbs. Try the ride up over the Long Mynd, via the Gliding Club (warning: steep descent), to Bishops Castles and return via The Bog and Ratlinghope (locally pronounced "Ratchup").
Ross-on-Wye - Pretty market town in the southern Welsh Borders handy for the Forest of Dean.
Kington - Small town on the border, near Hergest Ridge - the track over the ridge from Kington to Gladestry is cycleable and well worth doing.

National Cycle Network - Comprehensive network of safe and attractive cycle routes in UK developed by Sustrans.
Malvern Trail - Really useful site produced by cyclist John Howes, with loads of info about the area around the Malvern Hills - Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
South Shropshire - You must visit the south Shropshire hills. The Stretton Hills, Wenlock Edge, Corvedale, Ludlow, the Teme Valley, Clun etc. South Shropshire is hilly whereas North Shropshire (north of Shrewsbury) is flattish - you choose (we love both).
Shropshire Tourism
The Friends of Friendless Churches - They have rescued and look after some amazingly beautiful redundant old churches in the Welsh Borders (and other parts of the UK), all are worth a visit.
The Churches Conservation Trust - Also have a list of churches worth a visit (search by county).
Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - The Lower Wye Valley covering Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean.
National Trust - Own and protect some historic buildings, which are open to the public.

Cyclists resting

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