Visit Herefordshire has launched a new in-depth visitors guide to the Mortimer Trail, the 30 mile linear walking trail which explores the English and Welsh borderlands and is a particularly enticing way for walkers to enjoy the dramatic autumn landscapes in the county. In addition, the campaign sees the introduction of a new initiative, the Mortimer Trail Challenge, with a launch event inviting hikers and trail runners to tackle the 'trail in day' in October.

The trail runs between Kington in the north west Herefordshire and Ludlow just over the border in Shropshire to the north east and can be easily walked in anything between 2 or 5 days in either direction. The autumn colours are particularly stunning on this trail in October and November and a visit to Hergest Croft Gardens in Kington can be incorporated featuring the National Collection of Maples which offer a fiery blaze.

The trail is so called as it runs through the heart of the ancient lands of the then ambitious Mortimer family, holders of the most powerful of the Norman earldoms and follows the legacy of past conflicts in this area over a succession of hills, ridges and valleys.

It passes through areas rich in history featuring dramatic Iron Age hill-forts such as Croft Ambrey set on a 300-metre high ridge to the north of Croft Castle, as well as ruined castles, ancient woodland meandering across landscapes touched by the three rivers of the Teme, the Arrow and Lugg. There are impressive views out to the Black Mountains, Radnor Hills and the Malverns as well as villages and abundant wildlife to be enjoyed.

#MortimerTrail

The trail can be arranged independently with downloadable maps and tips on how best to organise a visit included in the new online guide with recommendations on where to stay, eat and drink along the way. Walking is moderate with several steep climbs and stunning scenery to enjoy the impressive autumn colours, as well as good food, real ales and ciders and providing atmospheric overnight stops in pretty villages such as Titley and Aymestery.

Alternatively Wheely Wonderful, a locally based walking specialist, offers the Mortimer Trail as a four night and three day self guided trip conveniently organising all transfers including parking and luggage porterage between overnight stops starting at Kington with stays at two renowned gastro pubs, The Stagg at Titley and The Riverside Inn at Aymestery, before finishing the walk at Ludlow, priced from £485 per person.

Trail in a Day Challenge – 16th October 2022

Also new and lending itself to experienced long distance walkers and trail runners is the one day challenge developed by the Walking Hub  in Kington to complete the entire trail in a day which will feature on Strava where anyone tackling the route can log their times.

The launch event is being held on Sunday 16th October where transfers from Kington to the starting point in Ludlow will be arranged as well as a welcome home finishers pizzas. The aim is that this event will help popularise the route amongst trail runners and walkers alike looking for long distance day walks and further add to Kington's reputation as a Walkers are Welcome town with its already established spring and autumn walking festivals.

The relaunch of the trail coincides the months of work which has been put in by The Mortimer Trailblazers, a volunteer group of outdoor enthusiasts from various organisations including the Mortimer Group of Herefordshire Ramblers, South Shropshire Ramblers Association, Walkers are Welcome and Kington Walking Festival. The group has come together to clear the trail ensure all sections of the paths are walkable and way-marked well working in partnership with Visit Herefordshire and Herefordshire Council.

For more information on Herefordshire and to download the new trail guide go to: https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/routes-road-trips/mortimer-trail

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Notes to Editors: 

For further press information please contact Fiona Reece and Claire Southern at Travel Tonic - 01452 346 116 or fiona@traveltonic.co.uk / claire@traveltonic.co.uk.

About Visit Herefordshire

Visit Herefordshire is brought to you by Herefordshire County BID, a destination management organisation which is funded by local businesses. This is the official tourist board for Herefordshire, as recognised by Visit England and Visit Britain. 

About Herefordshire 

Bordering Wales, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, the county is easily accessible from the Midlands, Wales and the M4 Corridor. It is also a car journey of around 2-3 hours for Londoners heading West and those in Manchester and Cheshire heading South, making it a do-able weekend or short break destination. There is direct rail access from London Paddington to Hereford (3 hours) and to Ledbury (2.5 hours); and direct services from Manchester to Hereford (just over 2 hours). Plus, to aid car-free travel there is a good bus network around the county and plenty of cycle-friendly routes to enjoy, too. 

Herefordshire has a distinctly under discovered 'secret' feel; a place which draws you in with its rich history, vibrant food and drink scene, wild adventures, gorgeous gardens, real towns like Ledbury, Leominster, Bromyard and Ross on Wye, and the cathedral city of Hereford packed with independent shops and a creative community.