Walking

Whether you are a dedicated dog walker, gentle rambler or a keen hiker the countryside around The Barns offers all sorts of walking options to get those boots muddy and tummies rumbling. We have 3 circular walks from the door of your barn that are signposted, designated and route over our farm. We have designed a little ‘buggy’ path that takes a shorter section of one of the walks for little people and worn out mummies to get some fresh air while not going too far. From your doorstep enjoy our rich hedgerow wildlife, farm animals and back in time for a delicious Aga cooked lunch. We feel really confident that the relaxing routes we have designed here will keep you occupied and you’ll have earned that evening hot tub dip, but there are of course lots of options for walking slightly further afield – after all this is perfect walking country. We have detailed some of the most striking and unmissable walks and routes at the bottom of the page.

Walks from the door

We have 3 gentle walks from the door of the barns; two circular routes around the farm which form part of the OS footpath route and the third which combines the two together into one longer 2.5 mile ramble. It takes in woodland, open fields, the meandering stream, gentle hills, apple orchards, around the sheep and up to the top of the village to the farm buildings. We have provided small laminated route maps in the barns for you to take with you highlighting where you can stop for a picnic, sit and enjoy the view, pick some apples or take a short detour up to the Church and the old ruins for a bit of history. Whilst we are a working farm and you will find our lovely livestock en route, we have ensured that the whole route is safe and where necessary fields have temporary fencing to ensure you are separate from the cattle.

View of Lyonshall

Hereford Cattle en route

Well marked footpaths for ease of route

Almeley Pub Walk

In under an hours ‘fields and footpath’ walk from the door, you can gently mosey up to the nearby village of Almeley where you’ll find a brilliant local pub which is cosy, country and perfect for a post walk rest, nestled into the heart of this picturesque village location. It also has a fantastic little deli attached to the pub to stock up on any essentials or treats for the jolly back home. Almeley is a quiet but friendly village and the village pub is bustling and run by a great team – it’s award winning to boot and quiz night is well worth a trip!

Nearby Walks and Trails

Hergest Ridge Walk

Hergest Ridge is an absolute treasure and features some mind-blowing views traversing across the English/Welsh border, starting in Kington (2 miles). On a clear day you can easily see Hay Bluff, the Black Mountains and the Malvern Hills - it's quite spectacular. 'Hergest Ridge' was the second album by Mike Oldfield who wrote the lyrics "So if you feel a little glum, to hergest ridge you should come" in the late 70's whilst living in Kington. There are several circular options of walking the ridge with stops at country pubs or nip into the famous Hergest Croft Gardens and their pretty tea rooms on your way back - with 70 acres of unique gardens. Parking is available.

Bradnor Hill Walk

With magnificent 360 degree views over Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Wales, Bradnor Hill is another walk not to be missed. This walk takes you around National Trust managed land and at 1284 feet Bradnor Hill is the home of the highest 18-hole golf course in England. The best view is from Hole 8 where you can see over The Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, Clee Hills, Shropshire and Malvern Hills. You can walk from Kington, stopping at the club house en route for a drink or lunch, but we would recommend the option of driving up and parking at the club house. Please see the comprehensive golf club website for detailed information.

Water-Break-It's-Neck Waterfall

This hidden gem is a special place to visit and another one of our favourite walks with the children. It is like walking through a magical fairy glen as you walk through a gorge along the side of a stream and past deep moss covered trees and rocks with a large waterfall at the end - very Lord of the Rings! The waterfall is spectacular just after a heavy rainfall but this is a lovely walk at any time of the year. Located in Old Radnor (about 10 minute drive from The Barns) there are three different atmospheric and peaceful woodland walks finishing at the waterfall. The easiest route is only a short 20 minute stroll from the car park with a buggy. The other two walks are moderate and take between 1 to 2 hours.

Elan Valley

According to AA, the road leading through Elan Valley is ‘one of the 10 best scenic drives in the world’ and even achieved 'International Dark Sky Park' status in 2015 which means it's the perfect place for star gazing without any light pollution. Elan Valley offers some breathtaking panoramic views and is one of our favourite places for a day out with visitors. The reservoirs and 6 dams were built in the 1890’s to supply fresh water to Birmingham and to this day are the working legacy of extraordinary Victorian engineering. The gorgeous unspoilt landscape stretches to 72 square miles and there is plenty of driving, walking and cycling to do. There is an education centre with a coffee shop with heaps of useful information. Well worth a visit, you will not be disappointed.

Mortimer Trail

The Mortimer Trail is a long and meandering 30 mile route that begins at Ludlow Castle and ends in Kington. There are listed 5 trails altogether which take in Mortimer Forest, Croft Castle, Wigmore and the river at Aymestrey. Its quite extensive and we have had guests that have completed the whole route. We thoroughly recommend the short trail loop in Wigmore which is opposite The Oak pub, and walks you up to the old castle ruins for stunning views and interesting historical roots. Our children love exploring up there and the drive over to Wigmore is pleasant with various local stores.

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park stretches from the Western Black Mountains, across the central Forest Fawr and Brecon Beacons and onto the eastern Black Mountains. The park is perfect for beautiful remote walks and hiking for those wanting something a little more challenging - our favourite is Hay Bluff which is suitable for all ages, very easily accessible with a perfect picnic spot for kite flying and stunning vistas. Many other outdoor activities beyond walking are available in the area, including cycling, horse riding, rock climbing and hang gliding. Just a drive through the long winding roads at sunset is worth the little trip, spotting the pony, sheep and many trail runners as you go. There is a good activities centre also - please see their park website for up to date information on events and weather conditions.