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Hergest Ridge

Hergest Ridge
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Ridgebourne rd
Kington
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Hergest Ridge straddles the English and Welsh border and is a favoured section of the Offa’s Dyke walk as well as a standalone highlight in any exploration of Herefordshire. If you start at the main carpark in Kington, climb a modest 400m up from the quaint town to enjoy spectacular 360 degrees views. You can’t go wrong with visible natural landmarks all around (including and unexpectedly a delightful clump of monkey puzzle trees towards the top of the ridge!).

Heading to the top the views emerge all around and, as you walk, run, cycle or dance along the beautiful moorland, you may chance on wild ponies grazing. Look out for the Victorian racecourse that sits atop Hergest and imagine the thrills and spills as the horses galloped around the track. You should also see the Whetstone near the summit, a natural stone, which in medieval times was used as a place to distribute food to people suffering from leprosy. Legend has it that the stone rolled down to Hindwell Brook each time it heard a cock crow.

From the ridge you can look across to the Black Mountains and even as far as the Malvern Hills, with uninterrupted English and Welsh countryside landscapes all around.

  • Welcomes

    • Free entry
    • Children welcome
    • Dogs welcome
  • Parking

    • Free parking
Hergest Ridge

Directions & Parking

Map pin Hergest Ridge
Ridgebourne rd
Kington
Herefordshire
HR5 3EG
Park in the main town car park and pop into the information centre for advice on specific walking routes. For something shorter, park up along Ridgebourne Road across from Hergest Croft Gardens, and from there head up the hill and along on the well-trodden paths.

Hergest Ridge Recommends

On your way back down perhaps drop in to Hergest Croft Gardens and enjoy a delicious light lunch or afternoon tea in the Maples Tearoom.

And finally, on the drive home, keep the uplifting spirit of the day going by listening to Mike Oldfield’s album … ‘Hergest Ridge’!