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Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 30 Miles

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Arthur's stone
Map Marker Illustration
Hereford
Wellies Illustration
31.6 miles
Intro

Bring your own beliefs (or none) on this stunning circular walking route which takes in ancient castle ruins, neolithic stones, a medieval abbey, holy well and some of the tiniest and most remote churches you will likely ever visit.

Pause for breaks at hidden farms which produce artisan cider and delicious ice cream, and soak up the shifting landscapes, from gentle wooded river valleys to dramatic mountain views. Spot wildlife as you walk in this beautifully tranquil countryside and contemplate the surrounding silence.

A beautifully illustrated pilgrim credential (passport), designed by Corin Burgess, can be purchased and stamped in each church. 

Long-Distance Hikingrecommended routeLong-Distance Hiking  · Central England and the Midlands

Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 30 Miles

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  • Snodhill Castle
    Snodhill Castle
    Photo: Naomi Moyo-Wilson, Visit Herefordshire

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    Bring your own beliefs (or none) on this stunning circular walking route which takes in ancient castle ruins, neolithic stones, a medieval abbey, holy well and some of the tiniest and most remote churches you will likely ever visit.

    Pause for breaks at hidden farms which produce artisan cider and delicious ice cream, and soak up the shifting landscapes, from gentle wooded river valleys to dramatic mountain views. Spot wildlife as you walk in this beautifully tranquil countryside and contemplate the surrounding silence.

    A beautifully illustrated pilgrim credential (passport), designed by Corin Burgess, can be purchased and stamped in each church. 

    difficult
    Distance 33.4 mi
    13:45 h
    2,178 ft
    2,136 ft
    928 ft
    157 ft
    The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is the only pilgrim path in Britain offering overnight stays. Walkers are offered night sanctuary in the cloisters of Hereford Cathedral - thought to be the first time that pilgrims have been able to stay in Anglican cathedral precincts since Medieval times. And you can also stay in seven medieval churches, with a further two churches offering accommodation in a church hall and bell tent.

    Advance booking is required, for details contact abbeydoredmc@gmail.com. A donation of £20 per person is requested for each overnight, payable at the time of booking. Reduced fees are offered to larger parties. The churches are all  - bar one - sited in villages with excellent country pubs, with nearby local stores for stocking up on packed lunch provisions. 

    Author’s recommendation

    Find the full route guide here:

    www.abbeydoredeanery.org/gvpw

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    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    928 ft
    Lowest point
    157 ft
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
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    Track types

    Asphalt 19.05%Dirt road 1.01%Forested/wild trail 13.70%Path 50.83%Road 11.42%Unknown 3.96%
    Asphalt
    6.4 mi
    Dirt road
    1785 ft
    Forested/wild trail
    4.6 mi
    Path
    17 mi
    Road
    3.8 mi
    Unknown
    1.3 mi
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    The Spread
    De Koffie Pot
    The Hub at St Peter's
    The Pandy Inn
    Red Lion Hotel - Bredwardine
    St Peter's Church, Peterchurch
    Arthur's Stone
    Church of St Michael and All Angels, Eaton Bishop
    Madley Church
    Snodhill Castle
    St Faith's Church Dorstone
    St Bartholomew, Vowchurch
    St Mary Magdalene Turnastone
    Granary Cottage Dorstone
    The Red Lion, Madley

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    Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 30 Miles

    Coordinates

    OS Grid
    SO 50910 39806
    DD
    52.054461, -2.717330
    DMS
    52°03'16.1"N 2°43'02.4"W
    UTM
    30U 519381 5767133
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Similar routes nearby

    • Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 60 Miles
    • Wye Valley Walk: Hereford to Fownhope
    • The Herefordshire Trail - Section 4: Little Dewchurch to Kilpeck
    • The Herefordshire Trail - Section 5: Kilpeck to Abbey Dore
    • Wye Valley Walk: Byford to Hereford
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    33.4 mi
    Duration
    13:45 h
    Ascent
    2,178 ft
    Descent
    2,136 ft
    Highest point
    928 ft
    Lowest point
    157 ft
    Scenic Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna Linear route

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    Image
    Statue of Elgar with his bicycle looking up at the Cathedral

    For a longer adventure

    Check out the 60.5 mile, 6-7 day route.

    Walker at Longtown Castle

    Walking the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way

    Sarah Price from Walk Hay shares two of her favourite sections from the route.