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Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 60 Miles

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Statue of Elgar with his bicycle looking up at the Cathedral
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Hereford
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60.5 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 - 60 Miles

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  • Golden Valley Moccas Village Church Daffodils
    Golden Valley Moccas Village Church Daffodils
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    The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a stunning 6/7 day circular pilgrimage route along beautiful and ancient paths that begins and ends at Hereford Cathedral.

    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 60.6 mi
    25:40 h
    5,453 ft
    5,436 ft
    1,309 ft
    164 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. 

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    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

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    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    1309 ft
    Lowest point
    164 ft
    Best time of year
    Jan
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    Length
    60.6 mi
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    Ewyas Harold Castle
    Gwatkin Cider
    The Left Bank Village
    De Koffie Pot
    The Hub at St Peter's
    Red Lion Hotel - Bredwardine
    Arthur's Stone
    Church of St Michael and All Angels, Eaton Bishop
    Madley Church
    Snodhill Castle
    The Red Lion, Madley
    Dore Abbey
    Clodock Church
    Longtown Castle
    Rowlestone Farmhouse Ice cream
    Hopes of Longtown
    Crown Inn Longtown Herefordshire
    The Bulls Head at Craswall
    Walterstone Church
    The Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley

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    Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 60 Miles

    Coordinates

    OS Grid
    SO 50941 39782
    DD
    52.054241, -2.716874
    DMS
    52°03'15.3"N 2°43'00.7"W
    UTM
    30U 519413 5767108
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Similar routes nearby

    • Golden Valley Pilgrim Way - 30 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
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    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    60.6 mi
    Duration
    25:40 h
    Ascent
    5,453 ft
    Descent
    5,436 ft
    Highest point
    1309 ft
    Lowest point
    164 ft
    Scenic Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna Linear route

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    Madley (Photo credit: Ella Greaves)

    For a shorter adventure

    Try the 30 mile 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.