Magic in Mortimer Country
A magnificent march across Mortimer Country, complete with a handsome castle, an ancient hill fort, a magical valley and a mischievous woodland sprite…
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There are big views to be found on this varied walk, but the intimate atmosphere of Fishpool Dingle is a particular delight. Here you’ll find beautiful beech woods and towering Douglas firs, remnants of quarries and lime kilns, a chain of ponds that once provided fish for the castle’s kitchen, and Georgian follies and grottoes.
Read more about this walk in The Guardian
Route Guide
From the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey, cross the Lugg and head east into Pokehouse Wood – ‘Poke’ deriving from puck, the fairytale trickster said to lurk here – and then School House Wood. Tracks twist and climb amid the trees, before emerging above Croft Castle, with views south across the rolling Herefordshire countryside.
Trace the row of crooked Spanish chestnuts down to the National Trust manor and gardens (there’s a fee to enter the grounds but not to use the public footpaths). Then take the trail through Fishpool Dingle, climbing up this narrow, lovely, landscaped valley. At its head – near the hidden-away grave of Captain James Croft, 11th Baronet of Croft Castle – pick up a path to Croft Ambrey. This 300m-high Iron Age hill fort was inhabited from the sixth century BC, and offers far-reaching views in all directions, including to the Black Mountains.
From here, descend through the plantation forest, along the Mortimer Trail, to return to Pokehouse Wood and the Riverside Inn’s cosy woodburner, terraced garden and delicious, locally-sourced food.
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The Riverside at Aymestrey
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