The Mortimer Trail

Ludlow

29.7 miles

Intro

This peaceful landscape in the north of Herefordshire was once dominated by the powerful Mortimer family. From the Norman Conquest to the Tudor Landscape the family and their castles featured centrally in battles against the Welsh, in conquests in Ireland, in kingmaking and breaking as well as in the Wars of the Roses.

The Mortimer Trail explores this dramatic legacy over 30 miles, following a succession of hills, ridges and valleys between Kington and Ludlow. Sleepy villages, shady woods and sparkling rivers dot the route, which feature superb vistas.

Don't Miss

Wandering through wonderful woods, ancient & modern
Roaming around dramatic hill-forts & imposing castle ruins
Pausing at meandering rivers teeming with wildlife
Soaking up the superb vistas
Passing through pretty villages & farmsteads
Unparalleled peace & quiet

Back to overview

recommended route Long-Distance Hiking · Central England and the Midlands

The Mortimer Trail

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Visit Herefordshire

Croft Ambrey on the Mortimer Trail
Photo: www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk, Visit Herefordshire

Selected alternatives for you

difficult

Distance 30.9 mi

13:55 h

4,396 ft

4,213 ft

1,224 ft

262 ft

Walk through wonderful woods, alongside meandering rivers teeming with wildlife and across open fields, discovering lost castles and ancient hill forts along the way.

Trace the ridges, hills and valleys between Kington and Ludlow. This linear route can be walked in either direction and will take 1 to 3 days.

Author’s recommendation

The Mortimer Trail is a linear route, taking 1 to 3 days, and can be walked in either direction. A new Guidebook for the Trail was published in 2023 and is available from local bookshops, Tourist Information Centres and other venues. Or you can also view our shorter online guide here.

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Visit Herefordshire

Difficulty

T1 difficult

Overall difficulty

difficult

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

1224 ft

Lowest point

262 ft

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Track types

Asphalt

5.8 mi

Dirt road

801 ft

Forested/wild trail

8.7 mi

Path

15.7 mi

Road

2037 ft

Unknown

1047 ft

Show elevation profile

Rest stops

The Riverside at Aymestrey

Tips and suggestions

Don't Miss:

Wandering through wonderful woods, ancient & modern
Roaming around dramatic hill-forts & imposing castle ruins
Pausing at meandering rivers teeming with wildlife
Soaking up the superb vistas
Passing through pretty villages & farmsteads
Unparalleled peace & quiet

Rest stop

Tip

Nearby

Top Partner

Waypoint

Start point

End point

Low point

High point

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Photo

Video

The Riverside at Aymestrey
The Walking Hub
Border Bean
The Riverside at Aymestrey
National Trust Croft Castle
Richards Castle St Bartholomew Church & 11th Century Castle
Mortimer Forest & High Vinnalls