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The Watkins Way

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Pembridge

A 106-mile scenic tour of Herefordshire’s wild, ancient landscapes

  • Heritage road trip & cycling route in Herefordshire
  • Celebrates Alfred Watkins’ discovery of ley lines on a local hillside
  • Tours ley line landmarks, from lost castles and secluded churches to sacred stones
  • Drive through the Wye Valley, Golden Valley and black & white villages
  • With pubs, craft cider makers & gardens en route

 

 

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Model T Ford Car illustration

The Watkins Way celebrates the discovery of ley lines by local man Alfred Watkins. Drive along country lanes, through the gorgeous Wye Valley and the magical Golden Valley to find historic ley line highlights. With dramatic hilltop views and ever-changing panoramas of the Black Mountains. The Watkins Way is one of the best scenic routes in the UK!

 

 

 

 

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Watkins Way
Kilpeck Castle

Magical Landscapes

Wind through the untouched Golden Valley, into the shadow of the Black Mountains and on to the county's picture-perfect black and white villages. You will:

  • Look out over the beautiful Wye Valley & Golden Valley 
  • Travel along remote, green country lanes
  • Stand on hilltops, soaking up the stunning views
  • Discover enchanting tiny villages
  • Feel a world away in our wild landscapes

 

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Watkins Way
Vowchurch

Ancient castles, churches & sacred stones

Visit the lost castles, secluded churches, early hillforts and pre-historic stones which sparked Watkins' revelation, you will:

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The Greenman, Fownhope
The Greenman, Fownhope

Super stops en route

The Watkins Way guide is free to download and features the best local places to stop along the way, you will discover:

  • Outstanding country pubs
  • Artisan cider makers 
  • Gorgeous gardens
  • Recommended walks 
  • Farm shops 

Download The Watkins Way guide

Follow this scenic route as a leisurely drive taking three to four days, depending on how long you linger at each stop. Alternatively, it makes a fantastic cycling route. 

The Watkins Way starts in Woolhope, in the Wye Valley National Landscape, and makes its way through the Golden Valley, looking out to the Black Mountains. It then meanders through the black and white villages, before reaching Hereford. 

Download PDF

View on Google Maps

View on Strava

Plan your trip
There are fantastic places to eat and stay en route, alternatively base yourself in the historic city of Hereford, in the heart of the county.

Cycling
Read our Cyclist's Guide to The Watkins Way which details the steepest inclines, best descents and most rewarding blasts on the route.

Electric cars
The 106-mile route can be completed on a single charge, based on the average range of an electric car. We recommend charging up at Ledbury, which is near Woolhope, before you begin. There are also charging points in Leominster and Hereford.

 

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Map of the Watkins Way

 

 

 

 

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An Old Fashioned Bike
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Ledbury

Plan your trip

Stay in gastropubs, hotels and B&Bs en route or base yourself in Hereford which sits at the heart of the county.

Read More
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Black and White Portrait of Alfred Watkins

The story of Alfred Watkins

Find out about the fascinating man who inspired the Watkins Way.

Read More

 

 

Quote

Imagine a fairy chain stretched from mountain peak to mountain peak, so far as the eye could reach...

Alfred Watkins' description of Ley Lines, 1921