Military History Trail: West Herefordshire

Venture into western Herefordshire and the Golden Valley to discover...

WWII RAF treasure on a hilltop
A church housing the grave of a Victoria Cross winner
A poignant bomber crash memorial
The historic Hay Castle

Grab your walking boots and go for a ramble up Garway Hill. Known as an ‘easy peak’, the 360-degree views combined with WWII radio mast and trig point remains make it well worth the effort. In June 1941, an RAF radio transmitter was built here, with a brick structure and an octagonal wooden tower. The wooden tower was demolished in 1948, but the brick wall and concrete anchors are still visible. Make sure you allow time to visit St. Michael's Church, Garway. Founded in 1180 after a royal gift from Henry II, the round foundations of this ancient church still whisper tales of the powerful Knights Templar order and there's a host of medieval treasure to be unearthed inside.

Next to the heart of the Golden Valley, first stopping at St Peter's at Peterchurch with roots tracing back to the 8th century and a Norman structure from the mid-12th century. It's known for its unusual four-cell basilica layout, a rope-moulded Norman font, and a Saxon stone altar. Here too is the burial place of Victoria Cross winner Robert Jones, whose extraordinary courage at Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War is highlighted (carrying six patients to safety while under fire). After exploring, enjoy tea and cake at The Hub within the church.

Woman looks out over hay castle during herefordshire histories festival

The remains of Snodhill Castle, one of the earliest Norman castles in the UK, are a short drive away and well worth a wander around. Then venture down the road to the picturesque village of Dorstone, which has a memorial stone commemorating the crash and loss of life of a WWII Wellington Bomber returning from a mission. Head out of the village and up into the hills to seek out Arthur Stone. A Neolithic chambered tomb, that is over 5,000 years old, where legend has it that Arthur slew a giant who left the impression of his elbows on one of the stones as he fell.

There’s lots of history to be uncovered in the border town of Hay-on-Wye, most notably within the walls of Hay Castle, which sits proudly on a hilltop above the town and has played witness to centuries of conflict. The castle was once home to Maud de Braose, Lady of Bramber, a powerful marcher baron and court favourite of King John. She waged war against the Welsh and features in many local myths and legends. Make sure you head to the top of the castle tower for stunning views across the marches and beyond. Before you go, head to Hay churchyard to see the extraordinary WWII monument to a flying accident at nearby Winforton in 1940.