Bredwardine, Arthur's Stone and Dorstone

This is another walk out of the 4th edition Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Pathfinder Guide. I originally undertook the walk in August, but have found myself distracted by other interests of late, hence why it is now December and I am just writing up the blog now! Route details here.

The walk starts at Bredwardine Church, not a stone's throw from the River Wye, where there is ample parking in the laybys on the entrance to the church. There are 2 versions of this walk, the longer route is 7.5 miles, the shorter option just the 5 miles. The walk is ideal for dogs as there are no stiles to negotiate, and for the pub connoisseur, there are 2 fine establishments to visit.

Starting in front of and facing the church, the walk heads off along a bridleway to the right, away from the Wye Valley Walk. The bridleway is followed for approximately a mile through woodland and passes the Motte and Bailey earthworks of Bredwardine Castle.

 The bridleway soon emerges onto the B4352, where the route heads left along the road for about 200m until it takes a right turn along a track at Bodcott Farm. The track continues uphill, passing farm buildings to a junction of 3 gates. I could tell you all to make a choice 'Indiana Jones' style, but I'm not that mean. Take the left hand gate and continue very much uphill along a sunken track. In the sunny weather this provides welcome shade, although the terrain is very loose and resembles a creek bed. In the wet weather I imagine it is more a stream. The track continues for approximately 1km and emerges onto a tarmac lane. From here there are stunning views across the Wye Valley, for which time should be made to enjoy.

Turning left along the tarmac lane (and again uphill), then right at a junction along Arthur Stone Lane, the going becomes easier and the views more dramatic as progress is made along the ridge. To the right, the Wye Valley, to the left, the Golden Valley, and beyond that, the Black Mountains. Other than the views afforded, the road is uninteresting, but do watch out for traffic heading upto Arthur's Stone.

Continuing along the lane, you soon reach Arthur's Stone. Despite it's name, it has nothing to do with the legend of King Arthur, but is an impressive neolithic stone burial chamber dating from 2000 to 3000BC.

Now, for a moan!! One of my absolute annoyances when walking, is having to walk over the same ground twice (linear walks, where you head out and back along the same route, being an example). At this point of this particular route you have 2 options. Continue along the lane and continue following it back to Bredwardine, for a short and cheeky. Or, continue along the long route and on to the village of Dorstone. I did this, which grated on me all the way down the hill and all the way back up the same hill.

That out the way, the visit to Dorstone was rather pleasant and does afford another pub to stop at. Heading down hill from Arthur's Stone, the route criss crosses a field edge all the way down, passing a private pond, complete with fishing dock and caravan, to reach a farmhouse. Continue down the farmhouse drive to the road, turning left then immediately right, downhill some more. Take the first left turn, which is pretty much straight on, along a lane, then taking the next right passed a row of quaint little cottages. Further along this leads into the village green of Dorstone, where you will find The Pandy Inn. I didn't stop on this occasion, but it was busy, which is always a good sign.

Turning right, shortly after the Village Green has come into view, you are taken along another lane to Dorstone Church (the lane is clearly signposted, just in case). The church is grander, yet newer than Bredwardine Church, but still a peaceful enough place for a spot of contemplation.

Continue through the Church to meet the road and turn right. This will take you back to the farmhouse and the start of the climb back to Arthur's Stone. While you retrace your steps following this route, there are other options should you wish an alternative way back to Bredwardine.

Upon reaching Arthur's Stone, again, turn left along the lane and continue to follow this all the way winding downhill to Bredwardine. There are various bridleways and footpaths that criss-cross the side of the hill should you wish and adventurous and more wild way back to Bredwardine, but the lane does provide solid footing and ease of navigation.

Upon reaching Bredwardine again, there is another pub to visit, The Red Lion (again, I didn't pop in, but it was also busy) is easy to find and doubles as a hotel.

So there you go, great views, ancient monument, 2 churches, retracing your own steps and 2 pubs! What more could you ask for?

Fownhope, Brockhampton and Capler Camp - Herfordhsire/Wye Valley

This is a walk I'd been meaning to do for a long time. Sat there staring at me from my 2005 edition of Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Walks Pathfinder Guide. This was walk 20 in 2005 and is walk 21 in the 2011 edition. Route information here

The walk starts at the beautiful village of Fownhope in Herefordshire. Parking is free at Fownhope Recreational Ground. There is also two pubs, where you can suitable reward yourself afterwards - The Green Man and The New Inn.

The walk itself has a long version (8.5 miles) and a short version (6 miles). With the weather so lovely I decided to 'go long'. The walk consists of mainly single track lanes in the first half of the walk and returns to the Fownhope via a section of the Wye Valley Walk.

Looking across to Fownhope from the Recreational Ground

From the Recreation Ground, the route is picked up on Capler Lane near the church. Turning right (South) away from Fownhope, the route follows the undulating Capler lane for over a mile, affording some lovely views across the River Wye and the surrounding countryside, before you actually take the track down to the riverside itself (For the short walk, you continue to follow the road uphill and turn left onto the Wye Valley Walk and follow it back to Fownhope). This stretch of the River Wye is so peaceful, my quiet reflection as I walked only broken by the sound of a group of passing canoeists and a swan hissing at me!

After about another mile of riverside tranquillity came the climb. Not particular high by any means, but relatively steep and thankfully shaded by the surrounding woods.

The top of the climb arrives onto a lane leading into the sweet hamlet of Brierly Hill, where the Wye Valley Walk is picked up. The views from Brierly Hill are vast if not obstructed by crop, and you can see as far as May Hill, distinguishable by its cluster of trees on the summit.

Heading first south and then east along the Wye Valley Walk, for little under a mile brings you to the village of Brockhampton. Here the route suggests a field path alongside the village, but the presence of the bovine demons put paid to that, so I diverted further along the road around the east side of the village. Most of Brockhampton is now a retirement complex, but has retained its charm through the preservation of the old buildings. Walking past the manor house, I saw a game of cricket being played on what could have been the lawn! There was a sizable crowd.

At the northern end of the village is Brockhampton Church. I like to visit the churches on walks, especially way out in the country, as the design and architecture can be very unique. Brockhampton Church is no exception. A thatched roof and wooden belfry are two of the charming features of this church.

Brockhampton Church

Signpost at Brockhampton crossroads

Heading north out of Brockhampton for a few hundred metres, I was at Capler Lodge (This is where the earlier diversion to the shorter distance route arrives). There should be a great viewpoint across the west of the Wye Valley, however, its heavily overgrown with trees, so a few brief gaps are all that remain. The view point does have a unique carved bench, each carving detailing features of wildlife, industry and culture of the surrounding area.

The carved bench at Capler Lodge

The view from Capler Lodge

Just past Capler Lodge is the Wye Valley Walk, again. The next leg of the walk takes in this delightful and well marked footpath for approximately 3 miles, back to the outskirts of Fownhope. The walk passes through the remains of the Iron Age Fort - Capler Camp - where there are again magnificent panoramic views to take in across to May Hill and the Marcle Ridge. A mile or so further along is Lea and Pagets Wood Nature Reserve. It's quiet, peaceful and full of wildlife. Colours, smells, birds and the odd surprised Weasel/Stoat. it could be either, all I could see was the body shape and colour so its a best guess.

Shortly after leaving Lea and Pagets Wood, is the small community of Common Hill. Common Hill has a unique tourist information office, which has been established in a disused red telephone box. This is located to a recently restored water pump.

Common Hill Tourist Office

Fownhope Church

I really enjoyed this walk, with such a range of things to see and views to take in. Its challenging in places, but fairly straightforward to navigate, meaning time can be taken to enjoy where you are, rather than work out where to go next. I'll be heading back here at some point methinks.