Ludlow to Kington
48km/30 miles
Signed
A walk through the Marches of England, taking in extensive forests, limestone tops and gentle pastures in an area dominated in mediaeval times by the Mortimer family, one of the most powerful Norman earldoms. It follows a succession of hills and ridges, crossing the valleys of the rivers Teme, Lugg and Arrow, with some strenuous climbs.
It is possible to walk the route in three sections using public transport.
Five loop walks connect with the Trail, providing descents from the high ridges and opportunities for shorter circular walks. As well as being described in the guide below, they are also promoted in free leaflets from Herefordshire council.
- Lingen Loop Walk Lingen, Limebrook, Upper Lye and Lyepole Bridge 9km/5.5 miles
Ancient woodlands and pastures. Gentle walk with one steep ascent. - Shobdon Loop Walk Circular from Shobdon via Byton 9km/5.5 miles
Pools, parks and plantations. More challenging with several ups and downs. - Titley Loop Walk Circular from Titley via Green Lane Farm5km/3 miles EASY
Gentle countryside with woodlands and good views. One steep climb. Irregular buses to Titley. - Wigmore Loop Walk Circular from Wigmore via Aymestry and Yatton Marsh 16km/10 miles
A longer and more challenging circuit around a mediaeval borough, including Croft Ambrey Iron Age hill fort. - Yarpole Loop Walk Circular from Yarpole via Bircher Common and Croft Castle 8km/5 miles
Commons and coppiced woodland, with the option of diverting to Croft Castle.
The Trail was established by Herefordshire Council, inspired by an idea by local author David Minton, and fully opened in 2002.
Public Transport
Ludlow has a rail station with regular trains from Manchester and the northwest, Shrewsbury, Hereford and Cardiff, and regular buses from Hereford and Birmingham. Hanway Common and Orleton (1.5km/1 mile off route) have buses to Kidderminster and Ludlow. Covenhope turning, 2.5km/1.5 miles off the route, and Shobdon, on the Shobdon Loop, have buses to Leominster. Titley has a limited bus service to Kington, and buses connect Kington with Hereford where there are good rail services to Worcester, Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Cardiff.
For enquiry lines, see Public Transport for Walkers.
Publications
- The Mortimer Trail Official Route Guide, ISBN 1 9536983 1 9, £5.95 from Leominster Tourist Information Centre.
Spiral-bound guide with good colour maps, full route description, historical and wildlife notes, refreshment suggestions, public transport and additional information. - The Lingen Loop Walk, The Shobdon Loop Walk, The Titley Loop Walk, The Wigmore Loop Walk, The Yarpole Loop Walk, free leaflets from Herefordshire council or local information centres.
- Mortimer Trail Access and Accommodation, free from Leominster Tourist Information Centre.
Contacts
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Route is shown on maps.
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