WILLIAM recently organised a mid-week two day walking festival in Herefordshire accompanied by 11 walkers from Penarth Ramblers and on day one they set off from Grafton for what turned into a 15 mile hike on a misty morning.

Crossing the busy A49 and heading east across fields towards Ridge Hill, the mist cleared upon reaching the summit rewarding them with clear views towards the Black Mountain ridges including the silhouette of Hay Bluff.

Descending through the hamlet of Dinedor Cross and skirting Dinedor Hill towards Tar’s Mill Farm before passing the adjacent woodlands of Ramsden Coppice and Widow’s Wood, a rickety footbridge led to the small village of Dinedor and a refreshment break at St Andrew’s Church, during which Josie shared out her lemon drizzle cake much to everyone’s delight.

Fields led towards the River Wye near Dinedor Court and descending steeply to the riverbank and heading towards Hereford, herons, swans, a single cormorant and lots of ducks were spotted.

After pausing to chat to a fisherman who was hoping to catch one of the barbel’s that feed on the river bed gravel, a stop for lunch on the riverbank was accompanied by a poem from WH Davies, a favourite of the leader.

Passing grand riverside houses on the opposite bank, then below a railway bridge and a new cycle/pedestrian bridge, the two rather strange looking metal towers have been erected to encourage sand martins to nest. The path led them into Blackstone’s Park and across the Wye via the Victoria Bridge, a suspension bridge opened in 1898 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and entering Hereford city centre, there was time to wander freely before meeting up to re-cross the river by way of the beautiful old stone Wye Bridge, making their way back to Grafton via a disused railway, parkland, fields and Grafton Wood.

With the dawning of day two, the group headed southeast by cars to Cockshoot on the slopes of Backbury Hill with its commanding views over the stunning Wye Valley and Hereford and they set off in warm clear weather, with the prospect of a 14-mile walk ahead of them.

Crossing South Down and passing through woodland at The Grove to the village of Mordiford and joining part of the long distance Wye Valley Walk, they headed south past Mordiford Mill and through old cider apple orchards.

From Nupend Farm and Common Hill ridge and leaving the Wye Valley Walk at Lea Wood they paused for morning refreshment at the edge of a field in bright sunshine, whilst attracting the attention of two gorgeous shire horses who obviously expected to be fed.

Descending Fishpond Hill and through Buckenhill Wood towards Croose Farm they joined the Three Choirs Way passing through Hyde farmyard before commencing the long steep haul onto Marcle Hill with the shrill cry of a buzzard circling overhead.

Stopping to enjoy the views towards the Malvern Hills away in the distance with the market town of Ledbury and the village of Much Marcle in the foreground, they continued northwards along Marcle Hill before stopping for lunch near Hooper’s Oak for another WH Davies poem from William.

Refreshed and continuing along the ridge one walker keenly spotted a large mushroom which was soon stashed in his rucksack to take home before reaching a minor road at Woolhope Cocksfoot.

Climbing steeply to join a track to Jones Coppice and on towards Canwood Farm before crossing fields to the Pentaloe Brook, a large willow tree had fallen across the footbridge but after some careful manoeuvring they passed through.

Then passing Garth Cottage and Checkley where a ‘Beware of the Bull’ sign was noted, a steady climb around Backbury Hill, which houses an Iron Age hillfort on its summit led them back to the car park to prepare for their return home to south Wales.

On September 27, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile mod/hard walk above the Cray valley following the disused tramway and taking in Fan Gyhirych; contact Robin on 029 2051 4051.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice.

To follow the group log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.