Michaelchurch Escley walks

This Herefordshire walk offers some wonderful views of the Black Mountains without too much ascent. The route follows tracks and paths north of Craswall and includes the opportunity to visit the remains of Craswall Abbey. Despite the title, an ascent of Hay Bluff is not included but could easily be added to the route.

This walk leads you up into the black mountains starting along the cat's back, taking in 3 peaks, crossing the England/Wales boarder and across the highest road pass in Wales.

The route goes south from Llantony Priory over Hatterall Hill, where it joins the Offa’s Dyke for 4.5km, down to the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, which has an inn that dates back to the 11th century and up The Skirrid (also known as Holy Mountain), which rises to 486m. Finally, the route finds its way into Abergavenny and terminates at the station.

This Monmouthshire walk offers a short and direct ascent of the Sugar Loaf, which lies a few miles west of Abergavenny. The route is generally easy to follow and should be saved for a fine day as the views from the summit are excellent in fine weather.

The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr) is a solitary hill rising from the countryside to the east of Abergavenny. This walk takes the most direct route to the summit and includes a steep ascent. The return route takes through pleasat woodland on the western flank of the hill.

This walk passes through the recreation ground, up through Park Wood, with a steady climb to Hergest Ridge, with its superb views of the Black Mountains and Bradnor Hill. The optional loop round the old racetrack provides outstanding 360 degree views.

A gentle walk to the south of Kington offering fine views. This walk can be muddy in places and there is one short but steep climb. The route involves a mixture of stiles and gates.

A walk up to and around Bradnor Hill, circuiting the highest golf course in England which affords magnificent 360 degree views over Herefordshire and Wales. This walk crosses and goes close to Kington Golf Course: be prepared to wait and give way to golfers.

This route takes us across the River Usk and through Crickhowell, up Table Mountain to visit Crug Hywel (fort), over the Grwyne Fechan valley, up to Crug Mawr and down into Grwyne Fawr valley. It passes Partrishow Church, parts of which date from before 1065. Then it's a climb up Garn Wen and Bâl Bach before dropping down to Llantony and the Prior.

Linear walk from Little Dewchurch through rich red sandstone country to one of Herefordshire’s finest Victorian churches at Hoarwithy. The walk passes through King’s Caple to the Wye at Sellack Bridge and onward to Upper Grove Common and finally across fields to Peterstow. Mostly on paths with some country lanes.

The route goes from YHA to YHA but essentially follows the Brecon Beacons Way going west-to-east. This section goes through a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it passes Llangorse Lake (Lyn Syfaddan). Formed in the Ice Age, it is one of the few naturally eutrophic lakes in Wales and is of national if not international importance.

The walk descends through beautiful parkland beneath Pengethley Manor Hotel, originating from the 16th century, to Hentland Church and through to Hoarwithy, where there’s a public house with a shop and post office.

Enjoy spectacular views towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, keep your eyes peeled for lots of wonderful wildlife, and discover hidden heritage along the way.

A walk uncovering Penallt’s hidden millstone industry. With some steep steps, uphill sections and uneven paths. Best enjoyed in spring and early summer when the bluebells and wildflower meadows are at their peak. This walk takes you to a millstone quarry, to the riverside where millstones were loaded onto trows and passes two pubs where you can enjoy a glass of local cider!

A route through woodland on clear wide tracks.

A circular route on Trellech Beacon with stunning views to the Wye Valley below and the Forest of Dean, Malverns and Cotswolds in the distance.

Through riverside meadows and along village tracks, climbing in the footsteps of William Wordsworth to the Bread and Cheese viewpoint and Cleddon Shoots waterfall.

Explore our fabulous Monmouthshire countryside. Enjoy riverside views beside the Wye and discover hidden heritage along the way.

There is a gentle uphill incline near the start of this mainly level woodland walk. There are stunning views down into the Wye Valley and a stop at the waterfall that may have been the sounding cataract, in Wordsworth’s ‘Lines written a few miles above Tintern Abbey’.