GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Kington Walks

7.15 miles (11.5 km)

This Herefordshire based market town lies very close to the Welsh border. It's location next to Offa's Dyke and the wonderful Hergest Ridge make it a fine base for walking. There are also two significant waymarked footpaths passing through the town and the gorgeous Hergest Croft Gardens to visit.
This circular walk around the town visits Rushock Hill, Herrock Hill and the River Arrow. It uses sections of the Mortimer Trail and the Offa's Dyke Path, two waymarked footpaths which run through the area.
Start the walk in the town where you can pick up the Offa's Dyke Path. Follow the waymarked trail north and it will take you to Bradnor Green before climbing to Rushock Hill and Herrock Hill. You'll climb to over 1200ft in this area, with fine views over England and Wales to enjoy.
You then turn east passing Knill Garraway Wood and picking up the Mortimer Trail. Follow the trail south past Rushock to Portway. Here you follow a footpath west along the River Arrow to return you to the town.

Kington OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Kington Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Royal Oak is a good choice for some refreshments after your walk. They do good home cooked food and have a nice large garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find the pub on Church Street with a postcode of HR5 3BE for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country trails and hill climbs are ideal for fit dogs. The Royal Oak mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Black and White Village Trail passes through the town. The long distance footpath explores several of the towns and villages of the county. It's named after the wonderful old timber framed buildings which are typical of the area. On the route there's some fascinating history and excellent views of the surrounding rolling countryside. Following the trail south will take you to the delightful settlement of Weobley where you can visit the Norman church and The Ley, a Grade-I listed farmhouse dating to 1589.
The town is also home to the Kington Walking Festival, annual event which runs in September and has several organised walks to choose from.
To continue your walking in the area you could head due west from the town and climb the Hergest Ridge. The wonderful ridge runs between Kington and the little village of Gladestry in Powys, Wales. You'll also pass the lovely Hergest Croft Gardens which include more than five thousand rare trees and shrubs. The gardens are a fine place for a stroll with beautiful flowers and topiary to admire.
To the north you can visit Presteigne in Powys. There are some pleasant trails along the River Lugg here.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Herefordshire Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Kington - geograph.org.uk - 36252

A photo of Kington from Offa's Dyke Path from the north looking south.

River Arrow - geograph.org.uk - 1731907

River Arrow. Looking downstream from the bridge on Bridge Street. An important source of power for milling wheat.

Back Brook - geograph.org.uk - 449811

Back Brook Tributary of the River Arrow, in Kington. This is where the Offa's Dyke National Trail crosses this watercourse next to the A44 bypass.

Church street, Kington - geograph.org.uk - 958011

Church street, Kington

Offa's Dyke on Rushock Hill - geograph.org.uk - 450158

Offa's Dyke on Rushock Hill. For Offa's Dyke National Trail walkers going north, this is truly an emotional moment - after 54 miles absence the ancient earthworks reappear and accompany the path at last.

On the flank of Herrock Hill - geograph.org.uk - 450175

On the flank of Herrock Hill. Offa's Dyke National Trail descending down the eastern flank of Herrock Hill towards the valley of Hindwell Brook. This part of the walk is of the highest quality.

Offa's Dyke Trail below Herrock Hill - geograph.org.uk - 450168

Offa's Dyke Trail below Herrock Hill. The trail takes a sharp right at the saddle, but the Dyke itself curves round onto the summit - some feat of engineering for the Dark Ages.

Hergest Croft - ornamental orchard - geograph.org.uk - 790126

Hergest Croft gardens just to the west of the town- ornamental orchard Spring colour amongst the old orchard trees

GPS Files

GPX File

Kington.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Kington.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)