Croft Castle & Wigmore Castle loop

Hiking trails & Routes

West Midlands Region

Croft And Yarpole

Croft Castle & Wigmore Castle loop

Hard

3.0

(2)

hikers

Croft Castle & Wigmore Castle loop

06:19

22.4km

440m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 6, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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4.51 km

Pokehouse Wood

Highlight • Natural

As well as being a marvellous little woodland to explore, Pokehouse Wood has some beguiling folklore attached to it. It is thought that 'Poke' is derived from 'Puck', the up-to-no-good imp of English legend.

In days gone by, Pokehouse Wood grew a reputation for travellers and young maidens losing their way or being led astray by something, or someone, that lived among the trees. In order to warn travellers when dark was approaching, the bell at Aymestrey Church was rang before sunset every day. This was at the behest of a concerned local who donated his own money to make this happen and protect the people.

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5.22 km

Aymestrey Village and Riverside Country Inn

Highlight • Settlement

On the banks of the River Lugg, nestled deep in the heart of North Herefordshire's Marches, is the lovely village of Aymestrey. This is an ideal base for exploring the hilly woodland of the Mortimer Forest and the wider Welsh Marches region. To the north east are Croft Ambrey's Iron Age earth embankments and to the west are the wooded flanks of Mere Hill Wood.

There's a choice of accommodation in the village, with the 16th-century, black and white timbered Riverside Country Inn boasting excellent food as well as cosy rooms. There are also lodges and a holiday park in the village, as well as further options in the surrounding countryside.

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11.4 km

Wigmore Castle Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Wild ruins of a Norman castle

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20.3 km

Croft Castle

Highlight • Castle

Croft Castle is a 17th-century castellated manor house set within formal gardens. There's a working vineyard, orchards and walled garden, along with 1,500 acres of parkland, woodland, farmland and even an Iron Age hillfort. National Trust members/paid entry to the main site but public footpaths, including the Mortimer Trail, weave throught the surrounding countryside, offering wonderful running.

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