Get a bird's eye view
A circle from Goodrich castle through spectacular Herefordshire country alongside the Wye, below Symonds Yat
It's about six miles, about three hours walking. Use the map OS Explorer Outdoor Leisure map 14, Wye Valley & Forest of Dean, grid ref: 575 196.
Park at Goodrich Castle (English Heritage) £1 per day (refunded if you visit the castle). There is a very attractive new information centre, toilets and shop plus a great cafe which serves good food – ideal for the start or end.
The castle is five miles south of Ross-on-Wye off the A40 and is a short way from Goodrich village. It commands a great position between two stretches of the looping Wye.
F ew places in the country can equal the scenery you will enjoy on this circle starting at Goodrich Castle in Here- fordshire's Wye Valley.
It follows part of the Wye as it loops the loop and you go along below the famous Symond's Yat rock and Coldwell Rocks, where peregrine falcons nest.
Then there is a steady climb up on to Coppett Hill where the views – and, in season, the bluebells – take your breath away. Expect to see fallow deer (if you remain quiet) and a variety of raptors such as peregrine falcons, ravens and perhaps a red kite.
Take a towel, as there is a flat little beach where you can paddle and look up at Symond's Yat rock at the same time. Some of the stiles may be quite hard for less agile dogs.
There is no refreshment en route, but a wonderful selection of picnic spots. And at the castle is a fine cafe, as well as a good pub in Goodrich village, Ye Hostelrie Hotel.
 |
 |
 |
START
Follow the entrance drive to the castle back down to the village. You start to get views across to Coppet Hill on the way down. Turn left on the main village road. Opposite is the old school, now being converted, and next to it the new school.
Take the footpath up the side of the new school going past the car park and up the grassy bank following the marked posts. Turn left along the grass near the top, passing seats. Go over a footbridge and carry on gently up. Go through a gate and along the hill path towards St Giles church and go into the churchyard.
1. CHURCH
The church has a fine spire; a real landmark for miles around. During the Civil War, the Rev Thomas Swift, grandfather of author Jonathan Swift, of Gulliver fame, was vicar. A Royalist stronghold, it was pillaged several times by the Roundheads.
Continue on along the main path and out the gate. A grassy path then takes you on across open land.
Maintain direction down a rough drive and reach a lane on the edge of the village. Turn left, and shortly at the bend turn right on the footpath. At the end cross a stile into a field, where alpacas may be grazing.
Go diagonally down across, enjoying the views across the countryside and over to Coppett Hill. Cross a stile and continue diagonally down the next field to a gate on to the road.
2. ROAD
Cross and take the track opposite, climbing. At the entrance to a cottage, it narrows to a smaller path but continue on up. At a fork, turn right and climb quite steeply.
3. COPPETT HILL COMMON
Reach a broad track on the edge of the open land of Coppett Hill Common, much of which is a Nature Reserve – it is one of the largest commons in Herefordshire.
Turn right downhill. At the cottage at the end, go to the left of the garage on a footpath which leads you to glorious Rocklands Wood.
In season, this next stretch is a splendid sight, with bluebells and fresh green beech adorning the slopes and the woodland floor. But it is beautiful also at any time of year. After about half a mile, leave Coppett Hill Common over a stile. Turn left on the track.
Along here in the woods at the side you may well see fallow deer. Ahead on the other side of the river is the rocky and wooded promontory which lies between the loop of the Wye – Huntsham Hill, which has a Bronze Age fort, and Elliott Wood, are what you can mainly see at this point.
Soon come close to the Wye, on your right.
4. RIVER WYE
Enter Courtfield Estate woodland and follow the track on. Eventually come out into a field and open land alongside the Wye again.
Ahead is a fine view of Symond's Yat rock topped by its famous viewpoint. You will probably see canoeists enjoying the river.
Further on below the rock reach a small beach, which would be fine for a picnic and maybe a paddle and look across to Symond's Yat rock and Coldwell Rocks where peregrine falcons nest.
After well over half a mile along the river reach a broken hedge line ahead, with a stile down near the Wye and high up opposite Coldwell Rocks.
5. WOODS
Don't cross this but instead, turn up left and cross a marked stile into woodland. Here begins the steady ascent on to Coppett Hill. It is quite steep at first but then levels out further on and you will be rewarded with some fine views.
Near the top there are a couple of forks in the track – take the upper path (marked as the circular route) in both cases. It is about three quarters of a mile to a ruined building at the top at 656ft.
6. FOLLY
This was recorded in 1799 as being the house of a rabbit warrener.
Stop, take a breather, and enjoy the panorama, including a view of Flanesford Priory and, to the left of it, Goodrich Castle.
Then carry on, bearing down left to the Trig point. Continue down the grassy path which later narrows.
On the way down you get views over an old stone five-arched bridge, Kerne Bridge, which was built in 1828 as a toll bridge replacing the ferry.
Go under trees and then go down steps following the main path left and continue on down this path, appropriately described as a "snakes and ladders path" by the Wye Valley AONB in its book Walk This Wye.
7. LANE
Reach a lane at the foot and a triangle of grass with trees opposite. You want to take the road on the other side of this (slightly left) passing a letter box in the wall and dropping down gently.
Reach the crossroads in the village and then turn up right to the car park, hopefully with enough time left to enjoy this splendid sandstone castle.
This imposing Marcher castle dates back to the c11th when it was built by an English thegn, Godrich. It boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle.
Cared for by English Heritage. Adults £5.30, concessions £4.40, children £2.60. Free to EH members. For more information tel: 01600 890538
Ye Hostelrie Hotel, Goodrich, Herefordshire HR9 6HX. Tel: 01600 890241. Please call before setting out to confirm opening times.
This walk is based on Coppett Hill Country, a circle devised by the Wye Valley AONB in their book Walk This Wye.
Comment on this story