Aspen House – the ideal base for walking

It is not without good reason that Herefordshire has been called the last unspoilt county.  Its tranquillity and understated natural beauty reflect a landscape comparatively unchanged by mechanisation and that phenomenon often referred to as progress.

Bypassed by the Western flank of England’s arterial road system, Herefordshire nestles unassumingly between the bustle of the Cotswolds and the ancient majesty of the Welsh mountains.  For all its quietness, it is nonetheless accessible – and superb walking country, at any time of year – even winter.

The county’s right-of-way network gives you access to around 1830 miles of footpaths, 245 miles of bridleways and 14 miles of byways.  From the Black Mountains in the west to the Malvern Hills in the east, the walker is spoilt for choice, with everything from short, gentle walks to the long-distance trails like the Wye Valley Walk, Offa’s Dyke Path or the Mortimer Trail.

Here at Aspen House we are happy to cater for the needs of walkers.  Conveniently situated a third of the way along the Wye Valley Walk, we offer first class accommodation and a superb breakfast to set you up for the day ahead at affordable prices.

We also offer drying facilities and information on local walks, from a casual riverside stroll to a challenging 15-mile hike.  The nearest walk literally starts on our doorstep, and we can show you at least three different local walks that will guide you to an excellent hostelry along the way!  And if you just happen to have forgotten your OS map, you can borrow one of ours.

Other activities

If you prefer cycling, you will find Herefordshire’s undulating countryside rewarding.  Everything from the gentle to the challenging is available.  If you haven’t brought your own, bikes are available for hire in a number of different centres.  The same goes for canoes and kayaks, giving you the chance to explore the rivers instead.

You can go fishing, riding or pony trekking.  Perhaps golf is your favourite.  There are many courses to try out, including Kington Golf Club, the highest 18-hole course in England.

In the cities, towns and villages, history and heritage are all around you.  Ancient castles, grand houses and fascinating parish churches give the visitor so much to explore.  And if you just love gardens, Herefordshire has everything to offer you, from the majestic formality of Hampton Court, near Leominster, to more intimate small scale gardens.

And then there are the festivals and shows – agriculture, classical music, folk music food & drink, horticulture, literature, poetry, walking . . . and all within a 30-mile radius of Aspen House.