86 | Cycling World
Cycling in
Cider Country
Written by Liz Pullin, Visit Herefordshire
P
art of the charm of Herefordshire comes from its
unspoilt countryside, enjoyed by visitors all year
round. Farming is at the heart of Herefordshire
and to the county is particularly renowned for
its cider, with over half of all cider produced in the UK
coming from Herefordshire.
Combining these two themes, Herefordshire uniquely has
two cider cycling routes around Ledbury and Pembridge.
Both routes are about 20 miles long, with shortcuts for
those who want a shorter route and take in some of the
local cider producers and other attractions along the
way.(www.ciderroute.co.uk/cider-cycling)
Along with cider cycling in Ledbury, you are also on the
doorstep of Malvern and astnor. The village of astnor
is home to the grand astnor Castle which is well-worth
a visit on one of their open days. Head over towards
Malvern which will bring you into Worcestershire and is a
great place for cyclists who en oy a hilly ride. The website
www.malverntrail.co.uk provides a lot of information for
those interested in cycling around Malvern as well as
routes, refreshments and things to see and do.
Pembridge, located in the north of Herefordshire near
Leominster also forms one village on the Black and White
Village trail – a circular route visiting the quaint black
and white villages of north erefordshire. The Black and
White illages eisure Cycle ide is an easy nine or -
mile route, visiting the villages of Pembridge, Eardisland,
ilwyn and Weobley. The shorter route avoids the A
for those who wish to stay on quieter roads. Highlights
along this route include Dunkertons Cider Mill and Burton
Court. (www.blackandwhitetrail.org)
Wheely Wonderful Cycling, run by Chris and Kay Dartnell,
is a cycling holiday company just over the border in
udlow, Shropshire. They offer a range of cycling holidays,
sorting out the accommodation and luggage transfers
while you enjoy the sights without the hassle of having to
carry everything with you.
The tours include the Black and White illages,
erefordshire ardens and a Cider Orchards Tour, to
name a few. (www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk)
n south erefordshire, you will find the birthplace of
tourism, oss-on-Wye. Standing on the banks of the iver
Wye, Ross is a great starting point for exploring south
Herefordshire and the Wye Valley AONB by bicycle. Six
Bridges over the iver Wye is a -mile circular route
passing through several historic villages. As well as
going past the English Heritage Goodrich Castle , there
are plenty of cider producers to sample along the way.
Symonds Yat is worth a visit, especially if you are going
towards oodrich Castle. oss-on-Wye to Monmouth is a
popular route at only
miles, so a stop-off in Symonds
Yat allows you to see some of the most beautiful sights of
the Wye Valley in the county. Locally, Revolutions at Ross
is a cycle shop with a workshop for any repairs you might
need when on the road. (www.revolutionsatross.co.uk)
West erefordshire offers something special views
of the Golden Valley and Black Mountains, relatively
unspoilt countryside, village life and quiet roads are in
abundance. The Olchon alley provides a closed off loop,
ideal for families wanting to explore the area with quiet
rural roads and plenty of trees providing shade. If you
are passing through Longtown, make a stop at Hopes of
ongtown, the local village shop and post office where
you can stock up on drinks and snacks for a day out,
as well as local produce and gifts. For
the more competitive cyclist, the
Golden Valley is also a great
location for hill training.