This leads up to a telecom tower and then just past that you get a great view of pretty much the full length of The Black Mountains. If that wasn't enough you get past a wood and suddenly the end of the Black Mountains is right on you and there are great views of Hay's Bluff and Lord Hereford's Knob / Twmpa. Head towards a little quarry on the tops with excellent views of the Black Mountains and Hay on Wye. As you come into Cusop there is a T junction and the route cuts between some cottages first left and then immediately right - which takes you across a footbridge and a lovely stream view....

Neil Summersgill

There may be an alternative route created eventually (photos two and three show a plethora of confusing signage) but it's a tiny diversion to stick to the tarmac as far as the point at which the route turns off to follow the Herefordshire Trail southwards, immediately after crossing the infant River Dore. Soon after Wilding's the route follows the Herefordshire Trail across the flat floodplain of the River Dore. The route now continues along the Herefordshire Trail and provides great variety and views as it climbs southwards out of the Dore Valley towards St Margaret's; photo eight shows the view back into the Golden Valley from near the ridge summit. The route continues along the Herefordshire Trail east of St Margaret's, turning off a drive to skirt the southern edge of a house as directed by way marks. The route exits Elan Arw Wood and descends across the park land of Bacton Manor (photo thirteen, looking back along the route) to a lodge, at which point it turns left along about 1km of road walking - crossing the River Dore at Moorhampton Bridge - to the turning into the former Dore workhouse (now Riverdale) yard (https://htt.herefordshire.gov.uk/1295.aspx). The route leads down an avenue between fruit trees to the left bank of the River Dore, which it follows downstream to Abbey Dore Court. The route continues to follow the Herefordshire Trail through the curtilage of Dore Abbey, exits through a lichgate, crosses the road and climbs across fields towards Ewyas Harold Common with good views behind across Dore Abbey and Gilbert's Hill Wood inside PATA....

nichowes

The route follows the lane past Barking and Dagenham's Trewern outdoor centre before entering the peaceful churchyard at St Mary's, Cusop (photo two). The route follows the quiet lane to the joint eastern tips of New House Wood and Cefn Hill Common, at which point it veers left through a gate onto the course of an old green lane (photo six) leading to the site of Castle Farm across which there is a dramatic view of the eastern flank of the Black Mountains (Mynydd Ddu), with the rightly renowned Black Hill and sharp "Cat's Back" closest (photo seven) - both in England. Since New House the route has been following the Three Rivers Ride, which now turns right angle left from the green ride at the site of Castle Farm to head NE past the Vagar Hill communication tower and its redundant triangulation pillar (photo eight). Turning right at the crossroads, the route follows the Three Rivers Ride along an eroded metalled road past Meadow Croft Farm to access the top of an ancient byway that leads down towards Snodhill, with its initial section crossing a mass of old tree roots (photo ten). The route continues to follow the Three Rivers Ride along the upper edge of West Lawn Common, where I saw a brilliant patch of autumn crocus aka naked boys or naked ladies - whatever takes your fancy (photo eleven). At a sharp right hand bend in the lane comes a "Wow" factor - a superb holloway leading up into Old Hill Wood (photo thirteen)....

nichowes

The route descends a steep flight of steps through Godway Wood (photo two). After leaving the wood the route descends more gently, across pasture into Blakemere; this is Ice Age Pond country, including the large Mere Pool nearby: https://www.herefordshirewt.org/iceageponds The OS maps show no footpath along the track past Church House Farm but signs confirm that there is a right of way for pedestrians. Near the end of the section of road walking, the route passes the entrance to The Flits, one of Herefordshire's three National Nature Reserves (photo four):. A bridleway leads the route right off the surfaced lane at Pope's Place; looking back west from the bridleway the wooded slopes on the higher part of Moccas Park may be seen (photo five). The route leaves Preston-on-Wye via Hacton and emerges on top of a river bluff overlooking the floodplain of the River Wye (photo seven); the floodplain at this point was once occupied by a huge meander bend that is now abandoned as a waterlogged "oxbow lake" feature that has been incorporated into the farmed landscape to some degree. The route follows a bridleway along the top of the river bluff, with fine open views north across the River Wye floodplain....

nichowes

Lots to see on this route with plenty of valleys, woodland and the river. Mostly walking across pasture so not too heavy going. Dore Abbey is a good place for a break....

Neil Summersgill

Very long (25K), some wonderful views, last stretch is by the river Wye. Only one stop for drink / food....

Kate C

I would give 4 stars but the path near Ewyas Harold Common is blocked (reported). There is also a path through an orchard so would would be good to walk in May when the blossom is out....

Neil Summersgill