Cider lovers can now cycle along two new cider trails in the north and south of Herefordshire. Even if cider is not your tipple, the trails are a great way to explore the county at any time of year, not just autumn.
During October, we celebrate this special fruit. Cider producers, chefs, bar tenders, hoteliers, heritage sites and other visitor attractions have launched new apple themed tours, menus, cocktails and events to showcase Herefordshire’s incredible orchard heritage, and give you even more reasons to visit this year.
Northern Cider Circuit
The Newton Wonder (49 miles through Hereford and Leominster): North of the city of Hereford stretches an undulating swathe of farmland, orchards and forested hills, studded with renowned ‘Black-and-White Villages’ – settlements whose streets are lined with the traditional timber-framed houses so typical of the region. Complete a 49-mile loop from Hereford to visit a succession of alluring hamlets, historic sites and passionate producers creating fine ciders, perries and juices to refresh thirsty cyclists.
Southern Cider Circuit
The Redstreak (59 miles through Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye): The ancient apple and pear orchards of southern Herefordshire, some of them well over two centuries old, are lovingly harvested by local producers to ferment spectacular ciders and perries in traditional and innovative styles. Cycle 59 undulating miles down shady backroads and alongside the meanders of the River Wye on a rewarding route visiting some of the region’s finest cider-makers, or prune your pedalling to 31.5 miles by taking the train back to Hereford from Ledbury.