WALK AND WONDER
From historic churches (the Romanesque details of Kilpeck church are mesmerizing) to medieval castles (see the ruins at Longtown and again also at Kilpeck), to picturesque walks for all abilities, the best way to appreciate the Golden Valley is often on foot.
ABBEYS AND APPLES
In Abbeydore in 1147, Cistercian Monks from the Morimond Champagne region in France founded the iconic Dore Abbey. However, centuries later, it had fallen into financial difficulties, not to mention internal discord and was eventually dissolved. Revived in the 1600s by Lord Scudamore (more on the family later), he added a tower and ornately decorated screening, and its current stunning stained glass windows. And so it was opened for local village use.
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Unfortunately, by the end of the 19C the church again needed attention, and was this time repaired by local architect Roland Paul. The medieval presbytery is one of the finest Cistercian survivals in the west of Britain, and retained interiors still date back to the 1600s. While still a place of worship, it is now also a wonderful venue for music and community events, and is well worth a visit.
The aforementioned Lord Scudamore was from the historic estate of Kentchurch Court, who’s family history dates back to
the 14C, long before the Domesday Book. Their seat remains there still. The Scudamores were hugely important in Herefordshire’s history, not only as landowners, protectors and local benefactors but also in developing the region’s cider heritage. Modern cider apple varieties used in Herefordshire and the West of England can be traced back to the pioneering work of Viscount Scudamore in the 17C. As an ambassador to the court of Louis XIII during the reign of Charles II he returned from France with a collection of cider fruit from Normandy. Amongst these seedlings was the Redstreak, the apple that was to put Herefordshire cider on the map as one that was unequalled in Britain, and it’s still a favourite amongst artisan producers today.
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a stunning 6/7 day 60 mile circular route along beautiful and ancient paths that begins and ends at Hereford Cathedral. The trail links the Wye Valley with the Golden Valley and the flower meadows and foothills of the Black Mountains. Encounter apple orchards, sacred sites, incredible landscapes and often great watering holes and delicious food and produce along the way. Cider producers, even craft distilleries, ice cream makers and more break up the sight-seeing.
Locally, we like to feel that the Golden Valley’s name depicts its continuous vibrant golden colour through the seasons; the yellow of the hoards of wild daffodils in spring, the vast waving fields of wheat or rapeseed in the summer and the burnished leaves of autumn. This truly is an area with the Midas touch for visitors.
Discover great places to eat, sleep and enjoy in the Golden Valley on
www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
HERE FORDSHIRE GOLDEN VAL L E Y
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