Our guide to Herefordshire
7th March 2021
We were able to really take advantage of our final weekend in Fownhope. A serene, circular cycle on a beautiful day followed by some almost-vegan homemade burgers (with takeaway chips from the pub next door) made for a blissful day.
We cycled (ish, featured a lot of walking realistically) up Caplor Hill before navigating the rolling hills the other side of the valley exploring Hereford’s finest villages (including finding a pub to return for — Cottage of Content, it even had its own road signs!) before trekking back towards Fownhope via Haugh Wood.
Most memorable walk?
One afternoon we thought we would go for a quick walk up the hills in Fownhope. Next thing we knew we’d chatted the time away, and we came out on the other side of the road closure where the road had fallen into the river…
There was a man-made footpath installed in order to help ramblers to cross the fields now that the road was closed, but the river had swollen once again and flooded the path. Alex has a leaky boot. Alex was not happy. Emma found it all really amusing.
Best view?
This — the Magnum ice cream makes it.
Was 4 weeks long enough?
As we visited during the lockdown, where we had to stay very local, there was only so much we could do in the area. We did book to go to The Weir Gardens but our visit was sadly canceled due to the flooding. The Forest of Dean is nearby and it’s meant to be beautiful, but it seemed a tad far to travel given the ‘Stay local’ mandate.
If you want escapism, Fownhope is perfect. Fantastic local butchers, a well-stocked corner shop, two distinctive pubs and tons of local walks.
In our short time there, we did go for a walk in Hereford while we were food shopping which was pleasant to explore, but it was harrowing to see the damage the flooding had caused.
But after this, you are scraping the barrel — we think 4 weeks is enough.
Would you visit again?
100%. We’d love to go back and try the pubs and visit the little shop when everything’s open again! Fownhope is a truly relaxing place to be.
