On Hergest Ridge, Herefordshire

Sunday began dismally. Pulling back the curtains and surveying the farm, the sky was featureless cloud and there was rain running down the windows. Mind you, the breakfast was huge and delicious, the meaty parts all farm produced.

We headed west to Kington, taking in Eardisland and Pembridge along the way. I wanted to wander the length of Hergest Ridge. We parked in the town and set off in search of a church spire which would mark the start of the ridge. From there it would have been a simple push up the road but Cath got a touch of the legache. Leading the way I came to Hergest Croft where there was a sign for their tea rooms. It seemed to me a cuppa and sit down would suit Cath fine. Access to the tea room followed the entry desk for the gardens, so the stop turned out expensive, but truly worth it. The grounds were laid out magnificently, and I merrily trundled from feature to feature.

The top of the ridge was glorious, covered in bracken with two or three wide mown paths cris-crossing the common, and extensive views in every direction. The sky was predominantly cloud and the air warm, and showers could be seen to develop and disappear as swiftly as the shafts of light which percolated through.

The shot shows Bradnor Hill (right) and beyond Herrock Hill, while all that lies beyond Herrock Hill is Powys.

Extras,
River Arrow, Eardisland
Hergest Croft and Gardens