A choice of walks around Garway's 12th Century Church
The view from Symond's Yat Rock
Hereford Cathedral - home of the Mappa Mundi
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We are located within some of the most stunning scenery in England.
First and foremost the objective of most people visiting or staying with us is to relax. The setting is untouched by major tourism, noise pollution or any significant modern infrastructure. We are surrounded by large farming communities and, as such, visitors can really enjoy a countryside that is fast disappearing across most of the UK.
There are many activities that you can partake in whilst staying with us. They include outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, golf, fishing and shooting or visiting places such as the Golden Valley and Brecon Beacons. Other local attractions also include the Herefordshire Cider Route and local Food Festivals such as Hereford, Ludlow or Abergavenny. Listed below are a small selection of activities and sites that are a short walk or drive away. For more information on local activities and history
please visit our local village websites at Garway Heritage
Group or the St.Weonards website at
http://www.stw.org.uk/
WALKING
Garway is surrounded by many public footpaths and bridal ways traversing some of the Herefordshire’s most beautiful countryside. We have explored and marked up a number of local walks that take in some interesting sites, including St Michael’s Church, Garway Hill, White Rocks and Skenfrith Castle. Just ask at the bar for copies of routes and descriptions and we will be more than happy to assist.
There are also some well established and famous walkways in the local area.
Three Castles Walk
The Three Castles Walk is a circular route about 19 miles (30 kilometres) long.
It takes the walker through undulating landscape of wooded hillsides and hidden valleys in North East Monmouthshire.
It is on the borderland of England and Wales and the many castles are a reminder of the turbulent history of this area.
The Three Castles Walk links the three Norman Castles of Skenfrith, White Castle and Grosmont.
Visit http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk
Offa's Dyke National Trail
“Is one of three such National Trails in Wales and twelve in England.
The Trail follows the aligmnent of the Offa's Dyke earthwork built by King Offa in the 8th Century during the Anglo-Saxon period of our history.
A challenging path along the English/Welsh border via Hay, Knighton and Llangollen. The trail passes 80 miles of the 8th century dyke and earthen wall built by the Anglo-Saxon King Offa of Mercia (757 to 796).”
Visit http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk
GARWAY CHURCH
As outlined in the Garway Heritage Group website, the history of St. Michael’s Church spans over three distinct eras:
Circa 1180 AD: Henry II gave the land to the Knights Templars who built one of six stone churches in England on the site with a circular nave.
1307 – 1340 AD: King of France and the Pope dissolved the Knights Templar and the land was passed to the Knights Hospitallers
1491 – 1547 AD: Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and St. Michael’s becomes a village church.
The round foundations of the Templar church can still be seen clearly today, together with some of the other key features such as:
- Original carved Chancel Arch
- Church tower originally built for refuge in circa 1200 AD and later joined to the nave in the 15th century
- Chancel roof built by the Hospitallers circa 1400 which is said to be one of the finest examples of Herefordshire style medieval roofing
- Examples of carved Templar coffin lids which have been reused as steps and window lintels by the Hospitallers
- Original pews dating back to the 17th century
SYMONDS YAT & the WYE VALLEY
One of the most featured views in England can be seen from a limestone outcrop 500 feet high called Yat Rock - almost 360 degree views of the river Wye winding through the heavily wooded gorge in a horseshoe bend around the rock. Other activities in this area include:
- Travel on a hand pulled ferry between Symonds Yat East and West
- Watch Pereguines nesting on the cliffs with powerful telescopes during breeding season (April – August)
- Look for other wild life such as Goshawks, ravens, jackdaws, barn owls, bustards, fallow deer, badgers, foxes etc.
- Canoe, kyake and white water train down the rapids
- Walk the numerous paths through the woods including the Wye Valley Walk
- Visit the Museam of Mazes, Butterfly Zoo and archaeological discoveries at ‘King Arthur’s Cave’ on Great Doward
- Visit Goodrich Castle and Tintern Abbey
- Shop in local market towns such as Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth
Visit http://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk
HEREFORD, THE CATHEDRAL & MAPPA MUNDI
“Hereford, as the livestock and agricultural centre for Herefordshire and neighbouring mid-Wales, is host to a livestock market every Wednesday. The pedestrianised open space of High Town at the centre of the city is a lively meeting place and shopping centre with monthly Farmers Markets. Picturesque Church Street with many interesting small shops specialising in quality goods leads up to the Cathedral Close surrounding the XI century Norman Cathedral and adjoining Mappa Mundi and Chained Library exhibition. Walk down to the riverbank, have a drink or eat overlooking the River Wye or walk along the banks to the open spaces of Bishops Meadow.”
Visit http://www.herefordcathedral.org/visit.asp
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