Herefordshire has a new long-distance walking trail

On June 30, 1921, author and antiquarian Alfred Watkins was standing on a Herefordshire hillside when he had an extraordinary revelation. It came to him that straight lines criss-crossed the landscape, connecting ancient and spiritual sites. He christened them “ley lines” and regarded them as we might imagine a Neolithic Sat Nav – straight tracks enabling our ancestors to situate themselves in the landscape and navigate through it.

A new long-distance walk, The Twin Valley Ley Line Trail, is officially launching this summer to mark this anniversary, treading through glorious and diverse countryside as it touches ancient ley line landmarks and reveals the opposing natures of two great rivers, perhaps the oldest paths of all.

The whole route is 47 miles/76km long and can be completed over three to five days, depending on your pace, or walked as a series of day hikes. Taking in the aptly-named Golden Valley and ancient ley-line landmarks, the landscapes include remote moorland, ancient woodland, the highest monastic site in England, and Black Mountain summits before finishing soon after passing Arthur’s Stone, an impressive and legendary Neolithic burial chamber.

Stage 1 and 2 are dotted with interesting historical sites, while Stage 3 is a more remote and challenging stretch through dramatic landscapes. Overnight accommodation along the route can be arranged in country pubs, B&Bs and even in atmospheric churches.

For more information click here. Download a PDF of the Twin Valley Ley Line Trail here