This is a stunning 6/7 day circular, ‘bring your own beliefs or none’ pilgrimage route, along beautiful and ancient paths that begins and ends at Hereford Cathedral. Hereford can be accessed by public transport from anywhere in the country making this an environmentally sensitive pilgrimage option. With the route being circular if you do arrive by car you don’t have the hassle of having to find a way back to where you left the car.

The trail itself, links the Wye Valley with the Golden Valley and the flower meadows and foothills of the Black Mountains. Once you leave the city and the Cathedral behind, this is a rich and silent land, good for the body as well as the soul.

Approximately 60 miles long you will come across apple orchards, sacred sites, ruined castles, holy wells, and Arthurian legends as well as hidden farms that produce local ciders and ice cream. There is a real contrast between gentle wooded river valleys and stunning views of mountain landscapes with one or two spots for wild swimming.

Uniquely, along the way, and for a suggested donation of £22 [£25 in the winter], you can sleep overnight in medieval churches, we call these our night sanctuaries. We have 10 churches that act as night sanctuaries for this purpose. A beautifully illustrated pilgrim credential or passport can be stamped in each church. All but two of these churches is situated in villages with fine country pubs where you can eat local produce at the end of a day of walking. Village stores are located on each section of the walk where you can refuel and restock your packed lunch.

In addition The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way includes a 3/4 day path, also beginning and ending at Hereford Cathedral, as well as an 82 mile cycling route.

To order your credential and access the booking system, as well as the historical guide please contact Anne Lloyd Deanery Administrator on [email protected]. The guides for all routes can be downloaded as a PDF and can be found at the end of the page

For further information and guided pilgrimages contact Simon Lockett on [email protected]