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Home> Walks> England> Herefordshire> Over Coppet Hill

Over Coppet Hill

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Walk directions

Walk down Castle Lane to the village and turn left towards Courtfield and Welsh Bicknor. Follow the lane to a bridge across the B4229.

By a fingerpost to Kerne Bridge, cross a stile on the left and descend steps to the main road. Follow it right past Flanesford Priory, founded by Augustinian monks in the 14th century. Today, the restored ruin is run as a self-catering accommodation. Immediately before the bridge, built in 1828, drop down steps on the right and pass through a small metal gate to follow a signposted riverside path at the edge of a field. At the far end, pass into trees and climb a few steps, the way shortly resuming beside the Wye.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Quiet lanes, riverside meadows, woodland paths
  Landscape  - River valley and hill top views
  Dog friendliness  - Dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and elsewhere but should be kept on a lead.
  Parking  - Goodrich Castle pay-and-display car park open daily; free for English Heritage members
  Toilets en route  - None on route
Walks in Herefordshire
About the walk
The name ‘Coppet Hill’ is a fairly recent introduction to a hill with an Iron Age presence. In the 13th century the hill was named, ‘Coppyngwode’ and, latterly, ‘Coppet Wood Hill’, each one referring to its tree-lined status and use as a coppice. Once belonging to the manor that is now the village...
Read more
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About the area
Herefordshire is split in two by the River Wye which meanders through the county on its way to the Severn and the sea. Largely rural, with Hereford, Leominster, and Ross-on-Wye the major towns and cities, its countryside and ancient villages are the county’s major asset.
Explore Herefordshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Paddocks Cottages
★★★★
award
"This spectacular retreat feels miles from anywhere, yet it's not too far off the beaten track...."
  • Total units: 5
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Guest Accommodation
The Royal Lodge
★★★★
awardaward
"Stylish rooms and a friendly team – an idyllic river valley location..."
  • Rooms 24
  • Free TV
  • DVD Player
  • Direct Dial
Inn
Saracens Head Inn
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Stunning spot on the River Wye – enjoy good food and a comfortable stay...."
  • Rooms 9
  • Free TV
  • Direct Dial
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
Paddocks Cottages
Situated in the picturesque and tranquil area of Symonds Yat, The Cottage makes a perfect base for exploring the Wye Valley. Enjoy the beautiful countryside of three surrounding countie...
★★★★    Rating
The Royal Lodge
The Royal Lodge stands at the top end of the village overlooking the River Wye. Bedrooms vary though mostly spacious and comfortable. There is a cosy lounge with an open fireplace and t...
★★★★    Rating
Saracens Head Inn
Dating from the 16th century, the friendly, family-run Saracens Head faces the River Wye and has wonderful views. The well-equipped bedrooms are decorated in a cottage style, and there ...
★★★★    Rating
Little Gaerfields
A large self-catering holiday home sleeping up to 18 plus 7 in additional bunk beds etc in the Herefordshire Wye Valley. Close to the Forest of Dean and the Welsh border. The old red sa...
★★★★    Rating
Penblaith Barn
Not far from the England-Wales border, sits Penblaith Barn with three spacious floors. The Galleried Hall is open to all three floors, while a large dining room provides a large central...
★★★★★    Rating
Penblaith Barn
Not far from the England-Wales border, sits Penblaith Barn with three spacious floors. The Galleried Hall is open to all three floors, while a large dining room provides a large central...
★★★★★    Rating
Harewood Cottage
...
★★★★★    Rating
Grosvenor Cottage
...
★★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Saracens Head Inn
Saracens Head Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Verderers
   AA Rosette Award
Simply Wild Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Saracens Head Inn
Saracens Head Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Verderers
   AA Rosette Award
Simply Wild Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel & Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Whitebrook
   AA Rosette Award
The Barn at Severn & Wye Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Restaurant 1861
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
4hrs
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
8.5 miles (13.7kms)

Ascent:
900ft (275m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
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Over Coppet Hill

Recommended by
Walk details
4hrs
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
8.5 miles (13.7kms)
Ascent:
900ft (275m)
Walk directions

Walk down Castle Lane to the village and turn left towards Courtfield and Welsh Bicknor. Follow the lane to a bridge across the B4229.
1 of 5

By a fingerpost to Kerne Bridge, cross a stile on the left and descend steps to the main road. Follow it right past Flanesford Priory, founded by Augustinian monks in the 14th century. Today, the restored ruin is run as a self-catering accommodation. Immediately before the bridge, built in 1828, drop down steps on the right and pass through a small metal gate to follow a signposted riverside path at the edge of a field. At the far end, pass into trees and climb a few steps, the way shortly resuming beside the Wye.
2 of 5

Ignore a later path signed off right back up to Goodrich and continue along the riverbank. In passing, notice the stone abutments on both banks, all that remains of a demolished bridge that carried the Ross and Monmouth Railway. The line opened in 1873, crossing the river three times and passing through two tunnels. Carry on beside the river through Thomas Wood emerging at the far side to continue at the edge of long, waterside meadows. Eventually the river sweeps into a tight bend and passing through a gap in a hedge, continue by the river.
3 of 5

Keep following the river – the border between Herefordshire and Gloucestershire – through Coldwell Wood by the river. Just beyond a reclining willow. Strike up beside the line of trees to a stile at the edge of the wood and follow a steadily climbing path along the ridge of Coppet Hill. Many of the trees were formerly coppiced to produce a regular crop of poles. These were primarily used for charcoal production to fuel the bloomeries of the Forest of Dean’s iron industry. The woodland thins higher up, opening views to the west. Keep right at successive forks and then ignore a crossing, before tackling a final short pull to the folly at the top of the hill.
4 of 5

Walk on beyond, bearing left at a fork to descend past the trig column. The narrowing path steepens into more trees. Watch for successive waymarks guiding you left and then right, the path becoming stepped as it winds below a rock outcrop to meet a junction of lanes. Carry on downhill, shortly reversing your outward steps to Goodrich.
5 of 5
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Quiet lanes, riverside meadows, woodland paths
  Landscape - River valley and hill top views
  Dog friendliness - Dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and elsewhere but should be kept on a lead.
  Parking - Goodrich Castle pay-and-display car park open daily; free for English Heritage members
  Toilets en route - None on route
Walks in Herefordshire
About the walk
The name ‘Coppet Hill’ is a fairly recent introduction to a hill with an Iron Age presence. In the 13th century the hill was named, ‘Coppyngwode’ and, latterly, ‘Coppet Wood Hill’, each one referring to its tree-lined status and use as a coppice. Once belonging to the manor that is now the village...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Herefordshire
Herefordshire is split in two by the River Wye which meanders through the county on its way to the Severn and the sea. Largely rural, with Hereford, Leominster, and Ross-on-Wye the major towns and cities, its countryside and ancient villages are the county’s major asset.
Explore Herefordshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Paddocks Cottages
★★★★
award
"This spectacular retreat feels miles from anywhere, yet it's not too far off the beaten track...."
  • Total units: 5
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Guest Accommodation
The Royal Lodge
★★★★
awardaward
"Stylish rooms and a friendly team – an idyllic river valley location..."
  • Rooms 24
  • Free TV
  • DVD Player
  • Direct Dial
Inn
Saracens Head Inn
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Stunning spot on the River Wye – enjoy good food and a comfortable stay...."
  • Rooms 9
  • Free TV
  • Direct Dial
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
Paddocks Cottages
Situated in the picturesque and tranquil area of Symonds Yat, The Cottage makes a perfect base for exploring the Wye Valley. Enjoy the beautiful countryside of three surrounding countie...
★★★★    Rating
The Royal Lodge
The Royal Lodge stands at the top end of the village overlooking the River Wye. Bedrooms vary though mostly spacious and comfortable. There is a cosy lounge with an open fireplace and t...
★★★★    Rating
Saracens Head Inn
Dating from the 16th century, the friendly, family-run Saracens Head faces the River Wye and has wonderful views. The well-equipped bedrooms are decorated in a cottage style, and there ...
★★★★    Rating
Little Gaerfields
A large self-catering holiday home sleeping up to 18 plus 7 in additional bunk beds etc in the Herefordshire Wye Valley. Close to the Forest of Dean and the Welsh border. The old red sa...
★★★★    Rating
Penblaith Barn
Not far from the England-Wales border, sits Penblaith Barn with three spacious floors. The Galleried Hall is open to all three floors, while a large dining room provides a large central...
★★★★★    Rating
Penblaith Barn
Not far from the England-Wales border, sits Penblaith Barn with three spacious floors. The Galleried Hall is open to all three floors, while a large dining room provides a large central...
★★★★★    Rating
Wharton Lodge Cottages
Wharton Lodge Cottages are situated in the glorious Wye Valley adjacent to Forest of Dean and just three miles from Ross-on-Wye, making it a great base from which to tour this scenic ar...
★★★★★    Rating
Harewood Cottage
...
★★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Saracens Head Inn
Saracens Head Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Verderers
   AA Rosette Award
Simply Wild Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Saracens Head Inn
Saracens Head Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Verderers
   AA Rosette Award
Simply Wild Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel & Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Whitebrook
   AA Rosette Award
The Barn at Severn & Wye Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Restaurant 1861
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby