From the church, descend to a minor road and turn right. At the entrance to The Hawkins take a kissing gate, then follow waymarkers across a track to skirt this farm. Now head down the pastures to a stile with wooden steps. Keep ahead, descending very gently, for 200yds (183m), to cross a footbridge over the Linton Brook.
Cross the concrete breeze block stile, then turn left up the field-edge. Where two stiles span the hedge turn left (waymarked), resuming along the field edge. At a cluster of gates below a power line go on to the tarmac above left.
To your left is a cattle grid and driveway to Woolner Hill Farm. Beside it are two gates – take the right-hand one. Use this grassy track for just 25yds (23m), then take the stile on the right here. Go diagonally, crossing a tarmac drive. Waymarkers are initially clear, following the line of telegraph poles. After several fields, reaching a telegraph pole at the top-left corner, angle right to walk beside and then through a line of trees, guided by a single hidden waymarker on a post. Pass the building, Burley, some 50yds (46m) to your left. Continue to reach a minor road.
Turn left. Go steadily down this gated road. About 150yds (137m) beyond the crossroads is the decayed avenue leading to the even more decayed church. Back on the lane, go 80yds (73m) further to a partially hidden stile on the left.
Skirt round the plantation of primarily ash trees. Join the driveway to Brookhouse Farm, following bespoke yellow arrows to a tall novelty signpost. Turn left to walk beside an orchard. Look for a wooden handrail and footbridge within 200yds (183m), switching the field boundary to your right. After 400yds (366m), having ascended through trees, keep pretty straight for a good 0.25 miles (400m). Pass in between the tall sheds of Upper Venn Farm.
Start down the driveway for 0.5 miles (800m), to a road. Turn right and in 175yds (160m) turn left opposite the remains of a stone barn. Continue along the road for 0.75 miles (1.2km) to reach the turning for St James’ church.
This walk links two churches, both isolated from any significant settlement. St James’ Church, at the start of the walk, has a hilltop position with pretty views of the Herefordshire countryside. St Mary’s sits in a bend of the River Frome. The stonework of St James’ is Norman and 13th century.... Several yew trees dominate the small circular churchyard, the mightiest of which is said to be 1,200 years old; inside, you’ll see a certificate to this effect. Also here, nestling in a corner, is the strikingly well preserved wooden chair said to have been used by St Augustine in ad 603 when he met the British bishops of the Celtic church. In spring time the churchyard is carpeted with snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells and is a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the views on the return from your walk. The village of Avenbury was mentioned in the Domesday Book and St Mary’s Church was at its centre. The village has now disappeared, leaving just the odd farm, and the church is now isolated. Built in ad 840 and extended in Norman times, the church was closed in 1931 and now lies in ruins. Now privately owned, the ruins are currently all but disguised by hoardings and fences displaying ‘Danger – Keep Out’ signs. Plans are in progress to stabilise this Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II listed building for future generations to enjoy. Of the church itself, only parts of the walls and a couple of Norman windows remain. One of the oldest and most important churches in Herefordshire, St Mary’s is believed to also be one of the most haunted. One of the bells, it is said, is to have rung out at the passing of vicars from both St Mary’s Church and St Andrews in London. Several stories are connected with the building being haunted, including a phantom organist.
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.
From the church, descend to a minor road and turn right. At the entrance to The Hawkins take a kissing gate, then follow waymarkers across a track to skirt this farm. Now head down the pastures to a stile with wooden steps. Keep ahead, descending very gently, for 200yds (183m), to cross a footbridge over the Linton Brook.
1 of 6
Cross the concrete breeze block stile, then turn left up the field-edge. Where two stiles span the hedge turn left (waymarked), resuming along the field edge. At a cluster of gates below a power line go on to the tarmac above left.
2 of 6
To your left is a cattle grid and driveway to Woolner Hill Farm. Beside it are two gates – take the right-hand one. Use this grassy track for just 25yds (23m), then take the stile on the right here. Go diagonally, crossing a tarmac drive. Waymarkers are initially clear, following the line of telegraph poles. After several fields, reaching a telegraph pole at the top-left corner, angle right to walk beside and then through a line of trees, guided by a single hidden waymarker on a post. Pass the building, Burley, some 50yds (46m) to your left. Continue to reach a minor road.
3 of 6
Turn left. Go steadily down this gated road. About 150yds (137m) beyond the crossroads is the decayed avenue leading to the even more decayed church. Back on the lane, go 80yds (73m) further to a partially hidden stile on the left.
4 of 6
Skirt round the plantation of primarily ash trees. Join the driveway to Brookhouse Farm, following bespoke yellow arrows to a tall novelty signpost. Turn left to walk beside an orchard. Look for a wooden handrail and footbridge within 200yds (183m), switching the field boundary to your right. After 400yds (366m), having ascended through trees, keep pretty straight for a good 0.25 miles (400m). Pass in between the tall sheds of Upper Venn Farm.
5 of 6
Start down the driveway for 0.5 miles (800m), to a road. Turn right and in 175yds (160m) turn left opposite the remains of a stone barn. Continue along the road for 0.75 miles (1.2km) to reach the turning for St James’ church.
This walk links two churches, both isolated from any significant settlement. St James’ Church, at the start of the walk, has a hilltop position with pretty views of the Herefordshire countryside. St Mary’s sits in a bend of the River Frome. The stonework of St James’ is Norman and 13th century.... Several yew trees dominate the small circular churchyard, the mightiest of which is said to be 1,200 years old; inside, you’ll see a certificate to this effect. Also here, nestling in a corner, is the strikingly well preserved wooden chair said to have been used by St Augustine in ad 603 when he met the British bishops of the Celtic church. In spring time the churchyard is carpeted with snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells and is a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the views on the return from your walk. The village of Avenbury was mentioned in the Domesday Book and St Mary’s Church was at its centre. The village has now disappeared, leaving just the odd farm, and the church is now isolated. Built in ad 840 and extended in Norman times, the church was closed in 1931 and now lies in ruins. Now privately owned, the ruins are currently all but disguised by hoardings and fences displaying ‘Danger – Keep Out’ signs. Plans are in progress to stabilise this Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II listed building for future generations to enjoy. Of the church itself, only parts of the walls and a couple of Norman windows remain. One of the oldest and most important churches in Herefordshire, St Mary’s is believed to also be one of the most haunted. One of the bells, it is said, is to have rung out at the passing of vicars from both St Mary’s Church and St Andrews in London. Several stories are connected with the building being haunted, including a phantom organist.
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.
