The Festival programme this year comprises 29 guided walks and 4 self-led walks.
Kington is one of the great small towns of Britain: an elegant mediaeval market town, still in everyday use by some of the descendants of the people who built it. The Kington hinterland was once one of the country's largest Neolithic settlements, and is studded with Bronze Age tombs, mediaeval mottes and baileys and ancient churches. Kington is situated close to the Welsh border and for centuries was a centre for cattle drovers. Present day walkers are spoilt for choice. The Offa's Dyke Path national trail and the Herefordshire Trail run through Kington and the 30 mile Mortimer's Trail from Ludlow finishes at Kington. In addition a web of footpaths, accessible on foot from the town centre, awaits discovery.
How much to go for a long weekend walking holiday?
We have chosen the Globe Farm Bed & Breakfast for our stay for 3 nights.
Itinerary
Day 1 19/09
Knighton to Kington on Offa 13.5 miles
This walk follows the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail from Knighton to Kington on a particularly stunning section of the Trail with iconic views of the Welsh Border Country. During the day you are never far away from King Offa's earthwork, the longest scheduled ancient monument in Britain. The walk includes a couple of steepish climbs. The price of bus to Knighton is included.
Check into Globe Farm B&B
Day 2 Friday 20/09
The Art of Slow Travel 8 miles
Join the author of A Guide to Slow Travel in the Marches, for an exploration of the countryside between Black and White villages - Eardisland, Dilwyn and Weobley. Mix of field paths and back lanes. Bring a pack lunch but we’ll also be stopping at the Crown, Dilwyn too. 10:00am for the 10:10am Lugg Valley Bus (495) from Mill Street car park, Kington, to Eardisland. Bus (461) back from Weobley at 4:40pm. The walk intends to allow time to explore as well as walk. Bring money for two bus fares.
The History of Cider Making
Come along to listen to Penny Platts talk about the history of cider making and enjoy some samples! There will be free tea/coffee and biscuits to all who attend. This event is being put on by Kington History Society.
Day 3 Saturday 21/09
Source of the River Arrow
Starting at the Fforest Inn the walk takes us over the watershed to Cwm Kesty and the source of the River Arrow. Following the river bed takes us through some of the most splendid and remarkable hills of the Welsh Borders. We come across a wonderful hidden valley. We then head towards Colva where there will be a chance to look at the beautiful Celtic Church. From Newchurch we walk through more magnificent countryside with spectacular views. The last part of the walk is a leisurely drop down into Gladestry where the walk will end at the Royal Oak pub in the centre of the village. Return transport back to Kington from Gladestry will be provided. John Jones will then be playing at the Burton later in the evening, tickets are available on the Events page.
John Jones and Friends
John Jones, lead singer of The Oyster Band and friends provide an evening of music. We are incredibly fortunate to have John supporting the festival, he is leading a walk on Saturday - The Source of the Arrow, and then he'll be playing again in the evening, similarly to last year. Last year it was an amazing evening, absolutely packed and tremendously popular. Book early to avoid disappointment! Listen to one of his tracks on the video at kingtonwalks.org.
Day 4 Sunday 22/09
An interesting and varied walk taking in 4 hills around Kington: Bradnor Hill, Herrock Hill, Hanter Hill and Hergest Ridge. Plenty of vigorous exercise here, with some steep climbs from the start. But if the weather is reasonable there will be some great views in different directions from many points on this walk. (If it’s not, bring suitable clothing: it gets cold up there!).
How Much??
For 2 people 3 nights bed and breakfast at the Globe Farm B&B = £225
Walks and evening entertainment for 2 people = £100
Total = £325
Conclusion
The Kington walking festival is well run and established walking festival. Lots of walks and interesting evening events to take part in. Just how a walking festival should be to appeal to a wide range of people.
The price of £162.50 per person for 3 nights bed and breakfast, 3 guided walks, a cider evening and a band is excellent value. A tiring but great looking walking event.
The next walking festival will be the Ross-on-Wye Walkers AreWelcome Walking Festival another Herefordshire walking festival on the 27/09
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