Bircher Common and High Vinnalls
Herefordshire
Bircher Common is one of the few surviving fragments of lowland heath in the Welsh Marches, owned by the National Trust on the edge of Mortimer Forest. The 7.4 km circuit from the common car park crosses gorse-covered heathland, dips into the forestry plantation at High Vinnalls, and loops back across the ridge with views across north Herefordshire and into Shropshire. The common can be extended by linking with the Mortimer Forest track network.
Gorse in flower gives the common a warm, coconut-sweet smell in spring and early summer, layered over the dry grassy scent of the heath. Dogs can range widely on the open sections, with occasional seasonal cattle grazing — check signage on arrival. The forestry tracks are firm and wide, easy in most conditions. A small seasonal pond on the common edge provides water access for dogs on the return.
At a Glance
Walk Must-Haves
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bircher Common and High Vinnalls is a great choice for a day out with your dog. The 7.4 km circuit combines open heathland with wide forestry tracks through Mortimer Forest, giving dogs plenty of variety, and there's a small seasonal pond on the common edge where they can take a drink on the way back.
Dogs can range widely on the open heathland sections, but there is seasonal cattle grazing on the common, so it's worth checking any signage when you arrive and keeping your dog under close control if livestock are present. The forestry tracks at High Vinnalls are firm and wide, making them easy to manage whatever your dog's style.
There are no facilities on the route itself, so come prepared with water and anything else you need for the walk , the nearest town is Ludlow, around 10 km north, where you'll find full facilities. The common is owned by the National Trust and seasonal cattle grazing can occur, so keep an eye out for signage on arrival. It's also worth knowing the small pond on the common edge is seasonal, so it may not always be available as a water source for your dog.