Garway Hill Common
Herefordshire
Garway Hill rises to 366 metres above Garway in south west Herefordshire, a solitary common topped with gorse and rough grassland standing clear of the surrounding farmland between the Golden Valley and the Monnow, its open ground giving dogs with good recall an off lead stretch of the legs. A short, direct footpath climbs from the car park on the south eastern corner of the common straight to the summit trig point, barely 1.5km there and back but steep enough to feel like a proper climb, with around 100 metres of ascent. The reward is one of the widest panoramas in the county: Ross-on-Wye and May Hill to the east, the Skirrid and Sugarloaf to the west, and the Forest of Dean and, on clear days, the Bristol Channel to the south. Longer paths continue around the common for those who want more.
This is a dog friendly hill and a good short leg-stretcher, with open common underfoot giving a dog with reliable recall real freedom once away from the car park. Garway Common is registered common land, and while grazing was not confirmed for this specific site, sheep are grazed on many commons in this part of Herefordshire, so keep a dog under close control until you can see the ground ahead is clear of stock. There is no water on the hill and no shade on the open summit, so carry some for your dog in warm weather. There are no facilities at Garway, but the Skenfrith and Grosmont areas nearby have dog-friendly pubs for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 1.5 km (0.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 40 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on site; dog-friendly pubs in the Skenfrith and Grosmont area, a short drive away.
- Parking
- Small car park on the south eastern corner of Garway Common, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Garway Hill Common, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in HerefordshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Garway Hill Common dog friendly?
Garway Hill Common is a solid choice for a dog-friendly outing, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The open common land gives dogs real room to roam, and the short climb to the 366-metre summit makes for a satisfying leg-stretcher without needing a full day out. There are no facilities on site, but dog-friendly pubs in the nearby Skenfrith and Grosmont area are worth knowing about for afterwards.
Can dogs be off lead at Garway Hill Common?
Dogs with reliable recall can enjoy good off-lead freedom on the open common, particularly once you're away from the car park. That said, Garway Common is registered common land and sheep are grazed on many commons in this part of Herefordshire, so keep your dog under close control until you can see the ground ahead is clear of stock.
What should I know before visiting Garway Hill Common with my dog?
There is no water on the hill and no shade on the open summit, so bring enough water for your dog, especially in warm weather. The path from the car park to the trig point is only around 1.5km there and back, but it's a steep climb with around 100 metres of ascent, so factor that in if your dog isn't used to hills. Parking is free at the small car park on the south eastern corner of the common.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Aconbury Hill and the Wye Valley Below
Herefordshire
A quiet Herefordshire oak woodland climb to an Iron Age hilltop with Wye Valley views — a short, atmospheric circuit that's considerably more interesting than its size suggests.
Goodrich Castle and the River Wye at Ross
Herefordshire
A Wye riverside walk below the red sandstone bluffs of Goodrich Castle — river access, a dramatic medieval ruin, and an iron-rich landscape with a character all its own.
Symonds Yat Rock and the River Wye
Herefordshire
Herefordshire's most dramatic viewpoint with a gorge descent to the Wye, riverside shingle for swimming, and the chance of peregrines overhead — one of the great walks in the Welsh Marches.
Attraction7.2 mi awayGoodrich Castle
Herefordshire
A near perfect medieval castle above the Wye, and one of the very few where your dog is welcome indoors as well as out, so nobody waits at the gate.
Walk7.5 mi awaySymonds Yat Rock Circular
Gloucestershire
A circuit taking in the spectacular Symonds Yat viewpoint and descending to the River Wye below, with a rope ferry crossing option.
Walk7.5 mi awayCoppet Hill from Kerne Bridge
Herefordshire
A wooded hill inside a meander of the River Wye near Goodrich, where dogs can go off lead on the open common, with views to the Black Mountains.