The Golden Valley: Dorstone to Arthur’s Stone

The River Dore gives the Golden Valley its name, and the walk from the village of Dorstone up to the Neolithic burial chamber of Arthur's Stone on the ridge above is one of the most quietly rewarding circuits in Herefordshire. The 7.8 km loop gains around 180 metres on the way to the ridge, taking in meadow paths, a gentle river crossing where dogs can wade, and open farmland on the return. Arthur's Stone sits alone on the hilltop with nothing but grass and sky — one of the most atmospherically sited prehistoric monuments in England.

The meadow sections along the Dore carry warm damp grass and wild garlic in spring, giving way to the drier mineral smell of open ridge pasture on the climb. Cattle graze some of the lower meadows and leads are needed in those fields; the ridge top around Arthur's Stone is open and dogs can range more freely there. The Pandy Inn in Dorstone is the natural post-walk stop.