Wythall Estate Wine Walk

A short, satisfying circular walk from Walford Church (HR9 5QP) with a proper reward built in: a detour into the valley where Wythall Estate Vineyard sits. Expect a mix of tracks, woodland and quiet lanes, a steady climb early on, and lots of stiles (some can be a bit tired underfoot, so take your time). Finish it as a simple day walk with a bottle to take home, or book a tour and turn it into an overnight break.

Quick trail info

Route type: Circular

Start/finish: Walford Church, near Ross-on-Wye (postcode HR9 5QP) with free parking

Distance: ~4.8 miles / 7.8 km

Ascent: ~250 m (rolling with a couple of punchier climbs)

Time: 2–2.5 hours walking (allow 3–5 hours with a vineyard stop)

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Footpaths, woodland, tracks, quiet lanes; multiple stiles

Dog friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under close control around livestock and on leads where needed (see notes below).

Why do this walk?

This one feels like a countryside sampler: a churchyard start, a proper leg-stretcher of a climb, then gentler paths that drop you into a small valley where vines grow on Herefordshire slopes. Wythall Estate is a family-run estate with a long local history (their manor has been the family home since the 1500s) and a single-vineyard approach, producing still and sparkling wines from their own grapes.

It’s a great “walk-with-a-plan”: you can simply pause for a bottle or glass when available, book a vineyard tour and tasting, or stay overnight on the estate.

The wine stop: Wythall Estate Vineyard (options)

1) Vineyard tour & tutored tasting (best for a day out)

Wythall’s guided tours run April to December on selected Saturdays, with pre-booking required and a small group size (max 16). You’ll meet your guide for a walking tour of the vines, then head into the manor house for a tutored tasting.

Time: Arrive 12 noon

Price: £25 per person

Accessibility note: the vineyard is on sloping ground and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

2) Wine Garden Sundays (best for a relaxed afternoon)

In warmer months, the estate opens its lakeside Wine Garden on selected Sundays; they recommend reserving a table and the cellar door is open for bottle/case purchases. 
(Note: they currently state 2026 dates will be announced in spring.)

3) Make it a weekend: stay at Wythall Estate

Wythall has two self-contained, cottage-style stays in the west wing of the manor house: The Game Larders and The Old Bakehouse.

Sleeps: 2 and 4 guests (ideal for couples or a small family)

What you get: peaceful grounds, wildlife, parking, and dog-friendly stays (with sensible lead use around sheep).

Route description

Stage 1: Walford Church to the first climb

Start from the church car park and head out onto the lane, then quickly pick up a signed footpath that drops over a small footbridge. From here you’ll pick your way along a mix of track and lane, passing farm buildings as the route begins to gain height.

Stage 2: Up towards The Rock and the Wye Valley Walk

You’ll climb steadily on a stony track until you reach the higher ground around The Rock. Turn onto the Wye Valley Walk for a short stretch, then peel off as the route trends downhill on a surfaced track towards the bottom of the hill.

Stage 3: Lanes, cottages and tucked-away footpaths

After a short uphill on the lane, you’ll leave it by a cottage and follow a footpath that threads between fields and small holdings. Keep an eye out for waymarkers around gates and junctions, this section has a few “blink and you’ll miss it” turns that are much easier with the GPX open.

Stage 4: Farm tracks and woodland into the vineyard valley

You’ll pass more farm buildings and pick up a track that turns back into footpath, then later cross quiet roads and duck into woodland. The path drops towards a lane, before the route heads over stiles into a small valley, and that’s where the vines appear.

Stage 5: Wythall Estate Vineyard detour (the reward)

Pause here and decide how you want to do Wythall: a quick look and onward, a pre-booked tour and tasting, or (in season) a Wine Garden afternoon.

Stage 6: Return to Walford Church

Leaving the valley, the route works back via field-edge paths and tracks, then retraces the final section to the church for an easy finish.

Practical tips

Stiles: There are numerous stiles, and some are in poor shape, so this walk is best with boots, steady footing, and ideally hands free (poles help on the descent). If any stile looks unsafe, turn back and use the GPX to re-route via the nearest lane.

When to go: Spring through autumn is best for drier footing and vineyard visits. In winter, expect mud on woodland sections and slippery steps.

Facilities: There are no guaranteed facilities on-route, so bring water. Plan your vineyard visit in advance if you want tastings or Wine Garden seating (they recommend booking ahead).

Parking: Walford Church has free parking and is open to visitors during daylight hours.

Dogs: Dog-friendly route, but expect livestock and field-edge sections. Wythall ask for dogs on leads around sheep.

FAQ

Is the Wythall Estate Wine Walk suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs?

No, the route includes multiple stiles and uneven ground. Wythall’s vineyard tours also note sloping, uneven terrain and no wheelchair access.

Do I need to book Wythall Estate in advance?

For tours and tastings, yes, pre-booking is required and places are limited. For the Wine Garden, they recommend reserving a table.

Where do I park for the walk?

Walford Church (HR9 5QP) has free parking.