Walk away from the referendum in the Wye Valley
If you are sick and tired of all the waffle on both sides of the referendum debate, then why not escape from the endless rhetoric with a walking break in the Wye Valley?
The Pilgrim Country House hotel, located between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, has earned a reputation as one of the best value, independently owned (by ex-England rugby player Steve Boyle) hotels in the UK, and is in the heart of excellent walking country; indeed, the famous Hereford Trail passes right by the front door.
The Pilgrim Hotel retains a distinct lack of stuffiness, and at its heart is a cosy bar, with a roaring wood burner (in the winter months) which is more akin to a good country pub.
There are numerous walking options available direct from the hotel (free guides/maps available) or more further afield.
The Herefordshire Trail – which totals 154 miles in length – traverses spectacular countryside, offering walkers views across the county and over the border towards the Brecon Beacons. Various sections can be enjoyed within a short drive of the hotel.
Other havens for walkers within easy reach include the Malvern hills, Brecon Beacons, the Forest of Dean and the picturesque Cotswolds with its pretty villages and pubs.
The hotel bar – which has a wide choice of local ales and ciders – serves good, traditional pub faire informally, or dinner can be enjoyed in the Valley Restaurant which boasts uninterrupted views over the border to the Black Mountain in Wales.
Long-standing head chef is classically-trained Deepak Kumar (a member of the British Culinary Federation) who as well as being an expert in a wide variety of cuisines, likes nothing more than to add a delicious curry to the menu on a Friday night.
Other activities and places of interest in the area include golf, fishing, the Labels Outlook shopping centre and local cider farms.
A two-night summer walking break from June to September costs from £139 pp (two sharing) which includes B&B, welcome drink and bar meal on the first evening, a picnic lunch and a three-course dinner on the second day and a snack and a drink for the walk on day three (some rooms are dog friendly so the family pet can also enjoy a weekend away).
For more information, visit pilgrimhotel.co.uk.
