Mortimer Trail
Explore
The Mortimer Trail runs for about 48 km (30 miles) from Ludlow Castle to Kington, tracing a quiet line through the English–Welsh borderlands. It begins at the 10th-century Ludlow Castle, still dominant in the centre of town, once the stronghold of the Mortimer family, which the trail is named after. From there, it's over the River Teme as the walk quickly settles into a deeply rural vibe rather than romantic.
Leaving Ludlow and the river, the route climbs into Mortimer Forest almost immediately. It’s a substantial stretch of woodland, and it sets the tone early—hills, but nothing punishing, and a continuous sense of trees, tracks, and filtered light. That woodland character remains one of the defining features all the way to Kington.
Between forest sections, the views open out: the Shropshire Hills, Radnor Forest, the Black Mountains, and the wider Herefordshire plains. It’s a route where pauses take over from any need to crush the miles. It's about steady ground, varied terrain, and a feel for the layers of history and the border country you're passing through.
Sunset from over the Radnor Forest in mid Wales.
The 10th-century northern wall of Ludlow Castle, seat of the Mortimer family.
Wild camp beside the Lugg, stealthy and below the radar.
Sunset from over the Radnor Forest in mid Wales.
Mortimer Trail - Quick Info
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Distance: 48 km, 30 Miles
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Start/Finish: Ludlow Castle/Kington
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Total ascent: 333 m
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Duration: 2 days steady, 1 Day light packing
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Walking Grade 3
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Terrain: Woodland Paths, valleys, some steep sections
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Views: Shropshire, Radnorshire, Mid Wales, Black Mountains
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Highlights: Dramatic mountain viewpoints, Old Farms, forest rides
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Best time to visit: Spring, summer or Autumn
Getting there
Unless you have someone to drop you off the best way to get to the start and finish is to catch a bus to Builth Wells, which is closest to your start point. List of busses:
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From Hereford:
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From Cardiff/Brecon:
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From Shrewsbury:
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From Aberystwyth:
In Builth Wells there are a number of taxi services to taxi you to the Upper Chappel view point off the B4520. The one we used was, Adeys Taxis - very friendly and on time. Tel: 01597 822118. Address: Bridge House, Howey, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5PT
Places to stay in Builth Wells
Cross the road and follow the path towards English Bicknor, passing through Bicknor Court Farm. The route then drops through a wooded cwm into the main Wye Valley. Soon you’re alongside the Wye, walking through an avenue of trees with the Shadowlands barn off to your left.
Supplies
Approaching Coldwell Rocks, the cliffs rise above the path, their limestone faces cutting through the trees and shifting the feel of the walk. What looked distant from above now feels close and more solid, with the scale of the valley properly coming into view. It’s a good place to stop, look up, and take in a side of the Wye you don’t get from the top. Yat Rock can just be picked out.
History & Landscape
Standing on the rock, it’s hard not to notice that people have been coming here for thousands of years. The top was once part of an ancient hillfort, with the steep cliffs doing good work as natural defences above the valley.
The view itself has taken its time. The River Wye slowly carved its way through the limestone, shaping the gorge and the big looping bends you see today. You’re looking out across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire—though back then those lines on a map wouldn’t have meant much.
Eat/Drink & Trails
If you fancy more than just the view, there are a few good spots to grab something to eat or drink around Symonds Yat (see below), along with some cracking walks nearby that are well worth a look. See below or check some others out, here.
Summary
This 5.8 km loop from the Symonds Yat Rock car park is varied—woodland paths, valley tracks, and a short, punchy climb. Following the River Wye, you gaze up at Coldwell Rocks, and finish back at the viewpoint with big views over the valley. Along the way, there's the old woodland cottages tucked away in the woods and of course Peregrine falcons predating in the air.
It’s a roughly 2-hour stroll, but one that keeps shifting as you move through the landscape. The platform hits the right spot in clear weather, early mornings, or when low winter clouds fill the gorge. There’s a café nearby if you want to refuel, and more trails if you’re keen to keep exploring—this one leaves you feeling mellow.
Some Other Links
Check out the Wye Valley Walk a 136 mile long distance path. Click.
Cool short video of the view during an amazing cold winters morning.
Quick OS Map Preview
For the Most Detailed Guide Download OS Mapping GPX, compatible with most platforms-Kamoot, Outdooractive or All Trails.
For OS Link Click, here.
The GPX file can also be used with a variety of dedicated GPS devices and outdoor watches — including models from Garmin, TwoNav, Suunto and Coros — as well as smartphone navigation apps that support GPX route import.
Click For Interactive OS Profiler
Interesting Points Grid Ref & Links
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World War Two Storage
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World War Two Prisoner of War Camp
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Tiribad Church
Water Sources
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World War Two Storage
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World War Two Prisoner of War Camp
View Points
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World War Two Storage
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World War Two Prisoner of War Camp