Croft Ambrey walk at Croft Castle near Leominster
A longer circuit exploring ancient trees and the spectacular ramparts of the Croft Ambrey Iron Age hillfort.
Map
Start:
Croft visitor reception SO45119 65659
1
Turn right outside visitor reception and pass through the gate following the track around to your left. You should see markers for the blue trail which then takes you up the hill past a cottage on your left.
2
Continue up the hill through 2 gates passing some old chestnuts trees until you reach the gate at the entrance to the woods. On a clear day you can see Leominster, Kington and into the Welsh hills from here.
Spanish chestnut trees
There are a large number of ancient chestnut trees on the estate. A story says sweet chestnuts were taken from captured Spanish ships and planted at Croft between 1580 and 1680. There is an avenue of trees behind the house said to represent the formal battle plan of the ships of the Armada.
3
Go straight ahead through the gate continuing up the hill until the reach the outer ditches of Croft Ambrey.
4
Follow the path to the left which takes you on a clockwise tour around the hillfort.
Croft Ambrey hillfort
Excavations in the 1960's revealed that there was a heavily fortified entrance on the western edge with timber gates and guardrooms. Along the northern edge there are views into the next valley. In it's hayday the fort would have had much higher and steeper ramparts topped by a formidable palisade. Excavations in the southern portion uncovered evidence of Romano-British fire ceremonies, animal sacrifices and feasting.
5
Once your circuit is complete return down the same path through the woods until you return into the field with the viewpoint.
6
Follow the blue marker left following a path along the edge of the woods. This path will turn right sticking to the fringe of the trees until you cut across the field returning to the gate by visitor reception.
Fishpool valley
The grassy track ahead of you is an old carriage drive created to carry the Croft family through their picturesque Fishpool valley. This area is also rich with bluebells in the spring.
End:
Croft visitor reception SO45119 65659
