Ancient tree walk at Croft Castle near Leominster
A gentle wander into the heart of Croft's parkland taking in the Spanish Chestnut avenue planted in the formation of the Spanish Armada around 350 years ago and the 1,000 year old Quarry Oak along the way.
There are stunning views across the Herefordshire countryside and an array of wildlife can be seen, including the occasional fallow deer throughout the year.
Map
Start:
Croft visitor reception SO45119 65659
1
Start at Croft Castle Visitor Reception. Walk through the gothic arch, towards the castle, keeping the terrace walk on your right.
2
Walk through the field away from the castle. Looking to your right you can see 400-500 year old chestnut trees and also newly planted ones grown from their seeds.
3
Enter into the field and carry on towards the bottom of the field keeping the fence on your left. Go through the gate.
Hawthorns
Hawthorns A little mystery; these very old Hawthorns are planted as though within an orchard. One explanation is they were the rootstock plants for a medlar tree orchard and when they died the rootstock took over.
4
Head across the field towards the castle. Continue through the chestnut arbour.
Chestnut avenue
This was the original formal approach to the castle. A story says sweet chestnuts were taken from captured Spanish vessels and planted at Croft between 1580 and 1680 to represent the formal battle plan of the ships at the Armada.
5
Follow the mown path alongside the lake.
Quarry Oak
At 1,000 years old the Quarry Oak is one of the oldest trees at Croft and sits in the gulley just after the lake.
6
Follow the mown path through the meadow away from the lake, towards the church.
St Michaels and All Angels church
Still a working parish church containing 12th and 14th century architecture and the 15th century tomb of Sir Richard Croft.
7
Exit the meadow through the gate. Walk through the gate to the right of the cattle grid and keep walking down the drive until you reach visitor reception.
End:
Croft visitor reception SO45119 65659
