Croft Castle Pokehouse Wood walk
A long woodland walk taking in the River Lugg – a Site of Special Scientific Interest – some ancient trees and the old bridge that was part of the original approach to the castle.
Access to walking trails
All our walking trails are within the parkland at Croft Castle, so you'll need to pay the admission fee or present your National Trust membership card to access them.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Croft visitor reception, grid ref SO45119 65659
Step 1
Turn right at visitor reception and go through the gate, following the track around to the left. You'll see markers for the red trail, which will take you up the hill and past a cottage on your left.
Step 2
Continue up the hill through two more gates and past some ancient chestnut trees, until you reach the gate at the entrance to the woods. On a clear day, you can see Leominster, Kington and as far as the Welsh hills.
Step 3
Go straight ahead through the gate, continuing up the hill until you reach a wide forestry track. Turn left and follow the red markers along this track for over a mile.
Step 4
Eventually, you'll come to a red marker pointing right along a path that skirts the edge of the wood. Follow this path, which winds its way down into the valley. Some parts are steep and can be slippery so mind your footing. In spring, the woodland at the top of the bank is full of bluebells.
Step 5
At the bottom of the valley, you'll see a marker pointing right down some steps towards the river. When you reach the river, turn left. Note: turn right on the footpath instead for a short detour to the Riverside Inn pub. Otherwise, stroll along the river to the left until the markers point left, taking you back up the hill to the steps. When you reach the steps, this time turn right and make the steep climb out of the valley, following the waymarks over the stile and across several fields.
Step 6
Follow the red waymarks down a small lane. You'll soon see the remains of the old bridge that was once part of the original formal approach to the castle. Continue following the red markers for over a mile, taking you along the southern edge of the Croft woodland. This path will eventually lead you to the top field containing the old chestnut trees that you saw on your way up.
Step 7
Turn right down the hill and head back to the castle grounds.
End point
Croft visitor reception, grid ref SO45119 65659
Trail map
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