Mortimer Trail
A 30-mile long-distance walk in Herefordshire and Shropshire exploring locations associated with Robert Mortimer, 13th-century Marcher Lord of the region, and his family successors. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SO 510 746
Distance: 30 miles (48 km)
Time: 12–15 hours
Duration: 1–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
201 Knighton and Presteigne / Tref-y-Clawdd a Llanandras
203 Ludlow, Tenbury Wells and Cleobury Mortimer
Summary
The Mortimer Trail is named after the Mortimer family of ruling Marcher Lords, often titled Earl of March, whose rise through successive generations from Norman times through the medieval period helped shape the history and geography of the Welsh Marches. The route runs between Ludlow in Shropshire — the former seat of the Council of the Marches, beginning at the site of Ludlow Castle (a primary seat of Mortimer power) — and Kington in Herefordshire, situated in the quiet west of the county near the Welsh border.
The Mortimer Trail crosses the River Teme, enters the Mortimer Forest upland ridge area, passes Croft Castle and the Iron Age hillfort of Croft Ambrey close to Wigmore (an initial seat of Mortimer power), and passes through quiet Aymestrey. Near Aymestrey, the path traverses Puckhouse Wood, reputed in local lore to be haunted by Pucks or wood sprites; according to tradition, travelers lost in the wood at night once paid a stipend for a bell to be tolled to rescue wayfarers from the Puck’s clutches. The route eventually crosses the River Lugg and the River Arrow before terminating in Kington. (Source: Wikipedia)