The Golden Valley
and Welsh Borders
The Golden Valley is the tranquil area of gently rolling countryside in south-west Herefordshire between Hay-on-Wye to the north, Pontrilas to the south and borders Wales and the Black Mountains to the west.
Running
through the valley is the River Dore which gives the area its name. ‘Dore’
is derived from the welsh word ‘dwr’ meaning water, but the Norman’s
confused it with the French d’or meaning Golden – and the valley became the
‘Golden Valley’. Either (mis)interpretation is appropriate for a valley
which is delightfully golden with daffodils in the spring, rich with golden
crops during the summer or golden with hay and windswept leaves in autumn.
The
Golden Valley has retained its agricultural prowess which has continued into the
21st century with agriculture forming its main industry – including
breeding of the hardy Hereford Bull. The villages to the west of Hereford are
rich with apple and pear orchards for the cider and perry production industry in
the city while chicken-farming and processing is another main Herefordshire
industry. The scattered farms grow varied crops and Herefordshire cattle graze
contentedly in the fields.
More recently, there has been a growth in local, small-scale and sustainable tourism as visitors recognise and appreciate the peace, tranquility, quiet roads and relaxed, enjoyable pace of life that the Golden Valley and Welsh borders have to offer.The Golden Valley offers a total contrast to city life - even Hereford city, less than 20 miles away, is a world apart from the leisurely Golden Valley.
From
the graceful ruins of Llanthony Abbey to south, magnificent soaring mountains to
the west and peak of Hay Bluff to the north, the Golden Valley remains a haven
of peace, scenic splendour and tranquility with its rural villages, babbling
brooks, remote farms, quiet lanes and breathtaking landscapes awaiting
discovery.
The border countryside has so much to offer with its rugged uplands, quiet foothills and wild, barren untamed borderland alongside the softer patchwork landscape of gentle rolling hills of the Golden Valley’s rich farmland.
Throughout, the Golden Valley is warm, relaxed and welcoming with an unhurried pace of life
Guides Available:
The Golden Valley and Welsh Borders
Available on computer DVD
Enjoy the best of the Golden Valley and Welsh Borders on our DVD Guide to view on your computer.
The Golden Valley and Welsh Borders DVD includes the following areas - and more....
 | Spectacular mountain scenery and views (with video) - Hay Bluff, Black Hill, Cat's Back, Lord Hereford's Knob, Darren Lwyd and the Gospel Pass leading to Capel-y-Ffin and Llanthony Priory in the Vale of Ewyas. |
| Olchon Valley - waterfalls, ford and awe-inspiring views of breathtaking landscapes |
| Rural villages and hamlets - Eaton Bishop, Vowchurch, Turnastone, Craswall, St. Margarets |
| Prehistorical sites - Arthur's Stone Neolithic burial chamber |
| Kilvert Country - Painscastle, Clyro and Bredwardine |
| Border Castles - Longtown, Snodhill, Bronllys, and the 'Three Castles' - Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle |
| Historic pre-and post-Norman churches, abbeys and priories - the roofless ruins of Llanwarne Church, magnificent Llanthony Priory and Kilpeck Church - world-renowned for some of the finest Norman carvings in the country, Craswall Grandmontine Priory and charming rural churches throughout the Valleys. |