The best dog friendly one day itinerary for Hereford and the surrounding area
There is so much to see in Hereford, from rolling countryside hills to dense forests and quaint countryside buildings. It has many spots that you and your dog will love to explore. There are camping sites surrounded by breath-taking scenery. It is a truly wonderful place to visit with your dog.
Ancient market towns like Ledbury offer a unique shopping experience with medieval black and white half-timbered architecture serving as a backdrop. Allow yourself the opportunity to walk through rustic streets that go as far back as the Tudor era. It is an experience you and your best friend will not forget.
If you are on the hunt for a great day out in Herefordshire with your furry friend, then this article is your ultimate guide to fun activities you can engage in.
1. Symonds Yat and the surrounding area is very dog friendly
Explore deep into the forests of Symonds Yat. The area has been welcoming visitors for many years with it breath-taking views of the Yat rock with the soothing sounds of the River Wye far below. Symonds Yat is a perfect place to walk your dog and there are so many routes and trails that you could do. The area itself is so rich with wildlife and woodlands and even vast caves that can be explored underground. Be sure to keep your dog on a lead on those areas as some of the caves can be pitch black even during the day. Surrounding the cottage is the village of Symonds Yat which overlooks the beautiful Wye Valley. Your furry friend can enjoy running around through the ancient woodlands. There are several trails that you can explore with your dog on foot, horseback or riding a bicycle. It is a perfect place to hide away from the outside world.
2. King’s Arthur’s Cave
Located in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding National Beauty, King Arthur’s Cave is the perfect place to visit with your dog. The cave is tucked away in the forest, surrounded by the river and has been designated as a nature reserve, managed by Herefordshire Nature Trust.
The cave has two main chambers that you can easily navigate through and there are five walking trails around King Arthur’s Cave, including a route that takes you to the peak of the Seven Sisters Rocks. There’s a cafe and some picnic spots in the area where you can stop for a much needed lunch break.
The cave is a fascinating place to visit because there has been evidence of men taking shelter in the cave about 40 000 years ago. Some woolly mammoth bones and prehistoric tools were once uncovered inside. It is a great place to stop for your dog to enjoy a fresh bowl of water, a few treats and a paddle in the river.
3. Take a hike up Symonds Yat Rock
Symonds Yat Rock is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Herefordshire. From the peak you can see the marvellous River Wye and surrounding hills, forests, and valleys. You also have access to the ancient hill fort and can watch the beautiful wildlife and birds flying overhead.
Depending on the time of year you visit you can catch a glimpse of the ospreys as they migrate, usually during spring or autumn. The surrounding trails are all connected and there is a log cabin that sells snacks and refreshments.
These trails go through spectacular countryside where your furry friend will love to rummage through whilst you enjoy the landscape. There are also several pubs and activities to do especially during the summer. Your dog can tag along with you aboard a hand-pulled ferry boat that takes you from one side of the River Wye to another. It is bound to be a wonderful site-seeing trip for you and your dog.
4. Shopping in Hereford
There is so much to see and do in Hereford and one of the fun activities you and your dog can indulge in is shopping. The butter Market is a great activity to do in the county of hereford. You can walk your dog around as you look through over 30 independent stalls. You can even visit the Spinning Dog brewery and try the Top Dog Beer which is brewed locally in Hereford.
There are so many unique things on sale and you are guaranteed to go home with a souvenir. You can also enjoy shopping in the high streets that have many dog friendly shops such as Clintons, Sea Salt, Mountain Warehouse and many more.
5. Explore the Forest of Dean with your Dog
Put your hiking shoes on and prepare yourself for a wonder-filled track along the many trails in the Forest of Dean. The forest is steeped in history. During medieval times it was used as a royal hunting forest and then when the Tudor era began, the first was a source of timber for the navy’s Tudor warships. In Victorian times it was used to advance the industrial revolution, with coal mining and tramways dotting the landscape.
Today the forest is one of the wildest places in England and has become a safe haven for wild boars. There are so many activities that you and your furry companion can engage in at Forest of Dean.
There are several campsites that you can use as a base for your walking or cycling trails. There is The Forest of Dean Sculpture trail at Beechenhurst that you can visit. You can also go canoeing, kayaking or fishing with your dog. The great thing about Forest of Dean is that you can take your dog with you everywhere.
6. Dog Friendly Food Spots around Hereford
Hereford has a pretty awesome food scene. The best time to enjoy the city vibe is during the evening. However there is no shortage of dog-friendly places to eat throughout the day.
If you love tapas you can make your way to the Little Black Dog Cafe. It is pet friendly and the place has fantastic food. The Bookshop is also a good place to eat especially if you love a good beef steak.
You definitely won’t struggle taking your beloved pet out to eat. The town has plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, pubs and cafes to choose from.