The area is renowned for superb scenery and all year round walking
A public footpath runs beside Holt Farm House up to 1100 feet above sea level and over into the Craswall valley and the legendary Bulls Head pub serving local food and beverages. The walk provides stunning views of the Black Mountains where the Welsh Border and Offa’s Dyke pathway combine. An easier stroll is across the fields into the village and the picturesque Bridge Inn.
Hay on Wye, famous for its bookshops and
literary festival, is only 7 miles away
Within easy driving distance is the market town Hay-on-Wye, 7 miles from the farm. Hay-on-Wye lies on three borders; it is where the boundary of England meets the Welsh county boundaries of Brecknockshire and Radnorshire and a corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Guardian Literary Festival each May turns the tiny town into a city but all year round the numerous bookshops are a delight for the reader. Hay also offers a range of cafes and restaurants, antique shops and boutiques and galleries as well as a wealth of outdoor pursuits; pony trekking, fishing, canoeing, hang gliding, and cycling. See www.hay-on-wye.co.uk for a full range of contacts, and for bike hire see Drover Holidays.
Llanthony Abbey
Historic castles and churches abound in the nearby valleys and villages, to name a few are Longtown castle and Llanthony Abbey, the famous Dore Abbey and the ancient church of St. Margaret's with its splendid wooden rood screen dating back to the late 16th Century that has been described as 'one of the wonders of Herefordshire'. The ‘Three Castles’ in the borderlands of Monmouthshire form a triangle, with the Three Castles walk being a short circular trail linking the ‘Trilateral' of Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castles.
The Cathedral city of Hereford is 25 minutes drive form Holt Farm. The City dates from the 7th century and the Cathedral from 1079 AD, making it one of the oldest in England. Hereford Cathedral houses a number of important artifacts including the Mappa Mundi, the medieval Chained Library, a collection of rare manuscripts, early printed books and religious relics. Also of note is the historic Black and White house in the city centre. The official Herefordshire website gives detail on the many points of local interest. See www.visitherefordshire.co.uk which also provides information about the picturesque Wye Valley and Symonds Yat.
The medieval Wye bridge at Hereford
The historic market town of Abergavenny is 20 minutes to the south of Michaelchurch Escley. Abergavenny is seen as the gateway to South Wales and to the Brecon Beacons National Park, as well as to the World Heritage Site at Blaenavon. More detail is on the website www.abergavenny.co.uk
Local mini-bus services are available to transport guests to places of interest or activities, pubs and restaurants, or further afield to sample the delights of Herefordshire - specialist food and drinks producers.
Catering for a larger group at Holt Farm is made easy by Hereford supermarket deliveries, and a list of local caterers can also be provided for special meals whist holidaying at Holt Farm.
Please contact us on 01981 510238 or email us with any enquiries.