Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
Your complete guide to planning a pilgrimage on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
Route photograph: Wikimedia Commons
Plan your route
Click any brown pin on the map above and choose Add to your route to build your overnight stops, stage by stage.
Don't forget
A walk of this length (66 miles) is a real undertaking. Here is what you will need to stay safe and comfortable on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way.
Physical preparation
- Build up to the daily mileage in the weeks before — walk in the boots you will wear on the trail.
- Break in your boots thoroughly to avoid blisters; carry plasters and moleskin.
- Pace yourself — start each stage slowly and take short, regular rests.
Clothing & footwear
- Sturdy, waterproof walking boots with good ankle support.
- Moisture-wicking layers — a base layer, fleece, and a waterproof jacket.
- A hat and gloves even in summer — UK hill weather can change quickly.
In your day pack
- At least 1.5–2 litres of water per stage, plus high-energy snacks.
- A small first-aid kit, blister plasters, and any personal medication.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses — you will be exposed for hours at a time.
Navigation & safety
- Carry a printed route map and compass; do not rely solely on a phone.
- Keep your phone charged — a small power bank is worth its weight.
- Tell someone your planned route and expected arrival time each day.
Use us to plan your accommodation
Use Pilgrim Stays UK to find and book pilgrim-friendly places to stay along the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way. For everything else — detailed route maps, GPX downloads, stage-by-stage guides and a community of fellow pilgrims — head to the British Pilgrimage Trust.
About this route
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a 66-mile circular pilgrimage from Hereford through the Golden Valley of Herefordshire. Following the valley of the River Dore to the Welsh border and back, the route links a chain of ancient parish churches — including Madley, a pilgrim site since 550AD — that have offered sanctuary to pilgrims for over a thousand years. Each church provides simple sleeping space for a suggested donation, making this one of Britain's most distinctive pilgrimage experiences.
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a 66-mile circular pilgrimage from Hereford through the Golden Valley of Herefordshire, following the valley of the River Dore to the Welsh border and back. The route links a chain of ancient parish churches that have offered sanctuary to pilgrims for over a thousand years — from Madley, a pilgrim site since 550AD, to the medieval churches of Craswall, Dorstone, Clodock and Ewyas Harold.
Each church along the route provides simple sleeping space for pilgrims in the nave or community room, with a suggested donation of around £20–22 per night including breakfast. The churches are nestled in some of England's most peaceful countryside, between the Black Mountains and the Wye Valley, passing medieval wall paintings, ancient stained glass and centuries of heritage.
Planning a Golden Valley Pilgrim Way pilgrimage
Planning a pilgrimage on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way? This guide covers everything you need — when to go, how many days to allow, where to stay, how to get there and what to pack — so you can plan your Golden Valley Pilgrim Way walk with confidence.
When to go
The best months for planning a Golden Valley Pilgrim Way pilgrimage are May to September, when daylight hours are longest and the weather is most reliable. Book your accommodation well in advance, especially during school holidays and summer weekends when places to stay along the route fill up quickly.
How many days to allow
Most pilgrims allow 5–6 days to complete the 66 miles route. Plan an overnight stop at the end of each of the 5 stages, and consider adding a rest day if you are walking for more than four days. Use our Plan Your Route tool above to map out your stage-by-stage itinerary.
Booking accommodation
Use our Plan Your Route tool to browse and book pilgrim-friendly places to stay in Hereford, Madley, Dorstone, Clodock and along every stage of the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way. Add accommodation to each stage of your itinerary, then book directly through Pilgrim Stays UK for integrated listings or contact the provider for directory listings.
Getting there and back
Plan your transport to the start in Hereford and your return from Hereford. Many pilgrims use public transport — check train and bus connections when planning your pilgrimage itinerary.
What to pack
Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, a day pack, a water bottle, and layers for changeable British weather are essential for planning any UK pilgrimage. See our "Don't Forget" section below for a detailed packing checklist tailored to the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way.
Highlights along the way
Sacred sites, historic churches and landmarks you'll encounter on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way.
Madley Parish Church
St Faith's Church, Dorstone
St Clydawg's Church, Clodock
St Mary's Church, Craswall
St Mary's Church, Tyberton
St Michael's, Michaelchurch Escley
St Michael's, Kingstone
Stage-by-stage accommodation on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
Plan your pilgrimage night by night. Each stage below shows available accommodation at the start and end of the day's walk — click through to view stays and check availability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a 66-mile circular pilgrimage from Hereford through the Golden Valley of Herefordshire. It links a chain of ancient parish churches that offer sanctuary to pilgrims, following the valley of the River Dore to the Welsh border and back.
How long is the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is 66 miles circular from Hereford. Most pilgrims walk the route in 5 to 6 days, staying overnight in the pilgrim sanctuary churches along the way.
Where can I stay on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
The churches along the route offer pilgrim sanctuary — simple sleeping space in the nave or community room for a suggested donation of around £20–22 per night, including breakfast. Bookings are arranged through the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way coordinator at gvpw@abbeydoredeanery.org.
Which churches are on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
The route passes Madley Parish Church, St Michael's Kingstone, St Mary's Tyberton, St Michael's Michaelchurch Escley, St Mary's Craswall, St Faith's Dorstone, St Clydawg's Clodock and St Michael and All Angels Ewyas Harold — all offering pilgrim sanctuary.
How do I plan a Golden Valley Pilgrim Way pilgrimage?
Start planning by allowing 5 to 6 days for the 66-mile circular walk from Hereford. Contact the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way coordinator at gvpw@abbeydoredeanery.org or 01981 620145 to arrange overnight sanctuary in the churches, and download route maps from the British Pilgrimage Trust.
When is the best time to walk the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
The best months for planning a Golden Valley Pilgrim Way pilgrimage are May to September, when the Herefordshire countryside is at its greenest and the days are longest. Some churches have seasonal availability — check with the coordinator before booking.