Golden Valley Pilgrim Way Stages
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way in 5 stages — detailed stage-by-stage guide with distances, descriptions and accommodation for each section of the 66 miles pilgrimage through Herefordshire.
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is divided into 5 walking stages, covering the 66 miles route through Herefordshire. Each stage ends at a town or village where you can find accommodation, rest, and prepare for the next day's walk.
Use our stage-by-stage Golden Valley Pilgrim Way guide below to plan your walk, then use our route planning tool to book accommodation at each stage.
Stage-by-stage guide
Stage 1: Hereford to Madley (12 miles). Leave Hereford and walk southwest through the Herefordshire countryside to Madley Parish Church — a pilgrim site since 550AD and one of the finest church buildings in the Golden Valley. Sanctuary in the church or nearby stables. View accommodation and details for the Hereford to Madley stage.
Stage 2: Madley to Dorstone (14 miles). Follow the Golden Valley westward past St Michael's Michaelchurch Escley, known for its medieval wall paintings, and St Mary's Craswall in the shadow of the Black Mountains, to St Faith's Church in Dorstone — reputedly built by one of Thomas Becket's murderers as penance. View accommodation and details for the Madley to Dorstone stage.
Stage 3: Dorstone to Clodock (10 miles). Continue along the valley to St Clydawg's Church in Clodock, dedicated to a 6th-century king martyred here. Sleep in the community room and admire the magnificent three-decker pulpit. View accommodation and details for the Dorstone to Clodock stage.
Stage 4: Clodock to Ewyas Harold (15 miles). The return leg heads east to St Michael and All Angels Church in Ewyas Harold, a 13th-century church with magnificent stained glass on the site of a Norman castle. View accommodation and details for the Clodock to Ewyas Harold stage.
Stage 5: Ewyas Harold to Hereford (15 miles). Walk back to Hereford via St Michael's Kingstone, a charming parish church with 11th-century origins and a thriving café area, completing the circular pilgrimage. View accommodation and details for the Ewyas Harold to Hereford stage.
Accommodation by stage
Each stage of the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way ends at a town where you'll need overnight accommodation. The key towns are Hereford, Madley, Dorstone, Clodock. Use our route planning tool to find and book pilgrim-friendly places to stay at each stage of your walk.
Book accommodation in advance, especially during summer months and weekends. Some stages have limited options, so planning ahead is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages are there on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way has 5 stages, covering the 66 miles route. Each stage ends at a town or village with accommodation options.
Which stage is the longest on the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way?
Stage lengths vary across the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way. Check the stage-by-stage guide above for distances, and plan your daily walking distance accordingly.
Where do I find accommodation for each stage?
Use our route planning tool to find pilgrim-friendly accommodation at each stage of the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way. The key towns for overnight stops are Hereford, Madley, Dorstone, Clodock.
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