Winter Activities

Ride out and watch the sunrise over the beautiful Herefordshire hills as the morning mist rises. Located just outside Bromyard the school offers rides for all abilities guided by experienced instructors along woodland tracks, over the historic railway line and stone bridges and across streams and hillsides. All this is followed by a cooked breakfast back in the farmhouse. If you are looking for a staycation, there are a choice of three self-catering cottages available nearby – https://www.mintridge.co.uk/. 

Take the plunge with expert Angela Jones who very much promotes the physical and mental health benefits of wild swimming throughout the colder months. Suitable for all abilities, Angela will share her secret spots pointing out the local flora and fauna as you swim and offers a safe and controlled experience as she checks her fellow swimmers’ temperatures during the colder conditions.

Golden Valley Llamas in the Black Mountains are offering Llama Treks. Their 15 llamas stepping out with guests who want to embrace the colder season and enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountains. For cosy sleepovers, there are two cottages on the farm. 

Those checking into Drovers Rest, a farm stay located on a 16th century organic farm on the Herefordshire borders, will have the opportunity to book online their new ‘cocooning’ experience this winter. Guests will be invited to ‘hang out in the trees’ as darkness descends the ancient woodland. Choose to enjoy an outdoor feast cooked over the open fire and then swing from tree hammocks to enjoy the star constellations of this dark skies location on the edge of the Brecon Beacon national park as well as spotting nocturnal wildlife. Rest assured the hammocks are fully insulated to ensure a cosy night. The experience is only available to those who are staying at Drovers Rest in either their cottages or luxury glamping tents.

For those who love hiking but want to try something new, Nordic walking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors suiting people of all ages and abilities. Ali Allen is a Nordic Walking instructor based at The Walking Hub in Kington and will be offering a new Nordic Walking short break package which includes four hours of instruction as well as a two night stay in the cosy B&B based at the centre. 

For those new to river paddling, Wye Adventures is offering a three quarter day winter self-guided experience from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat West which is ideal for adults and children.  Even during the winter months, canoeists will enjoy spotting a variety of wildlife from otters, mink, swans, geese, deer and even wild boar.

Herefordshire based food forager Liz Knight runs food foraging walking tours across the county in gorgeous spots like the Black Mountains. This winter she is inviting small groups on a two hour food foraging course where guests will learn about the significance of the winter season to the food chain and appreciate the forming buds as they discover delicious edible treats. 

The fully qualified instructors from Really Rural are offering a two hour bushcraft taster. Held in a private woodland, the taster includes learning how to light a fire without matches, build a shelter, identify plants and track animals. Add some adventure to a short break by booking a taster session for individuals, families and small groups.