This month’s walk is very easy going, only being a mile in length. You’re best to include this as part of a pleasant interlude during a daytrip to Hay-on-Wye which should include some serious book browsing and a good cup of tea. There are plenty of cafes and tearooms to choose from in Hay, so as you walk through town, keep your eyes peeled for one that takes your fancy.
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re traveling to Hay from Abergavenny, the A40 and A479 route through the Beacons provides some amazing scenery and fabulous views on a clear day.
- On arrival in Hay, the best place to park is in the town’s Pay & Display car park on the B4348, next to the Tourist Information and Visitor Centre. Leave the car park and turn left along Oxford Road. Continue down the hill, and cross the road (Church Street).
- Turn left, downhill towards the Swan Hotel. When you reach the Swan, turn right along Swan Bank. On your right you will see an ancient mound; the remains of a motte and bailey castle which was built here in the 1100’s.
- Continue to St Mary’s Church. Just before St Mary’s, you will see a narrow, tree-lined path on the right. Go down here, passing the churchyard on your left. After a short distance you will reach a small tunnel and a choice of path. If it’s particularly muddy, then it’s adviseable to turn right before the tunnel to follow the cycle path. Alternatively, continue through the tunnel and then turn right to follow the footpath beside the river.
- Continue along the riverside footpath. After passing three benches, bear right as the path splits in two, (unless you want a closer look at the water). After a short distance, go through a wooden gate to arrive under the road bridge.
- Continue on, under the road bridge for 160 metres until you reach a small car park. Go through this car park and turn right into Wyeford Road. Turn right onto the main road, (Broad Street) and continue back to the town centre. From here it’s up to you how to return to the car park, as there are many routes which take in an array of cafes, bookshops and other interesting shops. The map shows a route returning via a pedestrian path that cuts through the buildings between Castle Street and Oxford Street where yet more bookshops and cafes can be found.
