Herefordshire

We'll welcome you to White Heron Estate in the afternoon for an introduction to the electric bikes for a gentle warm-up ride through the grounds of Whittern Farm. This 700-acre estate, stewarded by Jo Hilditch for over three decades, is home to sparkling wine, blackcurrant rows and blossoming apple orchards. As evening sets in, we’ll gather overlooking the vineyard, Jo’s latest passion project, for a supper of farm-to-fork dining. Expect a spread of local cheeses and charcuterie, perfectly paired with Jo’s celebrated British Cassis and her exceptional new sparkling wine, before retiring for the night to comfortable rooms in the country home.

We begin our ride in the quiet lanes of Herefordshire, climbing out of Kington across moorland onto Hergest Ridge. On a clear day, we’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the English and Welsh countryside. Descending by grass track and stony paths, we’ll wind along peaceful roads to Cabalva Estate, a traditional sheep, beef and perry pear farm, for lunch. After lunch, we cycle on to Hay-on-Wye, where you will have free time to explore this world-renowned literary hub. From there, it’s a short yet steep climb on tarmac to our accommodation for the evening. Owners Paul and Kesri moved from South Africa to London in the 90s and in 2008 quit their corporate jobs and moved to Drovers Rest, bringing a piece of South Africa with them to the Herefordshire hills. We’ll spend the night in authentic South African safari tents and dine on an exceptional South African braai.

Today, we tackle the 549m climb to the Gospel Pass, the highest road pass in Wales. The effort is well rewarded; fog permitting, you’ll be treated to exceptional, expansive views that feel a world away from the valleys below. We then head off-road across grass and tracks, descending back into the Herefordshire lanes. After a well-earned lunch at a quaint and cosy riverside pub, we make our way to the glorious Golden Valley, carved into the wild countryside, this valley is home to the River Dore and is surrounded by the high peaks of Cat's Back. Nestled in the heart of the valley is Kentchurch Court, where we will spend the night, a historic 1,000-year-old estate and the ancestral home of the Scudamore family.

Our final day brings our longest ride. After breakfast, we bid farewell to our Regency country pile and pedal through the narrow lanes and picturesque scenery of the Golden Valley to the village of Abbey Dore, named after the local Dore Abbey, to which we'll pay a visit. Founded by Cistercians in 1147, it was restored in 1633 by Viscount Scudamore - allegedly to appease God and secure his place in heaven. After a brief pause for our own reflection, we continue across tarmac roads to St Peter’s Church in Peterchurch. The day's main challenge is the climb up Dorstone Hill, where we are rewarded with the Neolithic site of Arthur's Stone. A steep descent follows, and from there it's plain sailing, gentle riding through Herefordshire’s picturesque Black and White Villages, famous for their 16th- and 17th-century timber frames. We conclude our journey with a celebratory dinner back at White Heron Estate.

After a leisurely breakfast in the morning at the White Heron Estate, you are welcome to enjoy the hot tub, pool and grounds until your departure.