Contrary to what its name may suggest, the Woolhope Dome is not some large arch-roofed building but instead refers to an area of hills and folds to the east and south-east of Hereford, resulting from the underlying geology of Silurian limestone. In the centre of the dome of hills lies Woolhope, a quiet, attractive village with a 12th-century church.
[1] From the car park turn left down the road and left again along a footpath to the church to go through the churchyard.
St George’s Church dates from 1157 and the distinctive lychgate, known by its Anglo-Saxon name ‘The Skallenge’, dates from 1581.
At the road, turn left and then keep ahead, ignoring the roads left and right, following the sign for Putley/Ledbury.
[2] Just before the Butchers Arms, turn right and follow the lane which becomes a track climbing up towards Beans Butts Wood. At a gate you leave the trees to continue in the open across fields, with fine views opening up.
Look out for a very overgrown lime kiln on your left in the field.
At the end of the field, cross a stile and continue down the path to a valley and up the other side to reach the road at Hooper’s Oak.
You are now on the Marcle Hill Ridge and looking back should be able to make out Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains in the distance.
[3] Turn right along the road for about a kilometre, before continuing on the ridge-top path – which is also part of the Herefordshire Trail.
There are superb views from here towards Ledbury and the Malvern Hills in the west; May Hill is also clearly visible.
As you head towards the mast there are paths on both sides of the hedge, but you’ll need to be on the left-hand side once past the mast as you drop down to reach a crossing track.
There are more fine views from this point.
[4] Turn right down the track, looking out for more old lime kilns on the edge of Lyndalls Wood. Beyond the wood, take a path on the right towards Whittlebury Farm, cross the road and continue on the valley path to Sollers Hope church.
(A) This is well worth popping into for its interesting history and association with Dick Whittington. The word ‘Hope’ appears in quite a few place names in Herefordshire and means a small valley. Woolhope is thought to derive from Wulviva’s Hope, Wulviva being the sister of Lady Godiva of Coventry fame.
[5] Just past the church, turn right and follow the footpath north along a valley eventually reaching a lane. Turn left to Croose Farm and right at the fork. Then take the first path on the left back to Woolhope. On entering the orchard, it can be easiest to follow the edge of it round to the right to find the exit stile. At the road, turn left to rejoin your outbound route.