Little Doward Woods

2.3 miles (3.7 km)

This circular walk takes you to the Little Doward Iron Age Hillfort in Herefordshire.
The walk starts at the car park at Lord's Wood near Ganarew and heads east to climb to the hill fort viewpoint. The trail ascends through mixed broadleaf and coniferous ancient woodland, featuring veteran oak and beech trees. Upon reaching the hillfort, walkers are rewarded with panoramic views across the Wye Valley, encompassing the meandering River Wye and the surrounding countryside. The area is part of the Wye Valley Special Area of Conservation and the Upper Wye Gorge Site of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its environmental significance.
The diverse habitats support an astonishing variety of wildlife, with over 5,468 different species recorded in the area. Notably, there are colonies of butterflies such as the wood white, grizzled skipper, and white admiral. Bird species including wood warblers, hawfinches, and lesser spotted woodpeckers breed here. The rich flora includes over 600 species of plants and 1,500 species of fungi, some unique to this locale. The deep leaf litter from the beech trees creates a habitat for scattered ferns and other shade-tolerant plants.
The walk can be extended along the Wye Valley Walk where you can enjoy a waymarked riverside trail.