Where to eat, explore and stay, by Julie Brominicks
TRAVEL
Ludlow is served by trains between Shrewsbury and Hereford. Kington has regular buses from Hereford. traveline.info
Chris and Kay Dartnell of Wheely Wonderful have been involved with the Mortimer Trail for many years and can organise your entire journey. 01568 770 755, wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk
The Mortimer Trail guidebook has been in and out of print, but there is a good downloadable guide available on the Visit Herefordshire website. visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/routes-road-trips/mortimer-trail
CAFÉS
Csons, Ludlow
The English home of Slow Food, Ludlow is stuffed with excellent eateries. Csons holds its own with great bites made from locally sourced ingredients and a location right on the Teme by Dinham Bridge. 01584 879 872, thegreencafe.co.uk
Maples Tearoom
At the foot of Hergest Hill in Kington, you will find the Hergest Court Gardens – home to the lovely Maples Tearoom for traditional food in a leafy setting. 07970 595 420, hergest.co.uk/tearoom-and-shop
HERITAGE
Ludlow Castle was a Mortimer power base. Later, it belonged to the Crown and was used as the seat of the Council of the Marches to administer legislation for Wales. It still dominates the landscape, though is now delightfully ruined. 01584 874 465, ludlowcastle. com/the-castle
Richards Castle The castle that gave its name to the small ancient borough of Richards Castle, although thoroughly Norman, predated the Conquest by 16 years. It was home to the Talbots under the over-lordship of the Mortimers. Overgrown ruins remain.
Croft Castle
Now managed by the National Trust, Croft Castle was built some centuries after the Mortimers’ reign. But parts of St Michael and All Angels Church opposite the castle are medieval in origin. The landscaped grounds are extensive, with many woodland walks. 01568 780 246, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershireherefordshire/croft-castle-and-parkland
Wigmore Castle
The castle was held by the Mortimers from about 1075 to 1425. Even now the ruins are impressive, boasting expansive views over the Marches. They are managed for wildlife by English Heritage. english-heritage.org. uk/visit/places/wigmore-castle/history/
Shobdon Arches
These remains of a Norman Church were relocate
