Cathedrals, Escape Rooms and a Blorenge..
West was best, the weather was kind...
Fact Panel
Details
Trip Date:
June 2023
Transport:
Audi Q2
Accommodation:
3 Palace Yard, Hereford
Duration:
Five Days
Cost of Trip Per Person:
£600
Video:
Panasonic SD Camera, DJI Mini 2 Drone
Rating:
Excellent
Members Attending
Hereford Trivia
County
Herefordshire
Population:
54,000
Known For:
Cathedrals, Nell Gwyn, Mappa Mundi, Bulls.
Where is Hereford?
Day One: Tuesday
Twas a bright and warm Tuesday when the usual gathering of the Arrow Clan took place to transport us to our destination, Hereford. After rounding up all suspects a stop off was arranged at Hopwood Services on the M42 to refresh and start the Arrow bank account depletion process. Up at 8 and a gathering was made with regard to which breakfastery to go to. As there was a Wetherspoons across the city it was decided that the 'The King's Fee' would be the place to eat for the rest of the trip, on account of it being cheap and er..cheap.
In due course we reached our little rented house just opposite hereford Cathedral, and very well appointed it was too. Off then for shopping (cheeses, crackers, wine, that sort of thing) and await the arrival of Mic who elected to travel by train.
A scout round Hereford city centre was in order to find all the eateries and pubs, a good selection was found with the Imperial Inn, Orange Tree and Litchfield Vaults finding much favour over the next days. Eats were obtained at a place called Wildwood, an Italian which recieved an OK from the group, but nothing special.
Day Two: Wednesday
Bellies filled, the day's events began in earnest with a trip down to a railway station, Norchard. No ordinary one, however, but one hiding in plain site a Steam Train no less. A joyous trip to be sure, slow but steady to Lydney Junction. Rumblings of it being a less than exciting trip from some quarters were brushed aside from some others and the trip came to a sucessfull conclusion. After lunch it was back to Hereford and a Treasure Hunt round the city was done which passed an hour or two.
Some traditional DSA followed, naturally, then out for the evening meal. The group settled on an Indian called Marygold which was quite nice, and cheap too at £15 a head. Then the usual drinks in the pubs, the Imperial and Orange Tree finished off the evening.
Day Three: Thursday
After the usual breakfast today was earmarked for fun. Kind of, in the form of a visit to the Cathedral across the road from the house and, not only to see the building itself, but also the Mappi Mundi and chain library which was housed within said premises. Quite an enlightening hour was spent there soaking up the history and splendour of the ecclesiastical surroundings.
That soon done, the group headed then in the car to Leominster for brunch at the Bakery Coffee Shop and a look round the place. There wasn't really an awful lot we thought, though we may not have seen the whole town in fairness, though we didnt pay for parking due to a kind gentleman giving us his ticket. Leaving the town we made our way to the Oaker Wood activity centre for a spot of sleuthing in the form of an escape room called Compromised. It existed in the form of a 40ft container with three rooms in which clues are laid out and we had an hour to solve them. Which the group did. Just, with 2 mins to spare. That over, en route back a mini golf was spotted so naturally had to be done, with a quick drink thrown in for good measure.
Back then later for the traditional DSA and out for a meal at an Asian buffet which was better than the group thought initially. This was finished off with drinks at the pub, an interesting conversation took place regarding SJB's business model. Googly eyes (Teddy Bears eyes) are now £5.00 for 2 Kg. A full analysis including supply/demand followed providing much satisfaction to all parties concerned.
Day Four: Friday
Today the group needed their breakfast at the King's Fee as there was climbing to be done. Up the Blorenge mountain to be exact. An arduous task, made a little easier by actually driving to the car park 45 metres from the summit, so not quite the north face of the Matterhorn. Nevertheless, it was most refreshing, and some good drone footage was obtained for possible use in a future Arrow video to add to the Cathedral footage got earlier in the morning.
An apetite was worked up which meant a drive over to Symond's Yat West and the Old ferrie Inn. All very pleasant with the weather being very good indeed, warm and bright. There was more fun to be had though, as the group took the ferry across the Wye on a simple wire boat and took a leisurely cruise up the Wye valley with a company called Kingfisher Cruises. Thos was all very sedate with a history lesson of the river thrown in for good measure. A good way to spend an afternoon. Back then from there and back across the river via the same means on which we first crossed.
The group weren't done with Symond's Yat yet though as there were views to be had up top of that there hill which gives Symond's Yat it's name. And we were well rewarded with fine vistas of the Wye Valley. Fully drunk of panoramic visuals, it was time to swap those for drink as it was the last night. A quick bit of DSA before heading out to a Millar and Carter Steakhouse, where Stuart was dismayed at 2 Arrow members ordering the Salmon and not a juicy steak...in a Steakhouse! The smouldering disgust was palpable..
Day Five: Saturday
The last day beckoned as it always does and, after flying the drone a bit more to get 'that shot' we ventured to the King's fee for the last time. After we packed up theand left the house and bade farewell to Mic who was off to catch his train. This left the four to make their home via Ludlow, and a look round the town and castle that lay within. This was most acceptable, despite some moaning about the £8 entrance fee for the castle. A nice cup of tea and cake followed with Morris dancing in the Castle Square providing the last of the entertainment.
And so, the depart from Ludlow heralded the end of Arrow Hereford. Warm weather and gentle activities provided a convivial time for all, and it is to be hoped that the next venture will live up to these expectations.
