Pictures of Mordiford

About Mordiford

The village of Mordiford is home to the oldest bridge in Herefordshire, which in parts dates to c. 1352 and tales of a Dragon that would come down from its lair, to drink at the confluence of the rivers near the village. The village itself lies a few miles south of the cathedral city of Hereford and about a 30 minute journey north from Ross-on-Wye, which takes you through some of the lushest scenery in the Wye valley.

Mordiford stands on the River Lugg, slightly above its junction with the better known River Wye. It is a beautiful river that snakes its way through bountiful meadows, orchards and farmlands. Good fishing is to be enjoyed on the Lugg, it is known well for grayling. Mordiford itself is a patchwork of fields and wooded hills and little lanes that criss-cross here and there. Dotted around are beautiful old cottages, and farmhouses that hide behind an avenue of lofty trees. At Mordiford is a 600 year old bridge that has nine arches. Interestingly, it is said that in medieval times when the king rode over this bridge he was given a pair of silver spurs by the lords of Hereford and it is supposed that this was their payment for the manor of Mordiford.

Fine as the scenery is in this wonderful area, for views that are truly spectacular you need to walk from the town to the top of Blackbury Hill. The vista's all around are stunning, the sparkling river lies below and in the distance, beyond the great cathedral of Hereford, you can see the misty tips of the Welsh mountains. This is a peaceful, lonely spot, often not a sound can be heard other than the twittering of birds as they circle even higher above you.

Many species of wildlife thrive in the wooded areas that are spread throughout this beautiful region. You can roam in quiet tranquility along the forestry commission paths that take you past old oaks, firs and beech trees. Autumn is glorious, a never ending rainbow of brilliant greens, golds and rich reds. Leaves fall and form a thick carpet beneath your feet and a late after-noon sun dapples between the trees, the atmosphere is magical and you could be foriven for imagining an elf or two, with graceful fairies, dancing in the glade!

This too, is fruit country and as you drive along the leafy lanes, you pass mile upon mile of orchards full of gorgeous english apples, pears and cherries. Fields are full of fresh strawberries and round every corner is a poster proclaiming P.Y.O. Giant hops grow throughout the region, for Herefordshire is famous for it's cider. You can have a wonderful day out here, you can relish the vast open spaces of Mordiford and the fine views over the Lugg from Blackbury Hill, you can savour the calm tranquility of the woods, and afterwards, you can seek out a friendly inn and part-take of a hearty supper, taken with a glass of local cider followed by strawberries and cream - did I hear someone say 'Bliss'.

Other attractions in the area are; Hereford Cathedral and museum, and at nearby Ledbury there is an ancient market house, a beautfully preserved cobbled street and the old grammer school