The valley is particularly beautiful during Spring when bluebells carpet the woodland in swathes of blue and green. The name for this valley arose presumably because of a series of fish ponds that were created to supply fresh fish to the Croft Estate, now a National Trust property (see 'Places to Visit' section). There are many different paths you can follow that make this walk highly recommended and will enchant anyone who has never visited Herefordshire before.
One variation of this walk is to take the path that eventually leads to the ancient Iron Age hill fort called Croft Ambrey (about 40 minutes walk from the start of the walk on Bircher Common). From the top of the hill fort you will be rewarded, on a clear day, with the most wonderful views over north and south Herefordshire and towards the Welsh borders.
You can also approach the hill fort from Croft Castle and/or from another worthwhile walk called 'School Wood'. This walk starts a mile or two west of Croft Castle on the B4362 less than a mile from Mortimers Cross. Look out for the small lane, opposite the turning to the village of Lucton, which takes you up a very steep hill. You can park your car half way up the lane but be warned there is limited parking space. From there you walk along a forest track through School Wood, all the way to Croft Ambrey hill fort. Approximate walking time is 30 minutes on fairly level ground with spectacular views.
Directions: From Eardisland drive 3 miles north on the A4110, turn right at Mortimers Cross on to the B4362 and drive for 3 miles to the cross roads sign posted 'Yarpole' to the right and Croft Castle to the left. Turn left and follow the lane up the hill till you reach Bircher Common. There is parking close to the cattle grid as you enter the common.
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