On this trek, you’ll take in some of the best scenery Herefordshire has to offer. You’ll start your journey outside Hay-on-Wye and then wind your way through Bredwardine, Byford and Beinton all the way to Hereford Rowing Club. The majority of the route follows the Wye Valley Walk so is well signed and marked on OS maps.

Walkers will park at Hereford Rowing Club and then be taken by bus to the start point just outside Llowes.  Marshals will greet walkers at two snack stops, one at Golden Valley Rifle Club and one at Breinton Village Hall where refreshments will be offered along with a chance to check-in regarding progress.  Lunch is also included at Byford Church so you’ll be well fed and watered to power on through the trek.


Big Spring Walk

Things you need to know:

  • Snacks, refreshments and lunch
  • Medal upon completion
  • T-shirt (optional add-on at £8)

You must be at leat 14 years old to take part in the Trek and 14-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. We’d strongly advise that participants are of a good level of fitness and are in good health to take part in this challenge.

You will need some basic navigational skills as well as the appropriate clothing and footwear.

Unfortunately, this Trek is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

  • If you raise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship, it will cost you £12* to take part
  • If you’d like to take part without raising any sponsorship, the cost will be £55* to take part

*Small booking fee in addition

You’ll need to sign up by the 18th September 2023 to take part.

This is the route the Trek will be taking. Point A is the starting point and Point B is the finish.
You will be sent the route map and more information when you sign up.

Wye Valley Trek Route Map


The majority of the route follows the Wye Valley Walk so it will be signposted but we do recommend that you have basic map reading skills and if you bring an OS map that covers the area that would be beneficial.

The route will take between 5.5 and 9.5 hours to complete and there will be on-call medical teams available and comfort breaks at each stop.

There will be toilet facilities at every checkpoint and at the lunch site at Byford Church.

Parking at Hereford Rowing Club is free all day and you will receive free bus travel to the starting point.

Lunch and snacks are included for all participants, as is a warm meal at the Rowing Club on your return. During the booking process you will also have the opportunity to add on additional meals for friends and family at the Rowing Club for those who might want to join you on completion of your Trek.

You must have 2 litres water capacity with you and you will be able to refill this at all the checkpoints on the way. There will be plenty of snacks on the way but it’s always a good idea to pop a couple of your favourite things in your bag in case you need a pick-me-up! 

We have made a checklist of items to bring with you, and take on your training walks, to ensure you are as prepared as possible; 

Small backpack 

We advise a maximum of 30 litres so it doesn’t get too heavy to carry & would recommend one with adjustable shoulder straps and a hip strap where possible.  Don’t forget you can leave any baggage you don’t need during the Trek on the transport & it will be waiting for you at the finish 

Mobile phone  

Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can get lots of pictures of the beautiful locations you see on your way.  Bring a cable & a charging pack if you can, just in case. 

Money  

You won’t need any money during your Trek but we would suggest you bring a small amount of cash & a bank card with you in case of emergencies. 

Head torch with batteries 

In case it does get dark while you’re on the route a good head torch with batteries will ensure you can continue to the end. 

Trekking poles 

These are completely optional, but if you have trained with them and found them useful then bring them along. 

Walking boots/shoes 

Find comfortable shoes with good support & most importantly, make sure you wear them in! 

Walking socks 

Think about adding a spare pair to your pack so you can swap halfway through & help your feet feel refreshed, and it will help protect against blisters! 

Waterproof jacket 

We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be so a good waterproof jacket is an ESSENTIAL part of your kit.

Trekking trousers 

These useful trousers that have zips so you can turn them in to shorts would be an excellent addition to your kit! 

Warm top 

A thin but warm layer to pop on if there’s a change in the weather that fits under your jacket / over your t-shirt is a good choice. 

Hat 

A warm hat is great for preserving heat on cooler days 

Sunglasses & Sun Hat 

Make sure to keep your eyes protected & your head covered if the sun is out. 

Sun cream 

We recommend bringing & wearing suncream whatever the weather – make sure it’s still in date & is at least Factor 30.

Water & snacks 

You must have 2 litres water capacity with you & you will be able to refill this at all the checkpoints on the way.  There will be plenty of snacks on the way but it’s always a good idea to pop a couple of your favourite things in your bag in case you need a pick-me-up! 

First Aid 

We will have First Aid support available throughout the Trek but it is good practise to carry a small first aid pack with you & we would recommend this includes; plasters, vaseline, hand sanitiser, pain killers & any personal medication you need. 

If you’ve opted to raise sponsorship for us, thank you! It means the world. Our Team will give you hints and tips on the best way to promote your challenge and get sponsorship. The easiest way is to ask people via emails, social media or word of mouth to donate to the Wye Valley Trek sponsorship page. You’ll be sent a link to this once you sign up.  

We’ve always wanted to do a Marathon-style
challenge but at a walker’s pace,
so this was the perfect trek for us!

Wye Valley Trekkers