Leominster weekend 2016

Leominster Weekend 2016

Friday 20th May - Sunday 22nd May 2016

Leominster Youth Hostel, Leominster, 
(Ordnance Survey Map Number: 149, Grid Reference: SO 498 593)


Orchards in Bloom:
The Ladies Weekend 2016.

Friday 20th May - "The Cider Route"

The usual arrangement where some arrive late morning to get in an extra ride.  Christine had planned a somewhat hilly 30 miles, and Sonia and I had a couple of Cider farms planned in to visit.  Christine set off with her folowers, and we headed past the station to cross the A49.  We were heading to a pub marked on the map at Stoke Pryor, but stopped short at Dom's (motor)bikers cafe, and agreed this would be a good option.

Dom was very welcoming, and we sat outside enjoying the May sunshine.  He did not know, however, if we could cross the railway line after Stoke Pryor, which would save us using the B-road.  We decided to try it anyway, and after a photo request from Dom under his 'arch' (we apparently looked so good heading out under it he came running out for a photo!) we set off down our first Herefordshire Lane.

It was gently downhill as we folowed the course of the Lugg before crossing it by the A44.  THen the moment of truth - can we get over the railway line?  We spied a chap walking around a fence, and realised yes, there must be a crossing.  So we managed to get across the A44, not too busy, and filed up behind the same fence.

There was a phone, and a sign saying to phone.  So Jo did, much to the bemusement of the aforementioned chap, now the other side of the track.

Minutes later a train did indeed come by; and Jo picked up the phone, much to our amusement!  Finally they let us cross the track, safe to continue to the first cider farm.

Honk for cider

Newton Cider Farm, a small shop with limited variety although it included 'Herefordshire champagne', a light and bubbly cider which Paul opened for us.  This was after he took us into the barn, where his award winning cider lives.  Armed with plastic cups, we were able to sample perry and cider, before setting off again through the lanes to our next cider farm.  

On the (quite busy) B road, we passed a noisy turkey - I had to stop as he was huge, and the cottage was idyllic...

Old orchards and new in the lanes, but all in blossom.  Must be the best time to head for Herefordshire.  

Stockmoor Cider is a much smaller affair, still award winning cider, with a very large extremely fluffy black cat and small barrelly dog.  The postman arrived before our guide, and wanted us to sign for the Amazon package!


He showed us two of his orchards, with trees planted a year ago, and two years; we had a lesson on bio-chemistry, soils and organic farming, history and developments.  

Only a mile to our next cider farm, and not a lot of time before they close.