All mapped out

Hereford and Hay-on-Wye provide route maps for an enjoyable break, Andria Massey discovers

- Andria Massey

PLANNING OUR ITINERARY for a tour in a historic and scenic part of the world, I decided to head towards Hereford on the cross-country route from our base in North Wales – not the best decision I have made.

Although much of the route was fine, we found the section between Newtown and Hereford was along winding roads, with nowhere suitable to stop for a break.

However, we made it to our campsite in reasonable time and after exploring the facilities at Poston Mill Touring Park, we decided to have a refreshing drink in The Mill Restaurant, on the site.

As well as being in just the right place for what we had planned during our visit, Poston Mill Touring Park has a bus stop right outside, meaning we could set up and then let the bus take the strain.

This is a very well-maintained site, featuring in Practical Caravan’s Top 100 Sites Guide 2023, with clean facilities.

We did have one problem, though, as the height of the grey-waste receptacles meant we rather struggled to use them, because of the weight of the container. Our only option was to walk the length of the site to use the motorhome service point.

Historic Hereford

The following day, we caught the bus into Hereford, alighting in Broad Street. As we entered the city, we crossed Wye Bridge.

This Grade I listed, five-span stone bridge was built in 1490, to replace the timber bridge that dated back to the 12th century. During the 1645 Siege of Hereford in the English Civil War, the bridge was the scene of heavy fighting between Royalists and the Scottish Covenanter forces.

A gatehouse that stood at one end of the bridge was damaged and later demolished. The bridge itself was rebuilt during the 17th century and then widened in 1826.