Hollow Ash

Hollow Ash is set in the border country of the Welsh Marches and is ideal if you wish to soak up the peace and tranquility of the Herefordshire countryside. Step back in time in this land of medieval castles and small hamlets, and dawdle around the charming towns of the area, such as Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth.

Take a trip to explore Herefordshire's black and white villages or visit Hereford Cathedral with its unique, medieval Mappa Mundi showing you a world of mythical beasts, and its rare chained library. Herefordshire is a county of orchards with many craft cider makers, and you can follow the Cider Trail to meet some and taste real cider (and perry as well!).

There's plenty of experiences for the more adventurous: canoeing through the stunning valley of the River Wye, wild swimming in the unspoiled River Monnow, off-road cycling in the Forest of Dean and more.

There are numerous opportunities for walking. Walks start right from the site and cross the Welsh border down to the River Monnow where you can picnic and swim by Skenfrith Castle or slake your thirst at the riverside pub. Here you can pick up the trail of the Three Castles Walk. Stroll up to the top of Garway Hill from where you'll be able to feast your eyes on incredible views over seven counties.

Further afield is fantastic hill walking on the Skirrid, the Sugarloaf and the Black Mountains, and the challenging Brecon Beacons National Park. In the other direction are the Malvern Hills, beloved by Edward Elgar. The nearby Forest of Dean, with its diverse geology (think caves, cliffs, valleys, mines, quarries), offers miles of tranquil walking (including Offa's Dyke) and cycling paths where you can spot birds, deer and wild boar as well as fascinating remnants of its long industrial history.

There are many local craft activities which could help anyone walk away with a new skill - such as basket making or singing. You can even spend a few hours working with iron and understanding the trade of a traditional blacksmith. Time your visit to coincide with the apple harvest and you could learn about apple-pressing and take home a stack of juice as a tasty memento of your holiday.