A HEREFORDSHIRE writer has produced a website showcasing some of the best walks on old railway lines in Herefordshire.

Garth Lawson has put together a list of walks that formed part of an archive consisting of nearly 150 routes in and around Herefordshire.

These walks appeared every month for more than 12 years in the Hereford Times.

One such walk plots a four-mile route between the south Herefordshire villages, Hoarwithy and Carey.

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Hoarwithy Bridge and Toll House stand on the site of an ancient ford and ferry crossing connecting the adjoining parish of King’s Caple with routes into Ross and Hereford.

The bridge was first built in 1875 and renewed in 1990.

Having enjoyed the panoramas over the Wye and views to the Malverns and the local walkers’ constant companion, May Hill, the walk arrives at Carey.

In 1890, the locals were being served at the then Miners Arms by James Hartland, who, if he wanted to post a Christmas card would have only needed to amble across the frontage to Carey Post Office. The walk soon reaches Carey Halt, or the old Ballingham Railway Staion.

It was situated between Ballingham Railway Bridge and Ballingham Tunnel, two of the most substantial structures on the Great Western Hereford, Ross and Gloucester line.

The station building is now a private house. The platform is still in existence and down by the river we come to the dismantled Ballingham railway bridge.

The line was opened in 1855 but it had taken four years to complete the 36km between Gloucester and Hereford because of the four bridges and four tunnels along this meandering stretch of the river.

As the walk heads along the river bank it joins the start of the great horseshoe bend which envelops King’s Caple and Fawley.

Having joined the road for a while, the walk returns to the river and heads back to Hoarwithy.

The village's name means 'Willow tree on the boundary'. and dates back to 1005.

The walk can be negotiated by walkers of all abilities in two-and-a-half hours.

For more information on this walk and a route map visit https://www.herefordrailwaywalks.co.uk/one.html