The Three Choirs Way is a circular route of approximately 100 miles which links the cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester. The route winds through countryside of orchards, hop yards and vineyards with the unifying theme of the Three Choirs Festival – and ancient music festival celebrated annually for over 300 years in the cathedral cities, hosted by each in turn. The Malvern Hills, Suckley Hills, Marcle Ridge and May Hill are all visited or viewed en-route and the rivers Severn, Wye, Teme and Lugg crossed, providing a visually exciting and varied route, and a perfect balance of rural and urban landscapes. The rhyme inscribed on the Three Choirs route marker – “Blessed is the eye between Severn and Wye” is reinforced throughout the trail.
Gerry Stewart, whose inspiration and dedication made the Three Choirs Way the long-distance route it is today, recounts the story of Gustav Holst arriving at Gloucester Cathedral to conduct a choral rehearsal, soaking wet from having walked ‘an ancient Roman trackway‘ to reach it.
The Three Choirs Way visits the cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester in turn so that these marvellous, ancient and historic centres can be seen. However, there are alternative rural routes provided in the guide for those wishing to bypass the urban centres.
‘I have tried to define and express what it means to me, a potential musician, nurtured in countryside of companionable hills, two lovely but diverse rivers and three magnificent cathedrals. It seems that Severn and Wye flow through one’s views… and the astonishing Three Choirs Festivals go their historic way’.
About The Three Choirs Way
This 100 mile trail is a fascinating walk through the 3 counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, tracing the historic links between the cities with the medium of music.
Distance: Gloucester via Hereford and Worcester and back to Gloucester (100 miles) (161 km)
Duration: The trail can be completed in 10 days (11 nights) of walking, but can be shortened to do any stretch of the route. For example you could walk from Gloucester to Hereford with 3 days of walking (4 nights).
Price: From £835 per person (11 nights)
Prices based on two people sharing one room.
Highlights of The Three Choirs Way
- The three historic cathedrals of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester – all architecturally spectacular in different ways. The Mappa Mundi can be seen at Hereford Cathedral.
- Many beautiful villages throughout the trail, with several lovely little churches to visit en-route
- The magnificent Malvern Hills and the lovely town of Malvern
- Spectacular panoramic views throughout the trail including the Black Mountains in Wales, the Malvern Hills and May Hill
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Gloucester and overnight
Day 2: Gloucester to Clifford’s Mesne (10.4 miles) (17 km)
Day 3: Clifford’s Mesne to Sleaves Oak (10.4 miles) (16.7 km)
Day 4: Sleaves Oak to Hereford Cathedral (10 miles) (16 km)
Day 5: Hereford to Ocle Pychard (9.6 miles) (15 km)
Day 6: Ocle Pychard to Stanford Bishop (10 miles) (16 km)
Day 7: Stanford Bishop to Broad Green (10 miles) (16 km)
Day 8: Broad Green to Stanbrook (10 miles) (16 km)
Day 9: Stanbrook Abbey to British Camp (10.9 miles) (18 km)
Day 10: British Camp to Staunton (10.4 miles) (16.7 km)
Day 11: Staunton to Gloucester Cathedral (8.4 miles) (14 km)
Day 12: Depart from Gloucester after breakfast
Optional extra day
The Three Choirs Way has many opportunities for taking a rest day or extra day at any point in the tour. Any of the major cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester would be an ideal place for a rest day, offering a range of activities throughout the year, cultural visits, retail and a huge choice of pubs, cafes and eateries for all occasions.
Other towns en-route suitable for a stopover include Malvern and Ledbury. Malvern is a superb location for an extra day, with many sites of interest to the visitor, including Malvern Priory, the Morgan Motor Company, the Malvern theatres complex and of course Malvern’s many associations with Sir Edward Elgar which will be of interest to many Three Choirs Way walkers.
Ledbury is a nugget of a market town, nestling in beautiful Herefordshire countryside, with a magnificent black and white market house, a superb church and many historic associations with the poet laureate John Masefield and the author Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
What's included
- Hotel or inn accommodation with full English breakfast
- Luggage transportation to every destination
- Detailed guide book for the trail and clearly marked OS map guide
- Information pack with details of accommodation, the area and any events of interest during your stay
- Help and support from Black Pear Walking Tours whenever required
Accommodation and eating
Accommodation is good quality, clean, comfortable, welcoming and selected from a range of small hotels, local inns and quality bed and breakfast accommodation.
Breakfast is provided with all accommodation and we will give you advice about local places for an evening meal within a short distance from your accommodation, or in-house where there are no local facilities. For lunch you will be recommended stops en-route, be provided with packed lunches in-house if there are no convenient stops, or you will be able to buy refreshments locally. This is a wonderful opportunity to sample the best of local cuisine!
Travel information
By Air: nearest airports to the Geopark Way are Birmingham International Airport (Worcester and Hereford) or Bristol (Gloucester) though Birmingham is also good for Gloucester.
By Rail: Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford all have main line stations. National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk
By Coach: National Express makes regular scheduled services to Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester: www.nationalexpress.com or tel: 08717 818178
By Car: if you wish to travel by car please contact us for information on parking for the duration of your walk and transfers at the conclusion.