Meeting point
Mill Street Car Park, Kington, HR5 3DP. Grid reference SO 29572 56561. What3words: ///overpaid.handwriting.shears
Description
Please bring a packed lunch and drinks. Light refreshments at Kennel Cottage and ‘High Tea’ at The Oxford. Transport to start point by 41 bus, please bring fare of approx £2 or your bus pass.
In 1812, Lord Byron, poet and Whig, was described by his ex-lover Caroline Lamb as, ‘mad, bad, delightful and dangerous’. In that October he was invited by Lady & Lord Harley, the 5th Earl of Oxford to Eywood Mansion, Titley where Byron fell for Lady Jane’s autumnal charms, renowned beauty and intelligence, sparking a brief but passionate liaison. We will share some of his romantic poetry and explore her radical and political influence on her family, friends and ‘High Society’. The Oxford Arms, principal coaching inn and post house in Kington, was part of the Harley country seat for at least two centuries and our walk will take us through some of the estate which stretched from Herefordshire to London!
Alighting from the bus in Titley we will follow Eywood Lane to the remains of the Queen Anne mansion - Eywood, which together with Oakcroft and Flintsham farms made up the western Titley medieval manor; Titley Court being the eastern manor. Skirting Cave Wood to Kennel Cottage for light refreshments, ascending Gorsty Dole and joining the Mortimer Trail before crossing Rushock Hill. We will picnic at one of the many glorious spots depending on the weather and time, before joining the Offa’s Dyke path to cross the golf course on Bradnor Hill. We will then drop down to cross the A44 into Kington via Crooked Well, up to Common Close (Drovers Marketplace) and follow the ancient Burgage Lane to the Oxford, for High Tea.
Overview of the planned route:
