Herefordshire, Administrative county in western England
Herefordshire is an administrative area in western England shaped by gentle hills and wide plains crossed by the River Wye. The landscape stretches over several valleys and small towns, with sandstone ridges reaching over 2,200 feet (670 m) in some parts and forming a western boundary.
The area was a site of conflict with Wales for centuries until King Offa extended the Mercian frontier to the Wye and built the earthwork known as Offa's Dyke. This fortification marked a clear line between Anglo-Saxon and Celtic territories from the 8th century onward and shaped the political development of the region for generations.
The area is known for its traditional cider making, visible today in small breweries and at local markets across the towns. Visitors can notice the scent of orchards and experience the centuries-old connection locals have with apple and pear growing, which shapes rural life here.
The area is best explored by car, as many small towns and rural stretches are connected by narrow roads. Visitor centers in larger towns offer maps and guidance on walking routes along the river and through the hills, accessible throughout the year.
The area is England's second-largest hop producer after London and supplies breweries across the country. Hop gardens with their tall frames shape the summer landscape and recall an agricultural tradition that has continued here since medieval times.
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