We plunge through the bracken-covered Bromyard Downs, admire an old railway line and head for the Frome Valley. Skirting the haunted church of Avenbury we hit the Herefordshire Trail to take us into the iconic market town of Bromyard with its wide array of historic buildings and fascinating history. Now we climb Burying Lane to reach Bromyard Downs (500 ft ascent) looking out for some early orchids, and, as we walk along the top of the Downs, we take in the panoramic views from the Malverns to the Black Mountains and Clee Hill.