Near Goodrich, Herefordshire

Coppett Hill

Viewpoint

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

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Why it's Wildland

7.2

A broad common above the Wye Valley, with open hilltop views, woodland paths and the remains of a small folly.

Coppett Hill earns its place for the combination of open ridge views, woodland and riverside walking, with a curious old folly and a trig point to seek out along the way. The strongest sourced visit is a moderate circular walk rather than a quick roadside viewpoint.

Peaceful · Wild

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Near Goodrich, Herefordshire

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The experience

The best-supported way to explore Coppett Hill is a 6.3-mile moderate circular walk from Goodrich Castle car park. It links woodland climbs and open hilltop views with Kerne Bridge and a riverside stretch beneath Caldwell Rocks.

Things to do

Reach the Coppett Hill trig point

Climb from the wooded path onto the open hilltop and find the 188m trig point.

Find The Folly

Look beyond the trig point for the stone remains known as The Folly. The route source says it may have been the residence of a rabbit warrener.

Look across to Kerne Bridge

Pause on the route for the view of the bridge, built in 1828 to carry a road associated with Forest of Dean coal and iron ore transport.

Pass beneath Caldwell Rocks

The circular route descends through woodland and riverside fields below the rocks; the route source identifies the area as a peregrine falcon nesting site.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 3 hours

The Coppett Hill circular

01
Start at Goodrich Castle car park.
02
Follow the published circular route via Dry Arch and Kerne Bridge.
03
Climb to the open hilltop and visit the 188m trig point and The Folly.
04
Descend through woodland towards the river and Caldwell Rocks, then follow the route back.

Half day · Half day; extra time for the detour is not specified

Add the riverside church detour

01
Walk the published Coppett Hill circular from Goodrich Castle car park.
02
Add the route’s suggested detour to St Margaret’s Church at Welsh Bicknor.
03
Return to the main route and continue back towards Goodrich.

Verified history

The route source dates Kerne Bridge to 1828 and says it was built when a road was driven through to carry coal and iron ore from the Forest of Dean towards South Wales. Coppett Hill’s summit route also passes stone remains called The Folly, described as possibly having been the residence of a rabbit warrener; that proposed origin is uncertain.

Hidden details

The rabbit warrener’s Folly — Look for the stone remains beyond the trig point. A route source suggests it may have been the home of a rabbit warrener, but presents this as a possibility rather than established fact.

Conglomerate boulders on the climb — The route description notes large conglomerate boulders made of sandstone with quartz pebbles on the ascent.

When to go

· No specific time of day is verified; choose clear conditions for the hilltop views.

The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal peak. Wet-weather mud is noted on parts of the route.

Some sections may be muddy in wet weather. The hilltop is exposed; check the forecast and wear walking boots.

The route

stiles: A number of stiles and gates; the route PDF specifies 3 stiles plus 4 locations with a stile and a gate.
surface: Woodland paths, open hill paths, riverside sections and lanes; some sections may be muddy in wet weather.
distance: 6.3 miles (10.1 km)
duration: About 3 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Circular
start point: Goodrich Castle car park
parking start: Goodrich Castle car park; check current parking arrangements.

Dry Arch
Kerne Bridge, built in 1828
Coppett Hill trig point at 188m
The Folly
Caldwell Rocks and riverside paths
Optional detour to St Margaret’s Church, Welsh Bicknor

Worth pairing with

Goodrich Castle

The circular walk starts at Goodrich Castle car park and passes this well-preserved Norman castle; the source also reports a café/snack bar and public toilets there.

St Margaret’s Church, Welsh Bicknor

A riverside church described by the route source as a worthwhile detour from the circular walk.

Pubs in Goodrich and at Kerne Bridge

The route source lists nearby pubs as refreshment options; check current opening arrangements.

What to look for

Look for the 188m trig point, the remains known as The Folly, conglomerate boulders on the climb, and the view towards Kerne Bridge. The route source also identifies Caldwell Rocks as a peregrine falcon nesting site.