The Monkey Puzzle Trees sit on Hergest Ridge, a section of the Offa’s Dyke path between Hay-on-Wye and Kington. The Offa’s Dyke path is just a short walk from The Harp Inn Old Radnor, making us an excellent place to stop for the night.
Monkey Puzzle Tree Walk from the Harp Inn
Distance: 4.6. miles return trip
Time: Approximately 90 minutes
Highest elevation: 1300 feet
Difficulty: Medium
Dog Friendly: On a lead. Partially on the road. Sheep and wild horses graze on the route.
Features: Trees, hill, steep climb.
Directions to Monkey Puzzle Trees from the Harp Inn
- Turn left out of the Harp Inn and continue straight. You will pass St Stephens church on your right, followed by a row of houses and bungalows on your left.
- After half a mile, take the turning on your left and follow the winding road downhill through Burlingjobb to the B4594.
- Cross the B4594 and walk straight ahead to the end of Hunter lane. (Here you can pass through the gate on your left to visit Worsell Wood).
- To reach the monkey puzzle trees, pass through the gate on your right and then take the path immediately on your left.
- Turn left at the top and continue onwards in a south easterly and then south westerly direction – climbing at a steady pace.
- You will reach a plateau with paths in multiple directions. From here you can head to the top of Hanter Hill or to Gladestry (posts coming soon).
- To reach the monkey puzzle trees, take the left path which inclines at a steady pace to the ridge. Once atop the ridge, you will see the monkey puzzle trees a short distance away – a small group of tall trees sitting alone in a clearing.
- Retrace your steps to return to the Harp Inn for a cold drink.
When to Visit the Monkey Puzzle Trees
Some parts of the climb are rocky and can be slippery when wet, a good pair of walking shoes are recommended.
The views from Hergest Ridge are fantastic and on a clear day you can see for miles around – however, the views are just as fantastic and dramatic on a moody day.
If the sun is shining, take a picnic and enjoy the view from the shade of the monkey puzzle trees.
You can see this walk and other key locations on Google Maps:
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