NOW GO THERE

Kate Humble on where to eat, sleep and wander when you’re walking the Wye Valley

PLANNING

In planning the route, booking B&Bs and organising transfers to and from accommodation, I had invaluable help from walking holiday specialists Celtic Trails. 01291 689774; celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk

DOG-FRIENDLY STAY Celtic Woodland Holidays

A small number of self-contained wooden pods set in pretty woodland on the outskirts of Builth Wells, with lovely views. There is a very clean, warm, wash block with fantastically hot showers courtesy of their biomass boiler, and a small honesty shop with supplies such as Welsh cakes, milk, chocolate and eggs. They have a pick-up service for walkers. 01982 553022; bit.ly/2uKglME

EAT Cwtch Café

This lovely café in Builth Wells came highly recommended. Comfy chairs, a pretty courtyard outside if you have a dog, delicious coffee, home-made cakes and they do a great breakfast until 11am. 6a Broad Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3DT

DOG-FRIENDLY STAY Caplor Farm Eco Pods

Warm, comfortable, well-kitted out and en suite, these eco pods near Fownhope sit in a pretty orchard just a few metres from the route of the Wye Valley Walk. It’s a wonderfully peaceful site in a beautiful setting. I give it five stars and Teg gives it four paws. 01432 860644; bit.ly/2vSzDDV

DOG-FRIENDLY STAY The Seven Stars B&B

A walker’s haven in Hayon-Wye. Run by Di and her dog Captain, you’ll have a clean, simple room and a great breakfast. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and sauna. Very close to the route and all the amenities of Hay. 01497 820 886; theseven-stars.co.uk

DRINK The Brockweir Inn

My local. Run by the lovely Will and Nicky. Friendly, unpretentious and serving lovely pub grub. thebrockweirinn.co.uk

RAINY DAY Erwood Station Gallery

Right on the route, this former railway station now houses a gallery of artworks and crafts by Welsh artists, and there’s a café (excellent bara brith) with picnic tables outside. I fell in love with an etching – not a practical thing to do on a long-distance walk – but was told it could be posted to me after I got home. So I bought it! erwoodstation.com

EAT The Moon Inn

Just outside Hereford, this pub in Mordiford does good, honest, home-cooked pub grub – exactly what you need after a long, hard day of walking. mooninnmordiford.co.uk

EAT The Filling Station Café, Tintern

Great little café right on the road (and the route) near Tintern Abbey. Good coffee, sandwiches and cakes. 07850 747 140