The route is named after the Mortimer family of ruling Marcher Lords, often titled Earl of March, whose rise through successive generations from Norman times through the medieval period helped to shape the history and geography of this area of the Welsh Marches.
The 30-mile (48km) route crosses the River Teme and enters Mortimer Forest, an area of forested ridges. It passes Croft Castle and the Iron Age hill fort Croft Ambrey (not far from Wigmore and the initial seat of Mortimer power), and then passes through quiet Aymestrey. Near Aymestrey it passes through Puckhouse Wood, reputedly haunted by pucks or wood sprites. According to lore, a traveller lost in the wood at night paid a stipend for a bell to be tolled to rescue travellers from the Puck's clutches.
Five loop walks depart from and return to the main waymarked trail at various points along the route, enabling investigation of surrounding attractions, villages and features. The Mortimer Trail Official Route Guide[2] details these.
References
12"Mortimer Trail". Long Distance Walkers Association. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
↑Hulme, Trevor (2002). The Mortimer Trail – Official Route Guide. Herefordshire Council. ISBN0953698319.
