Upper Sapey offers two clear reasons to visit: walks along named routes and architectural history spanning the Norman arch of St Michael & All Angels and a former school building. The two routes are listed as seven and 4.5 miles long; this range helps you choose a walk to suit the time you have available. There are also historic houses, events at Sapey Cross Country and the local history of the Baiting House. Before choosing a hotel, you can decide whether walking, architecture or an equestrian event should be the deciding factor for your stay.
Walking Routes and Waypoints
The seven-mile The Teme Valley and Sapey Brook walk passes through Upper Sapey and Harpley and includes two waterfalls. Upper Sapey Circular is a 4.5-mile circular route that passes St Michael's Church. On the return, it goes past Burton Court Farm. The routes differ in length by 2.5 miles, and their waypoints also vary: the longer route names two villages and waterfalls, while the circular route features a church and a farm. You can consider both the distance and the named waypoints when planning your day.
Historic Houses and Building Periods
Church House is listed as Grade II in the National Heritage List for England. The rubble-stone house dates from the 17th and 18th centuries; the north extension was added in the late 18th century. Church Cottage is a former school building dating from approximately the early 18th century. Lea Farmhouse was built as a brick house around 1700. The Rectory dates from the early 19th century and is made of red brick; its porch is supported by Doric columns.
The dates offer a comparison across time: Church House includes building phases from the 17th and 18th centuries, while The Rectory dates from the early 19th century. Lea Farmhouse adds to the group with its approximate date of around 1700. The houses also differ in their materials and architectural details: rubble stone at Church House, brick at Lea Farmhouse and The Rectory, and the columned porch at The Rectory.
St Michael & All Angels
St Michael & All Angels has an impressive Norman arch at its west end. The pulpit is said to contain carved panels from the church in Tedstone Delamere. Repair and conservation work was carried out at the church in 2016.
Equestrian Events at Sapey Cross Country
Sapey Cross Country in Upper Sapey was founded in 2002; its facilities are on permanent grassland. The annual programme includes One Day Events, Eventer Challenges, Dressage Evenings and Schooling Clinics. If you want to plan your trip around a particular event, check the specific dates in advance.
A Chapter in Local History
The Baiting House traditionally served as a stop for drovers and carriers in Upper Sapey. This former resting place adds a perspective on livestock droving and road transport to the area’s architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Fownhope, Bromyard, Staunton On Wye, Clehonger, Burley Gate, Much Cowarne, Letton, Leominster
For the broader travel guide: County Of Herefordshire.
