MUCH of the traditional old England has vanished under a noisy, stressful urban sprawl. But many visitors to Herefordshire are amazed to find it still such an enclave of beauty, tranquility and friendliness. The countryside is mostly quiet and unspoilt, the people open and friendly, and although facilities are modern a visit to the county is, in the best possible way, a journey back in time. The Golden Valley, for instance, is a real oasis of rural peace, studed with quiet little hamlets and villages with lovely churches, a land of

fields and hills and woods with the rugged and spectacular Black Mountains on one side and the meandering, peaceful Wye on the other. Further on its course, the river winds around the justly famous Symonds Yat, its wooded eyrie providing stunning views. But for the stunning view to end all stunning views, the panorama from Hay Bluff is surely unbeatable, taking in the Brecon Beacons and what looks like half of Wales. North of the Wye, you are in the archetypal rural idyll.

Villages such as Weobley and Eardisland are the epitome of picture-post-card England. Go into the village shop, or stop to ask someone the way, and you will soon discover that people still have the time to talk to each other. But it's far from being acres of emptiness. There is more of interest in Herefordshire than in most English countries. Hereford itself is a fine city, bustling with life. Not a sprawling industrial city, rather a large market town with centuries of history and a fine cathedral.

Cultural events abound in the area, such as the famous Three Choirs Festival and the festivals in Hay-on-Wye and Leominster. There are lots of National Trust properties, stately homes, and gardens. Abbeydore Court is of special interest to plantsmen. If you are walking, the county is a paradise. You can canoe, raft and fish on the Wye. There is plenty of riding and pony trekking or flying at Shobdon. Hay is the books capital of the world. If you can't find what you want there you might not find it anywhere. In fact, whatever your interests you will probably find it well catered for in Herefordshire. Best of all, though, just enjoy being here. Relax, let Herefordshire show you how life should be.