THE Marches of the English-Welsh borderlands are an area of outstanding natural beauty with a fascinating history spanning five millennia.

Because the area was largely unaffected by industrialisation during the last two centuries, much of its rural character, wildlife and historic buildings have been preserved. However, these features are not so easy to find for the traveller with limited time to spare, especially in the maze of little roads and trackways throughout the counties of Herefordshire, eastern Powys, southern Shropshire and northern Monmouthshire.

But the Marches Guides Association helps visitors enjoy the treasures that are found here. All the guides are local people, informed and enthusiastic about this wonderful part of Britain. Their expert knowledge covers everything from archaeology to wildlife. Introductory excursions cover 'a bit of everything', while special interest tours go into more detail and depth.

WHAT WE DO

Our aim is to share the Central Marches with you while leaving it unaffected by your presence.

Our expert guides give tours that cover every interest, not just the ones listed on the front. And we provide guides for individuals, small or large groups, and people of all ages. Our guides also offer a broad and informative introduction to what makes this part of Britain so special.

OUR GUIDES

The Marches Guides Association combines the skills of experts in their fields, with a business co-ordinator who ensures that you have the right guide for your needs. In addition, we can advise you about accommodation and transport.

We have a range of half day, full day and weekend options with guides who will make your visit both enjoyable and informative. Details can be sent on request, or discussed over the phone, or we can devise a costed programme to meet your requirements.

We are also arranging a number of tours on specific days of the year. The programme is updated regularly so please request the latest brochure.

Different guides can be provided on different days if you want a range of tours or talks over a weekend or during a week.

All guides were either born and bred in the area or have chosen to live here; they will enthuse about their subject in particular and the area in general!

THE CENTRAL MARCHES

Recent discoveries in the Radnor plain suggest a woodhenge larger than Stonehenge; there are neolithic tombs, bronze age barrows and standing stones. Through its length runs Offa's Dyke. It has one of the greatest concentrations of castle sites anywhere in Europe. It is the home of the Herefordshire School of Romanesque Carvings, churches with unusual detached bell towers, villages with famed 'black and white' dwellings, and towns of Georgian splendour. It has pecularities of geology: drumlin country, rivers whose course has been changed by glaciers, limestone domes, and scarps. It is rich in wildlife and hedgerows.

Come away from the Central Marches with more than just memories of expansive countryside and narrow lanes. Explore it with people who can show you nooks and crannies, and explain aspects that you may otherwise never discover.

Understand the ceremonies that may have taken place at Arthur's Stone; contemplate the life of a marcher lord; or delve into the shifting allegiances of Norman, English and Welsh families.

Walk or cycle through the countryside and gain an understanding of the changes that have helped shaped the Central Marches.

Discover how to 'read' woodland and understand what has happened to it over the years. Or learn how to 'age' a hedgerow and see how today's landscape can teach us about the past.

Learn about the mysteries of cider and the range of apples that make the aqua vita of Herefordshire.