Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins novels are atmospheric supernatural crime stories rooted deeply in Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches. The landscape is far more than a backdrop: the ancient churches, ruined castles, wooded valleys, lonely farms, winding lanes and misty hills seem to carry their own memories, with the border country’s layers of history and folklore constantly pressing into the present. Against this evocative setting, Merrily Watkins, a Church of England priest and diocesan deliverance officer, investigates hauntings, occult mysteries and unexplained deaths, often working alongside the police.
What makes Phil Rickman’s novels so compelling for the Hereford Guild of Guides is their deep roots in our community—Rickman masterfully weaves inspiration from local visionaries like Alfred Watkins and his groundbreaking exploration of ley lines and ancient prehistoric sites. This authentic connection to Hereford and Herefordshire naturally inspired us to develop a walking tour celebrating these literary and historical links. With Midwinter of the Spirit, the second installment in the series, unfolding primarily throughout Hereford itself, we discovered an exceptional opportunity to bring these interconnected stories to life on the ground.
Our inaugural walk was originally planned for August 21st as a trial run exclusively for our colleagues. However, word spread unexpectedly, and we were delighted to welcome members of the Phil Rickman Appreciation Society, who found the experience truly rewarding. Please see their review below.
Considering a Phil Rickman group walk in the future? We’d love to have you join us! For groups of four people or larger, contact our dedicated Booking Officer at bookings@herefordguidedwalks.org.uk or call 07947 924494 to book your adventure.
“Loved it, what a brilliant walk! Exploring the locations linked to the Merrily Watkins books by the wonderfully gifted Phil Rickman was an absolute treat. We loved hearing the exact quotes from the novels at each stop — such a clever and engaging way to connect the characters and scenes to the real places on the route.
The extra historical information was interesting and added to the experience. The guides (Laura and Wendy) are incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do, which made the whole walk even more enjoyable.”
A fantastic, memorable tour — highly recommended for any Merrily Watkins fan! August 2026