Reclaimed Flagstones in Herefordshire: Pennant, Indian Sandstone, Slate & Natural Stone Paving Guide
- Helen Gilbert
- Apr 17
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 20
If you’re looking for reclaimed flagstones in Herefordshire, Ross Reclamation has a great selection in the yard. Lots of Pennant stone, Indian sandstone, and other natural paving.
Stock changes regularly. What’s here this week might be gone next week, and no two loads are ever the same. If you can, it's a great idea to come and have a look in person.
Reclaimed Flagstones in Herefordshire: What to Expect
Flagstones are flat, natural stone slabs used for paving and flooring. They have been used for generations in patios, paths, kitchens and courtyards and they still outlast most modern alternatives.
Reclaimed flagstones are where things get interesting. You get worn edges, colour variation, and that slightly uneven finish that new slabs just don’t have. It’s real character that can't be manufactured.
Pennant is probably the stone we get asked for most.
It’s a very hard-wearing sandstone from South Wales, known for its durability and blue-grey tones. You’ll see it all over older farmhouses, barns, cottages and traditional buildings, especially across Herefordshire and the Welsh borders.
In the yard, we don’t just stock Pennant. We carry a mix of natural stone, and the most common you’ll come across are:
Blue Pennant – A tough, blue-grey sandstone. Very traditional and one of the most popular choices for paths, patios and older properties
Forest Green Sandstone – Deep green/grey tones that blend beautifully into gardens and outdoor spaces
Herefordshire Red Sandstone – Warmer red and brown tones that work well with brick and period buildings
Because it’s a natural stone, you’ll always get variation in colour and texture, even within the same batch. A huge part of the appeal is that it doesn’t look uniform or manufactured.
Blue Pennant is a hard-wearing, blue-grey sandstone quarried in South Wales and the Bristol area. Known for its strength and durability, it’s been used for generations on everything from farmyards and pathways to roofs and traditional buildings.
It has a distinctive look, with natural blue and grey tones often mixed with brown or rusty markings. You’ll also sometimes see darker streaks running through it, which come from coal deposits in the stone.
Because it’s so tough and naturally slip-resistant, Blue Pennant is a popular choice for patios, paths and high-traffic areas, as well as walling and roofing.
You’ll hear it called a few different things too. Blue Pennant, Pennant stone or Pennant sandstone, but it all refers to the same material.
Forest Green is a natural sandstone with deep green and grey tones, often with subtle variation running through each piece. It’s a softer stone than Pennant but still well suited to patios, paths and general landsca
It’s a really popular choice for gardens because the colour blends in naturally with planting, lawns and outdoor spaces. You don’t get that overly uniform look — each slab has its own variation, which gives it a more relaxed, natural feel once it’s laid.
Like most sandstone, it’s easy to work with and suits both traditional and more modern layouts, especially if you’re after something more subtle.
Herefordshire Red is a natural sandstone known for its warm red, brown and earthy tones. It’s commonly found across the local area and suits traditional buildings and properties really well.
It’s a softer stone than Pennant, but still perfectly suited to patios, paths and general landscaping. The colour works naturally alongside brickwork and older properties, and brings a bit more warmth compared to cooler stones.
You’ll usually see it in a riven finish, with a natural textured surface and plenty of variation from slab to slab. That variation is part of the appeal, giving a a more relaxed, aged look once it’s laid.
Our flagtones come in mixed sizes and thicknesses, which suits traditional random layouts. They’re incredibly hard-wearing and work just as well indoors as they do outside.
Sawn Flagstones
As well as the typical rough, riven edges you’d expect with reclaimed Pennant, we also stock reclaimed sawn pieces through the yard. These have been cut down to give straighter edges and a more uniform look, which can make them easier to lay. Especially if you’re after something a bit cleaner.
Common uses:
Patios
Kitchen floors
Garden paths
Barn conversions
Period renovations
If you’re matching into an existing floor or project, it’s always worth bringing a sample. We can usually find something close or at least point you in the right direction.
Indian sandstone flagstones
We also keep a steady supply of Indian sandstone, both reclaimed and new.
You'll find a range of popular colours such as:
Raj Green
Kandla Grey
Autumn Brown
Cotswold Yellow
It’s more consistent than reclaimed stone, which makes it easier to lay — especially over larger areas.
Good for:
Patios
Garden landscaping
Larger outdoor spaces
Calibrated packs of Indian sandstone are a popular option if you want something more uniform and easier to lay. The slabs are machine cut to a consistent thickness (usually around 18–22mm), which means less time adjusting each piece compared to reclaimed stone. They typically come in set pack sizes with a mix of slab dimensions designed to create a balanced layout. You still get natural colour variation, but the overall finish is much cleaner and more consistent, which is why they’re often used for larger patios and garden projects.
Indian Sandstone finishes
Indian Sandstone comes in a few different finishes, and it makes a big difference to the overall look:
Riven – This is the natural split finish straight from the quarry. It’s got that textured, slightly uneven surface and is usually the most cost-effective option. Proper traditional look.
Sawn – Cut on all sides for a clean, sharp edge. Often honed or lightly sandblasted. Much more contemporary and uniform, but also the most processed (and usually the most expensive).
Tumbled – Put through a process to soften everything down. Edges get rounded off and the surface looks more worn, giving it that aged, time-worn feel without being reclaimed.
Reclaimed vs new
Reclaimed stone:
More character
Mixed sizes
A bit of history
Usually thicker
New stone:
More consistent
Easier to lay
Cleaner finish
It really comes down to the look you want.
Slate Flagstones
Slate flagstones are a completely different material to sandstone. They’re much denser, smoother and give a more uniform, clean finish once laid.
Most of the slate we deal with is Welsh, known for its strength and long lifespan. It’s naturally split rather than riven like sandstone, so you get a flatter surface with a slight texture rather than a rough finish.
Colour-wise, it’s typically blue-grey, sometimes with darker or lighter variation depending on the batch. It suits both traditional and more modern settings, especially where you want a neater, more consistent look.
Because it’s so dense, slate is very hard-wearing and works well for patios, paths and interior flooring. It’s also a good option where you want something a bit more refined compared to the more rustic feel of sandstone.
Choosing the Right Flagstones
Choosing the right flagstone really comes down to how it’s going to be used and the look you’re after. There’s no one-size-fits-all — each type has its place.
1. Think about where it’s going
Start with the basics. Where is it being laid?
Patios & seating areas → Most stones work well, it’s more about the look
Paths & high-traffic areas → Go for something tougher like Pennant or slate
Indoor use → Smoother, more consistent stones like slate tend to work better
If it’s a busy area, if durability matters more than appearance.
2. Choose your look
This is usually what people decide on first.
Rustic / traditional → Reclaimed Pennant sandstone
Natural garden feel → Forest Green sandstone
Warm, period look → Herefordshire Red sandstone
Clean and uniform → New Indian sandstone or slate
There’s no right answer - it’s just what suits the space.
3. Reclaimed vs new
This makes a big difference to both look and price.
Reclaimed stone
More character and variation
Mixed sizes and thicknesses
Suits traditional, random layouts
Harder to come by
New stone (calibrated packs)
Uniform thickness
Easier and quicker to lay
More consistent finish
Often cheaper
If you want neat and predictable, go new. If you want character, go reclaimed.
4. Sizes and layout
Flagstones don’t all come in neat squares.
Mixed sizes → Traditional random pattern
Single size / calibrated packs → More modern, structured layout
Mixed sizes take a bit more time to lay but give a more natural finish.
5. Thickness and practicality
This often gets overlooked.
Reclaimed stone → Varies in thickness, needs a good bed
Calibrated stone → Consistent thickness, easier for installers
If you’re laying it yourself, this can make a big difference.
6. Get advice if you’re unsure
Every batch of stone is different, especially when it comes to reclaimed. If you’re unsure what you need, it’s always worth coming down to the yard and having a look. You’ll get a much better feel for the colour, texture and size in person.
Why people come to us
We’re based in Ross-on-Wye and stock a wide range of reclaimed building materials, roofing slate, natural stone and garden features, all able to view in our yard. We are also able to source materials to suit your requirements.
Michael set up Ross Reclamation in 2020, but he’s been in the Reclamation business his whole life. It’s what he’s grown up in just like his Dad before him.
If you’re unsure on anything, Michael will give you a straight answer and point you in the right direction. We don't like hard sell, just honest advice.
A lot of the local trades come to us for that reason. They know they’ll get the right materials, a bit of banter and real, honest guidance. Michael goes above and beyond to help, and we are proud our reviews reflect that.
Come and see us.
If you’re after reclaimed flagstones, Pennant stone or Indian sandstone paving, it’s always best to come and have a walk around the yard in Ross-on-Wye. We’ll show you what’s in and help you figure out what will work for your project. Here's how to find us.
Ross Reclamation
Broadmeadow Industrial Estate
Ross-on-Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 7AQ
Tel: 07794 411 143
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