Need some inspiration for your trip? Take a look at some of the itineraries below!
ITINERARIES
MORNING
If you are visiting on a Thursday or Saturday – visit the weekly market, hosted under and around the newly renovated 17th century Market House, to browse a range of traders selling everything from artisan goods, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. It’s a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to support local businesses and enjoy the unique charm the town has to offer.
Once you are loaded up on treats, head up to the 1st floor of the Market House to browse Made in Ross, the local art collective and gallery open from 10am to 4pm every day!
AFTERNOON
Explore the town’s history by following the Heritage Trail, a 2-mile walk beginning at the Market House that takes you to 20 sites historical and architectural interest, identified and marked with blue plaques erected in the 1985-96 Mayor’s Project. Leaflets of the trail can be picked up from tourist information points or accessed on the free Ross Trails app here.
EVENING
Rest your feet and enjoy an evening meal near the riverside at the Hope and Anchor or The Riverside Inn. Both are dog friendly and offer a variety of classic pub meals to small plates.
HIKE
Day 1 – 16.34mi Ross-on-Wye* to Kilpeck *Alternatively, start from Hoarwithy for a shorter walk
Day 2 – 10.28mi Kilpeck to Ewyas Harold
Day 3 – 19.08mi Ewyas Harold to Whitney Bridge
PADDLE
Day 4 – 24.5mi Whitney Bridge to Hereford
Day 5 – 16mi Hereford to Hoarwithy
Day 6 – 11.5mi Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye
Get in touch with Hereford Kayak & Canoe Hire to arrange canoe hire. Speak to Rural Concierge if you would like the trip organised on your behalf, including places to eat and stay.
Please note this itinerary was made by Visit Herefordshire, the full itinerary can be found here.
Please note this itinerary was made by Visit Herefordshire and closed businesses have been removed/replaced.
Day 1: Independent Shopping, Historic Strolls & Wye Valley Walk
Known as the birthplace of English Tourism, Ross-on-Wye is a friendly and thriving market town with an abundance of antique, vintage and retro shops. Follow the Vintage Shopping Trail to track down treasures ranging from curios and collectibles, to nostalgic knick-knacks and jewellery. Art fans will love Gallery 54 and Made in Ross is a cooperative of local designer-makers, found in the distinctive sandstone Market House at the top of town.
Pause for lunch at Scrummy Yummy Tea Rooms or Truffles Deli before delving in to the town’s history. Make use of the free Ross Trails app or augmented reality ‘Museum Without Walls’ app to discover secrets from the past, starting at The Prospect, a beautiful lookout point behind the Church. Wander past the pastel-painted houses to the river meadow.
Take a gentle stroll along the river, which is a section of the famous Wye Valley Walk, or enjoy a longer 5.6 mile circular walk which passes the restored ruins of Wilton Castle and the striking pillars of Backney Bridge.
In the evening, kick back with cocktails and dinner at Plates and Shakers.
Day 2: Exploring Goodrich Castle & Coppett Hill
On your second day, visit a small village which happens to be home to one of the finest and best preserved medieval castles in England. Hop on the 34 bus (services at 8.42am and 10.42am) for the 15-minute trip to Goodrich. Walk just under a half a mile from the bus stop to the English Heritage maintained Goodrich Castle. Rising from a dramatic spur of land, it offers great views. Find out about medieval life, seek out the magnificent chapel and learn about the Civil War Siege which saw much of the castle destroyed. Pop into the Tea Room for a drink before descending into the village.
Here you can explore St Giles’ Church with its fine stained glass before retiring to the 18th-century The Hostelrie for a delicious pub lunch, accompanied perhaps by a local ale or cider. Another option is the pop-up Hen & Dot Cafe which excels in the art of the cake and is a short walk away at Flanesford Priory.
After lunch, walk 30 minutes to the top of Coppett Hill to soak up the stunning views, before returning to Ross by bus on the 15.06 or 18.06.
In the evening, enjoy the coaching inn atmosphere of the King’s Head in the centre of town.
Day 3: Canoe Adventures, Riverside Rambles & Cider Slurping
Today’s star attraction is the River Wye – the only difficult decision is whether to paddle it or walk it! Canoe the Wye will provide you with all the gear for a day on the river. Pass rolling meadows and sheer cliffs as you soak up the tranquility and watch the wildlife: geese, swans, kingfishers, otters and peregrine falcons are all resident here.
Meanwhile, walkers can head for the tiny riverside village of Hoarwithy, taking the daily 44 bus from Ross at 9.35am (20 minutes). Pay a visit to the Italianate church which feels wonderfully Tuscan with its marble columns and altar with lapis lazuli. Then it’s time for the 5-mile Ramble along the Wye, a super walk which takes in the delightful Sellack Suspension Footbridge which was built in 1895, with a nearby pebble beach to stop for a flask of coffee. From here, make a 1-mile detour to lunch at The Loughpool gastropub (book ahead) or continue to follow the route and eat at the New Harp Inn on your return to Hoarwithy. Travel back to Ross on the 14.48, bus 44.
As a final treat, book ahead for a Ross Cider & Perry Tour and tutored tasting. Jump on the number 33 bus in Ross (Cantilupe Rd) at 15.45, alighting at the Peterstow Post Office. It’s a short walk to the Yew Tree Inn where Ross Cider is based. After sampling the county’s favourite thirst-quencher, stay on for more cider and delicious pizzas (Thurs – Sun only) before returning to Ross on the 18.41 or 20.11 service.
THE NEW INN
Named Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards Pub of the Year 2024, this cosy local serves top notch nosh. As a former 16th-Century coaching inn, it exudes historical charm and offers a menu full of fabulous local flavours and seasonal ingredients. Expect a warm welcome, whatever the season.
WYTHALL ESTATE VINEYARD TOURS & WINE TASTINGS
Nestled in the Wye Valley AONB, this tranquil English vineyard was planted back in 2010 and produces award-winning still and sparkling wines, thanks in part, to its unique micro-climate. The owners are committed to sustainability, meaning if you take a tasting tour, not only will you learn all about their growing processes but you’ll see meandering streams and hedgerows brimming with life along the way. Plus, it’s all set against the backdrop of a charming 16th-century manor.
ROSS-ON-WYE CIDER & PERRY COMPANY
This multi-award-winning cidery, established on a 130 year old family farm, is a must-visit for cider buffs. They offer over fifty handcrafted ciders and perries, made from more than 100 apple and 30 pear varieties all grown on-site. Enjoy an orchard tour, learn the ins and outs of cidery’s rich history and indulge in extensive guided tastings (you might need a nap afterwards!).
THE KILPECK INN
With accolades* galore to its name, this traditional country pub has it all – roaring open-fires, an exceptional seasonal menu brimming with local produce, luxurious rooms and charm in bucket loads. If you fancy walking off all the delicious food you’ve eaten, the 12th-century Norman church just down the road is well worth a visit.
*One of the Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Local Restaurants, Michelin Guide recommended and one of the Daily Telegraph’s ‘10 Perfect Country Pubs with Rooms’
THE CIDEROLOGIST
If you like cider, you need to meet Gabe Cook – the UKs one and only official Ciderologist. With over 20 years under his belt as a cider maker, judge and advocate, he now runs bespoke tours for groups of all sizes. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to world-famous cideries and take a deep dive into the science, culture and heritage of cider through immersive drinking. If you’re lucky, there are often unreleased tastings on offer too. Wassail!
Please note this itinerary was made by Visit Herefordshire, the full itinerary can be found here.