January marks the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs and explore the great outdoors. Breath in the fresh crisp air, take in the rolling hills and admire the frosty mornings. Ross-on-Wye is the gateway to the Wye Valley and hosts an abundance of beautiful scenic trails and hikes, so to explore the local area and stay fit and healthy this January, here are some winter rambles to enjoy around Ross.
John Kyrle Walk
John Kyrle, known as ‘The Man of Ross’, was a 17th Century philanthropist and this walk around Ross-on-Wye is believed to be a favourite of his. After his father’s death in the 1650’s he inherited the timber-framed house in Ross, opposite the Market House. Here he lived modestly as a bachelor on an income, it is said, of £500 per year. If you look up at the side of the Market House opposite John Kyrle’s house, you will notice the curious logogram on the wall representing ‘Faithful to Charles in heart’. This is traditionally associated with Kyrle showing his loyalty to the crown. To start this 3-mile loop, park in the Wilton Road car park, and set off from the Wye Valley Walk board behind the skateboard park. Cross the footbridge and head up the steep path, then at the junction turn right on the John Kyrle Walk path.
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/1755/john_kyrle_circular_walk
Weston-under-Penyard
Located three miles from Ross-on-Wye, walkers can start this walk at the Village Hall at School Lane in Weston-under- Penyard. This leisurely 4.2-mile loop will lead you to Dancing Green encompassing stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills. This circular walk takes walkers through Pontshill and returns along the edge of Penyard woods. Download the PDF map here:
walk13_Weston Under Penyard to Dancing Green 200715 (wordpress.com)
Bridstow and back
The Bridstow Walk is a circular and mostly flat stile-free walk, crossing the River Wye at Wilton using footpaths and lanes to Bridstow Church. It includes a loop around Wilton Castle, views to Ross, May Hill, Penyard Hill and Chase Hill. It can be muddy in places after heavy rain! The walk is around 5.6 miles and starts from the riverside bandstand, in Wye Street. Walkers can park in the road at start or in the Wilton Road Car Park.
Download the full PDF loop here:
walk13_Weston Under Penyard to Dancing Green 200715 (wordpress.com
The Buggy Route
Ross-on-Wye Buggy Route – A family and buggy friendly walk popular with users of electrically powered scooters and wheelchairs, as well as people with children’s buggies. Start at the Ross-on-Wye Bandstand, Wye Street or in the car park on Wilton Road. This easy walk is approximately 4 miles. Start by crossing the road from the bandstand to follow the tarmac path to the riverside footpath and turn right. Follow the path that was installed to provide access along the full length of the riverside towards the Rowing Club.
Download the full PDF loop here:
walk03 Buggy Route 200720 (wordpress.com)
Chase Wood Walk
Retrace the river courses, ancient and modern, around Ross before an exhilarating ascent to the top of Chase Wood on this 6.6 mile loop taking roughly 3-4 hours. The route will include Riverside paths, fields and steep slopes in Chase Wood. An ancient river meander south of Chase Wood suggests that millions of years ago the sandstone outcrop on which the town stands would have been almost surrounded by the river.Check out the full route here: Ross-on-Wye and Chase Wood Walk, Herefordshire, England | Ross-on-Wye (showmeengland.co.uk)
Wye Valley Walk
Stretched across 136-miles, the Wye Valley route runs through the heart of the Wye Valley, packed with natural beauty and rich in history.
With the Bristol Channel at your back, walkers can start from Chepstow, with its medieval castle remains guarding the lower reaches of the Wye, and travel up through the Forest of Dean via Monmouth, birthplace of King Henry V, and Ross-on-Wye, all the time enjoying spectacular views along the Wye Valley.
You can choose to do all or some of the Southern section of the Wye Valley Walk and Walklite Baggage Transfer is happy to discuss the route in detail to help you make up your mind.
Walklite Baggage Transfer can organise your bag transfers for the walk so you can enjoy the trail hands free! Walklite Baggage understand the needs of walkers and their local knowledge means that they can help make your trip go smoothly and enjoyably. They offer tailored services to any trip so start planning now for the Spring and visit the website to book now:
Walklite Baggage Transfer – Home Page (walkliteglos.co.uk)
For more walk ideas and inspiration visit the Walker are Welcome page, a small group of volunteers who comprise keen walkers from in and around Ross-on-Wye.
Walkers are Welcome – Welcome to Walking in Ross
Follow us on Facebook at @VisitRossonWyeTourismAssociation, Instagram at @visit_rossonwye and Twitter @VisitRossOnWye for more updates and gift ideas.
Please be mindful when using the stores and visiting the town. Protect yourself, the locals, and the businesses by washing your hands, wearing a facemask and keeping at least two met