Walking Festival Programme

Identifying birds by sound and sight as we walk along the river Wye to see both riverine species and maybe some late summer migrants. Although no species is guaranteed, egrets, kingfisher and grey wagtail occur regularly along this stretch. Tickets very limited. Walk Sponsored by the Bridge House Hotel.

We will take a bus from Ross-on-Wye to Kerne Bridge, and then follow a picturesque woodland walk, up the Wye Valley, back to Ross; learning about how important this landscape was to the local iron industry and how much it has changed over the past two centuries.   Bring a picnic. Walk sponsored by River Music and Hanks’ Meat & Game

Explore “backstage” Ross-on-Wye. Find out fascinating bits of history and “meet” some of the characters and benefactors of our town who starred in these events and shaped our destiny, since the days of William Gilpin and the birth of UK tourism. Sponsored by Andy Pack Car Care Centre

The Museum Without Walls is an exciting and growing tourist attraction for Ross-on-Wye. It uses the immerging technology of Augmented Reality to bring back long-lost elements of the town’s history. Starting with an introduction in St Mary’s Church, this gentle, interactive town walk will suit people of all ages and generations. We’ll be looking at exhibits already created on The Prospect, at the Market House and down by the river as well as a few planned sites. Please bring along a recent smartphone or tablet with the Museum without Walls app installed from your app store, though we’ll have tablets available for you to borrow. More information Sponsored by Gelati’s Ice Cream

View the gorge from above before walking within it. Hear geological tales of flash floods and tropical seas. Visit an iron age fort and King Arthur’s cave and see what a Victorian MP did to impress his guests.   Bring a picnic. Walk Sponsored by the Old Court Hotel

A circular route south of Ross, through Hom Green, Walford, Howle Hill, Paddock Farm (look out for white wallabies) and Penyard Park.   A pleasant varied walk consisting of fields, tracks and mixture of woodland paths.  Couple of steady ascents, one descent.  Bring a picnic.  Sponsored by Multiprint Print & Design

View the iconic Yat Rock from its base on the River Wye. A circular walk from the Lower Lydbrook carpark follows the river and then climbs through woodland to English Bicknor. Lots of interesting industrial thing to see, amazing views of dramatic scenery and maybe a peregrine or two. Bring a picnic. Walk Sponsored by Orles Barn Restaurant

An easy stile free Sculpture Trail route through ancient forest, viewing some of the artistic exhibits displayed amongst the trees.  Hanging Fire, Cathedral, Echo and many more.   Finishes with a cream tea in a former 17^th century hunting lodge. Cost £12 (includes cream tea) . Walk sponsored by Ross Cider & Perry

A circular walk exploring the Wye AONB near Monmouth, where the walk starts.  We head uphill along the Wysis Way to The Kymin Naval Temple with its fabulous views; then through ancient upland woodlands, passing Near Hearkening Rock, before returning over the Biblins suspension bridge and riverside walk. Bring a picnic. Walk. Sponsored by Audrey’s Fish Bar

Three rides on a restored steam train puffing up/down the country branch line (£13 pp payable on the day); and a gentle circular walk through the ancient Forest of Dean with a lunch break at CAMRA’s 2018 pub of the year. Sponsored by Miles Morgan Travel

A walk along the scenic River Wye taking in a Top Secret World War 2 plane crash site & other historical features. Lots of information. Initially an easy flat walk, but with a long steep climb to the finish. Cream tea can be bought at Goodrich Castle on return.   Bring a picnic. Walk sponsored by the King’s Head Hotel

Stunning circular walk through the AONB of the southern Wye, starting at Bigsweir Bridge.  A good climb with breathtaking views of the valley, visit the church and Norman Castle (now a Youth Hostel) in St Briavels, and on to the SSSI around Slade Brook with its 700m of actively forming Tufa dams. Return through woodland to the river. Bring a picnic. Walk sponsored by Truffles Deli

Footpaths, tracks and quiet roads and through fields and woods to Deep Dene, Hope Mansell, Bailey Lane End and Pontshill. Two longish ascents and 11 stiles. A stop at the tiny St Michaels church in the pretty Hope Mansell valley. Bring a picnic lunch.  Returning to the village hall for a homemade cream tea (proceeds in aid of Weston village hall). Cost £12 – includes cream tea. Sponsored by Field Fayre – The Organic Store

A fully accessible wander around the newly planted and unique Linear Arboretum with Ross’s own Tree Warden – full of tree facts, anecdotes and great company.  Head into Ross afterwards for coffee or lunch. You won’t want to miss this! Sponsored by Caffe Eleganza and Wharton Lodge Cottages