The 2020 Festival has unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2021 Festival will be held over the weekend 24-26 September and we hope to have the programme out by Easter.
Friday 24th September 2021

Walk1 – With Birds in Mind
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 Miffy’s Tea Shop and Bridge House Hotel.
Distance: 3 miles, easy
Time: 9:00am to 11:30am
Not suitable for dogs

Walk 2. Kerne Bridge to Ross by Bus & Foot.
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 since Gilpin’s visit. Bring a picnic.Walk Walk. Sponsored by River Music and Hanks’ Meat & Game
Distance: 6½ miles, moderate
Time: 11:30am to 4:15pm
Suitable for dogs

Walk 3. The Lanes and Alleyways of Ross
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
Distance: 3 miles, easy
Time: 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Suitable for dogs
Saturday 25th September 2021

Walk 4. Eagle’s Nest
Book Tickets
Initial steep ascent of 365 steps leading to Eagles Nest, one of the River Wye’s most dramatic viewpoints. Follow some of the Wye Valley Walk over Wynd Cliff and then across fields to Penterry church. Bring a picnic. Opportunity to wander around Tintern and the Abbey after the walk. Sponsored by Gelati’s Ice Cream
Distance: 6 miles, energetic
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Not suitable for dogs

Walk 5. Geology of the Wye Valley Gorge Area
Book Tickets
See Gilpin’s route from above the gorge 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 Bring a picnic. Walk Sponsored by the Old Court Hotel
Distance: 4 miles, moderate
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Suitable for dogs

Walk 6. A Classic Ross-on-Wye Countryside Walk
Book Tickets
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
Distance: 7½ miles, moderate
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Not suitable for dogs

Walk 7.
Book Tickets
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 since Gilpin’s visit. Bring a picnic.Walk Walk. Sponsored by River Music and Hanks’ Meat & Game
Distance: 6½ miles, moderate
Time: 11:30am to 4:15pm
Suitable for dogs

Walk 8. The Sculpture Trail and a Cream Tea
Book Tickets
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 17th century hunting lodge. Cost £12 (includes cream tea) . Walk sponsored by Ross Cider & Perry
Distance: 3 miles, easy
Time: 2:00pm to 5:30pm
Not suitable for dogs
Sunday 26th September 2021

Walk 9. Monmouth to Biblins
Book Tickets
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
Distance: 9 miles, moderate, one very short but steep climb
Time: 9:30am to 4:00pm
Suitable for dogs

Walk 10. Forest Steam Train Ride.
Book Tickets
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 Escape to the Great Outdoors
Distance: 4 miles, easy
Time: 9.45am to 3.30pm
Not suitable for dogs

Walk 11. ‘Top Secret’ Goodrich Walk.
Book Tickets
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 and Field Fayre – The Organic Store
Distance: 8 miles, easy but with challenging finish
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Suitable for dogs (some livestock)

Walk 12. Border Beauty
Book Tickets
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 and Orles Barn Restaurant
Distance: 5½ miles, energetic
Time: 10:00am to 2:45pm
Not suitable for dogs

Walk 13. Hope Mansell with Cream Tea
Book Tickets
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 Wharton Lodge Cottages
Distance: 7½ miles, moderate
Time: 10:30am to 3:00pm
Not suitable for dogs

Book Tickets
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
Distance: 1 mile, easy (suitable for buggies)
Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm
Suitable for dogs