Health & Safety.

It is the responsibility of all walkers to ensure that they are physically fit enough to take part in the walks that they have selected and that they have appropriate clothing and equipment.

- For most walks, walking boots/shoes are essential

- Carry sufficient water for the length of the walk

- Carry both sun protection and wet weather protection

- Take high energy snacks

The walk leaders will exercise their right to refuse to take ill-equipped walkers.

Age.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Timing.

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the start of each walk.   This is especially important for walks that include a bus or train journey.  Walks will commence at the given time, whether all participants have arrived or not.

Weather.

The walk leader will be at the meeting place whatever the weather.  However, in exceptional weather conditions, the walk may be re-routed or cancelled to ensure your safety.

Dogs.

Well behaved dogs are welcomed on all walks. Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times.  Walks are not guaranteed to be dog friendly; you may need to help your dog over stiles.

Refunds.

The booking fee - £3.00 per adult per walk - is non-refundable.  If the booking includes additional payment for transport or a meal, we will try to re-sell your tickets, provided you notify us of cancellation no later than 21 days in advance of the walk date.  However, our own unsold tickets will take priority.  A £1.00 administration fee will be charged per ticket resold. Any cancellations within 21 days of the walk will not be refunded.  Please inform us of any cancellation as soon as possible, since many of the walks have a waiting list.

Alterations.

Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome Steering Group reserves the right to alter this festival programme without prior notice.  The details in this programme are believed to be correct at the time of going to press.

Liability.

Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome Steering Group has endeavoured to ensure the safety of all festival participants.  It cannot, however, be held liable for any injury or loss of, or damage to, personal property, however caused, except to the extent to which it is unlawful to exclude such liability under the applicable law.  You are advised to take out insurance against accident and personal injury.

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1.          The “Original Duchy” walk.

Distance 4.5 miles.  Grade, Leisurely with one gradual climb and one fairly steep descent.

We take the bus to the start of the walk at Harewood End. The walk is along tracks & field paths through the historic Harewood Park Estate down to Hoarwithy on the River Wye where we will visit the impressive Italianate church. Returning through the Park to the Harewood End Inn for lunch before catching the bus back to Ross mid-afternoon. Bring a mid-morning drink.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Meet 09:25am.  Start time. (Bus). 09-35am. No 38 bus.

Start time. (Walk). 10:00am.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

2.       A Walk in Dick Whittington Country.

Distance 9 miles. Grade moderate.

The walk commences with a steep climb up to Marcle Ridge Picnic Site, where we stop for coffee.

It continues along the Ridge past the Marcle Mast, then down to Sollar’s Hope Church where we have lunch. This 14^th C. church is thought to have been financed by Dick Whittingtons’ elder brother Robert.  Next we go through Paget’s Wood Nature Reserve, alongside and through Siege Wood and past Alford’s Mill.  Then a slight ascent returns us to the start. Bring a Packed Lunch.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Time. 10-00am – 3-30pm

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

3.          Where falcons dare.

Distance 7 to 8 miles. Grade, Energetic. 4 ascents/descents no stiles.

Using some of the many historical sunken lanes ascend the hill, known as the Doward, through ancient woodland and the Nature Reserve of White Rocks, to King Arthur’s Cave then on to the Iron Age fort on top of Little Doward. Descending to the river we will stop to admire the view from the white limestone crags called Seven Sisters. On descending we cross and follow the river Wye before climbing to enjoy the fine view (and possibly the Peregrine falcons) from Symonds Yat Rock. On the return we stop on the riverside for a well-deserved refreshment at the Saracen’s Head Inn. We then cross the Wye by the rope ferry (£1.00) for the reverse climb of the Doward. Bring a Packed Lunch.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Time. 10-00am – 4-00pm.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

4.        Back of beyond to the top of the world.

Distance 7 miles. Grade. Energetic. 

A gentle walk at first along field paths and farm tracks before the increasing steep ascent through White Rocks to the summit of Garway Hill. Here are fine all round views – look for the Black Mountains, the Malverns, May Hill, etc., etc. Then a gentle descent and return via Little Garway. An opportunity to visit St. Michaels church Garway, which dates from 1180 when Garway was granted to the Knights Templar. Have a drink at the Moon Inn or return to Ross to quench your thirst.
Bring Packed Lunch.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Start time. 10-00 a.m.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

5.        Where railways ran.

Distance 4.5miles. (3 stiles). Grade Moderate.

The walk takes in several locally marked walks. We ascend Leys Hill taking the Wye Valley Walk for a short distance.

We walk on various foot paths up the hill to a plantation which was planted, in memory of a local man, for the enjoyment of local people. Going ahead we descend with lovely views of farmland and the Wye valley towards Marcle Ridge.

We continue to descend picking up the Wye Valley Walk, then onto a metalled road and down to Walford church. From the churchyard we follow a causeway, formerly a section of the Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth and Chepstow railway.

At Walford saw mills we cross the road and go back up Leys Hill under the trees returning to our starting point.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

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1.         Ross half-round, with chips.

Distance 10 miles.   Grade, Moderate - Energetic.

This is a classic local walk following the second, and more scenic, half of the Ross Round Walk. (The full route of the Ross Round Walk is 18 miles and circles our beautiful market town).

Today’s walk is extremely varied and attractive, across pasture and farmland, through woodlands with 2 short ascents and, finally, the river Wye. Bring packed lunch.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Time. 10-00am – 3-30pm.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

2.         Tinplate and telephone cables.

Distance 8.25 miles.            Grade. Moderate – Energetic.

The walk starts alongside the river Wye at Lower Lydbrook, once a major centre for the manufacture of tinplate and telephone cables. On leaving the river the route passes through the woodlands of Lords Grove and Common Grove on our way to the village of English Bicknor, with its Norman Church of St. Mary’s and the remains of a Motte and Bailey castle. Then, it’s pastures and meadows, through two lovely valleys before we reach Hangerberry Inclosure, offering excellent views in kind weather, followed by a steep descent back to the start. Bring Packed Lunch.

Refreshments available at the Courtfield Arms Inn at the end of the walk.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Time. 10-00am – 3-00pm.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

3.         The last cream tea of summer.

Distance 5 miles.     Grade, Moderate.

A leisurely walk along the banks of the Wye and the remains of the Ross-Hereford railway line to Brampton Abbotts for a scrumptious cream tea (£5 per person, payable on the day). Followed by an even more leisurely return to Ross via Greytree.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Start time 1-30pm – 4-00pm.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.

4.       A castle, a bridge, and Coppett Hill.

Distance 5 miles. 5 stiles. Grade Moderate.

The walk descends to Goodrich Village then ascends Coppet Hill in the direction of Welsh  Bicknor. Ascend to the brow of the hill and continue along the ridge.

Coppett Hill, one of the largest Commons in Herefordshire, is owned by the Coppett Hill Trust whose members maintain it and help conserve the wealth of wildlife.

From the Ridge there are stunning, panoramic views; West towards the Black Mountains, round to the North East and Much Marcle Ridge.

Descend through the woods to emerge onto the flood plane of the river Wye, on its big loop round the perimeter of Coppett Hill, opposite Symonds Yat Rock and the cliffs where Peregrine Falcons nest in the spring.

Follow the river to a path up through the woods. Here there are Badger holts. Trust volunteers support the mainly native oak and birch and regularly remove intrusive sycamores.

On reaching the houses we cross the valley to Goodrich village via the churchyard and moors meadow and return to the start.

Start point. Details will be sent with your ticket.

Time 10-30 – 1-30pm.

Organisers. Ross Walking Group.

5.         Exploring Ross.

A gentle walk of about 4 to 4.5 miles, starting from Ross Market House and taking in part of the town and some of the immediate countryside.

Start point: Details will be sent with your ticket.

Time 10-00am – 12-30pm.

Organisers. Ross Group RA.