2026 Walking Festival Programme

Walk 1 – A Riverside Bird Safari

A morning walk beside the Wye in Ross listening and looking for local birdlife (and other wildlife) with Ed Drewitt, local naturalist. In past walks we have seen over 30 different species and there is the possibility of kingfisher, little egret and warblers such as chiffchaff and blackcap. Bring binoculars if you have some; numbers are limited. You may like to finish with a breakfast bap and/or coffee at the Riverside Cafe.

Walk sponsored by Riverside Inn & Café

Walk 2 – Let’s enjoy the Views from Marcle Ridge – New for ’26

A real favourite – taking in 4 km of the Herefordshire Trail as it runs along the stunning Marcle Ridge with its panoramic views at an elevation of over 200 metres.  Then the route heads down through some of the most delightful rolling countryside  and little villages of Herefordshire where you’ll learn about the links one church has to Dick Whittington.  Bring a packed lunch and a mid-morning snack. 

Walk sponsored by John Goodwin Estate Agents

Walk 3 – A Waterfall, a Druid’s Well and Mysterious Stones – New for ’26

A woodland walk climbing above the river Wye to find hidden aspects of the past. We start at the village of Llandogo and head up the zig-zag path to Cleddon Falls, then through Cuckoo Woods to Trelleck, visiting Tump Terret and the Neolithic Harold’s Stones plus a ‘Virtuous’ Well, before our descent to Llandogo. A very full day! Bring a packed lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Audreys Fish Bar

Walk 4 – A linear walk from Lea – New for ’26

We take the 10-35 no.33 bus from Ross to Lea. After visiting Lea church we walk a scenic route through the Herefordshire farmlands of East Dean and Pontshill reaching the imposing church at Weston under Penyard. We then ascend the slopes of Penyard Hill and finally descend into the centre of Ross. Bring a packed lunch and a mid morning snack..

Walk sponsored by Plates & Shakers

Walk 5 – A walk by the Wye, and a River Cruise

We walk along the Wye and cross the river at the Biblins suspension bridge. Back to Symonds Yat where, weather permitting, we’ll join our river boat for a 40-minute cruise (currently £8.50 payable on the day) while we enjoy our picnic lunch. We recross the Wye using the ancient rope ferry (small charge) then it’s an easy walk back along the river to the start point. Bring a picnic lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by hcrlaw and the Bridge House Hotel

Walk 6 – A walk to visit the Norman Treasures of Kilpeck – New for ’26

Our walk starts in Kilpeck, heads south to Cole’s Tump and Mynde Woods through rolling Herefordshire countryside; returning through Mynde Park. We finish with a self-guided tour of the Church of Ss Mary & David; an outstanding example of Norman architecture. Be prepared to be amazed by the intricate sandstone carvings still pristine after more than 900 years. A walk to the castle mound finishes the day with views of the Golden Valley. Bring a packed lunch and a mid-morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Truffles Deli

Walk 7 – Disaster by the Wye – Our Wartime History.

A fairly flat, easy walk along the beautiful River Wye taking in several features of interest. We include a longer stop at a Top Secret WW2 aircraft crash site; hear the story behind this event & how it changed the course of the war. The walk ends with a climb back to the cars! Bring a snack. Walk is suitable for dogs on leads.

Walk sponsored by the The White Lion

Walk 8 – Finding the Hidden Lanes of Ross

Ross has a wonderful network of lanes and alleyways. Most of them are narrow and many lead to places of interest round the town. Lots are “invisible” to the modern-day car driver, so come and find the “lost” Ross. Time to have a coffee at journey’s end.

Walk sponsored by the Priory Coffee House

Walk 9 – An Adventure with the Golden Valley Walking Club – New for ’26

Our colleagues in the Golden Valley Walking Club have put together a walk which embodies the delights of their area. From Peterchurch the route ascends gently to the ridge along Vagar Hill which stretches for a mile or so with great views to both sides. There follows a long descent through the Golden Valley resplendent in its autumn colours to the start. Bring a packed lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Lizzie Bunting and Victoria’s Coffee Shop

Walk 10 – A Woodland Walk beside Cannop Ponds

A walk in the Forest of Dean as the trees show their autumn colours. We start at the sculpture park then reach the beautiful Cannop Ponds with their famous Mandarin Ducks. Our route is through the woodlands on a hidden path along the lakeside. We return through a sequence of forest clearings to find some rather regal trees! Bring a mid morning snack

Walk sponsored by River Music and No 3 Restaurant

Walk 11 – The Rocks and Views of the Wye Bend – New for ’26

A great walk taking in part of the Wysis Way and the Forestry Commission forest to find two of the most spectacular River Wye views high on Yat Rock.  We follow little known routes and discover a hidden stream; through a fascinating mix of landscapes and terrains.   Bring a packed lunch and a mid-morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Ross Garden Store

Walk 12 – A linear walk from Gorsley to Ross – New for ’26

The ‘Daffodil Line’ ‘bus will take us to Gorsley; we start the day with a coffee in the community centre before we set off through the apple orchards to Linton Ridge where we can assess the age of the ancient Yew tree in the churchyard. Then it’s downhill to the lakes of Hartleton Water and a meander along Rudhall Brook to the centre of Ross. Bring a packed lunch.

Walk sponsored by Mr T Dry Cleaning and the Esca Restuarant & Coffee Shop

Walk 13 – Redbrook to Whitebrook by the Wye returning along Offa’s Dyke – New for ’26

Redbrook, famous for producing tinplate, is the start point of the walk. From there, heading down the Wye to Whitebrook which had paper mills producing banknotes in the 19th century, then to scenic Bigsweir and up into the nature reserve of Cadora Woods. The return is along the Offa’s Dyke path all the way back and finishing with an exhilarating descent into Redbrook. Maybe cross the river for a local cider at the Boat Inn to finish this day by the Wye. Bring a picnic lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by the King’s Head Hotel

Walk 14 – A Challenge Walk from Llanthony Priory – New for ’26

A highly enjoyable yet quite challenging walk with stunning mountain views (weather dependent of course). From the ancient Llanthony Priory we ascend onto Hatterall Hill via the Beacons Way (The Monks Beer Track), follow the ridge and then descend for a break at the strange tilted church at Cwmyoy. After crossing the valley of the River Afon Honddu, the second climb brings us to the isolated Roman hill fort at Twyn y Gaer. A long valley ridge walk via Garn Wen Cairn and Bal Bach then follows with a steep ascent of just under 3,000 feet back to the start point. Bring a picnic lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Tudor Sweets

Walk 15 – A Saturday afternoon stroll by the Wye

What could be nicer than a gentle afternoon stroll starting high above the Wye and descending to a riverside walk with a castle view? 

Learn about our unique linear arboretum, the history of Wilton’s castle, river activities and how Ross was actually the birthplace of British Tourism.  The walk ends back in town – and is just 3.5 miles at a gentle pace. 

 
Walk sponsored by the Baobab Tree Kitchen

Walk 16 – Gently to the top of May Hill

You could go straight up May Hill from the A40, but it’s a bit steep! The route we have chosen is much less demanding. We reach the summit on a long moderate/gentle slope from Huntley Church via Gander’s Green. From here we should have an astonishing view of the surrounding counties plus the Severn Bend far below. We descend through Bearfoot Wood and Bright’s Hill. Bring a drink and a snack.

Walk sponsored by Wharton Lodge Cottages

Walk 17 – Two Churches and a Chapel; Two Bridges and a Brewery !

A scenic River Wye walk from Foy Church, around one of the great horseshoe bends of the Wye; crossing the river on two unique Victorian suspension foot-bridges; visiting Fawley chapel and returning via Sellack church to finish with a tasting at Woofy’s boutique brewery. Bring a picnic lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by the Falcon House B&B

Walk 18 – A ‘Wyescapes’ Farming Adventure – New for ’26

We are invited to look around Ballingham Court farm and see for ourselves their commitment to sustainable farming, how they look after the land adjacent to the Wye and what is being done to encourage wildlife habitats. We will then take a short walk on paths not normally available to the public beside the Wye and back through woodland via the village church to the farm. Bring a mid-morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Orles Barn Guest House

Walk 19 – A Spectacular Circular Route from Ross via Kerne Bridge. – New for ’26

In 2025 the water meadows of the west bank of the Wye received an upgrade to the paths and gates by the AONB making for a magnificent route as far as Kerne Bridge passing below Goodrich Castle. The return route is quite different as we take the Wye Valley Walk over a series of small hills to return to Ross. Bring a packed lunch and a mid morning snack.

Walk sponsored by the Coventry Building Society and Wye Do I Need It?

Walk 20 – Wildflower meadows, Woodlands, Views and a Dragon – New for ’26

From Swardon quarry, just above Prior’s Frome, we gradually descend on open fields to the old mill at Mordiford, then follow the trail of the Dragon, look at the geology of Scutterdine and rest at the ancient lime kilns. We head through Hough woods and emerge on the attractive Broadmoor Common with seasonal flowers. We return over the summit of Backbury hill without much effort. This is a walk of ever-changing aspects. Bring a packed lunch and a mid-morning snack.

Walk sponsored by Tawny Cottage self catering and The Property Hub

Walk 21 – Tintern Abbey and the Devil’s Pulpit – New for ’26

Learn about the activities of the Wye Valley from the 12th century majestic Tintern Abbey, local shipbuilding and the valley’s railways. This fabulous walk starts down in the valley alongside the Abbey and takes a long, but gentle route up to the best-preserved sections of Offa’s Dyke and the Devil’s Pulpit with its iconic views. Bring a picnic lunch and a mid-morning snack for this 9-mile fairly energetic walk.

Walk sponsored by Charbel Blinds and Miles Morgan Travel

Walk 22 – A Sunday stroll from Harewood End to the Wye – New for ’26

The walk starts at the Harewood End Inn and gently descends to the Wye at Hoarwithy. We return on a different, but equally scenic route. Walkers could pre-book Sunday Lunch at the Inn. Just under 4 miles of easy walking,

Walk sponsored by the Creature Comforts Pet Shop

Walk 23 – The Two Peaks Challenge – New for ’26

This route starts at the base of Skirrid with Sugarloaf on the horizon. During the day we will walk just over 13 miles and ascend well over 3000 feet reaching the summits of both hills. Challenging? – Probably; rewarding? – Definitely! Bring a packed lunch and a mid morning snack. Numbers limited.

Walk sponsored by Field Fayre – the Organic Store

Walk 24- Last Cream Tea of Summer

A gentle but interesting walk from the Yew Tree inn, just west of Ross, which explores the quiet field paths and lanes of Peterstow and Wells Brook and the cider orchards of Broome Farm. Enjoy a superb Cream Tea, an opportunity to meet the resident Alpacas and some cider tasting.
Cost: £10 (includes Cream Tea).

Walk sponsored by the Ross Cider & Perry Co