As home to the annual Walking Festival, it’s safe to say that walkers are always welcome in Ross-on-Wye.
The area’s mix of riverside, woodland, town and countryside trails makes it a real treat for walkers of all ages, interests and abilities. The area is also home to a number of walking groups and organisations, all ready and waiting to guide you through the best routes so you can take in the most spectacular sights and scenes.
Known widely as the ‘gateway to Wye Valley’, Ross-on-Wye is the perfect base and a great place to start your adventure. Read on to discover the most breathtaking hikes in and around Ross-on-Wye to add to your itinerary.
1. Mailscot Wood Circular
The Mailscot Wood Circular may be a lesser-known trail but its views are utterly breathtaking. The 4.4-mile trail starts at Symonds Yat Rock car park and takes you west to the cliffs way above the valley to provide the area’s most expansive views of the River Wye.
This walk however isn’t for the faint-hearted. With a 400-foot ascent, the trail can be challenging. As well as following the pink signs for the marked trail, there’s a chance to extend the route and climb down to the river itself close to Biblins Bridge.
2. Symonds Yat Walk
If you’re short on time or looking for a nice route to ease yourself into your walking holiday gently, the Symonds Yat Walk is a 2.75-mile route that’s mostly flat yet very impressive indeed.
It’s a fantastic trail to find your bearings, taking you through a rural village, close to ancient buildings, and even across the River Wye by ferry.
3. Offa’s Dyke Path
For experienced hikers, the Offa’s Dyke Path offers the ultimate challenge. At 177-miles long, the trail can take between 12 and 16 days to complete. You’ll be rewarded with stunning view after stunning view every step of the way however whether you take on the entire trail or just part of it.
Offa’s Dyke Path is a truly historic walk along the English-Welsh border. You’ll be able to view plenty of history and wildlife along the trail, including an ancient monument.
Offa’s Dyke Path may have only been officially opened in 1971, yet the route was constructed and has been used since the 8th century. It’s thought to have divided King Offa’s Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms.
The meandering route takes you through no less than eight different counties and crosses the border some 20 times so you can explore a myriad of different landscapes.
4. Wye Valley Trail
Ross-on-Wye is ideally located to explore the beautiful Wye Valley, and there’s no better way to do just that than by taking on the Wye Valley Trail.
Anywhere We Roam details what to expect from the Wye Valley Trail:
“The Wye Valley Hiking Trail starts at Chepstow Castle and continues for 136 miles along the river and through the surrounding hills. The trail crosses ravines and gorges, meanders meadows and woodlands, and climbs to rugged and remote highlands. Some of the most picturesque settings along the trail are found in the gentle riverside strolls. The areas around Tintern, Symonds Yat and Hay on Wye are the most attractive for a short hike.”
5. Ross-on-Wye Circular
For a picturesque walk a little closer to town, the Ross-on-Wye Circular is a fantastic trail. You’ll explore town and country on the route, as well as varied landscapes, including rivers, woodland and villages.
Start your walk on the River Wye in Ross-on-Wye and follow the river north. Want to keep going? Join the Herefordshire Trail to take in more countryside scenes near Ross-on-Wye.
