Ross-on-Wye, the market town we call home, has a particularly enviable location. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Welsh border and sits on the northern edge of the Forest of Dean as well as within the beautiful Wye Valley, making it a fantastic destination for mini-breakers and outdoor adventurers.
Its position on the River Wye also makes it a picturesque place to visit come rain or shine. Here at The Hope and Anchor, we’re lucky enough to sit on that very river, and with this, provide access to some very exciting activities indeed.
Here are just some of the activities that visitors can try on and around the river…
Canoeing
Canoeing is a fantastic activity for people of all ages and abilities, and the River Wye is the perfect place to give canoeing a go or build on your canoeing skills and experience. As the Canal and River Trust details, canoeing is an activity that unlocks so many great advantages:
“There’s nothing like exercise in the fresh air to make you feel good about yourself. Even if you’re just taking part in a gentle paddle, being outside and close to nature can lower your stress levels, help you sleep better and make you a happier person overall. You’ll get closer to nature. Waterway wildlife is generally less shy around paddlers, so you’ll spot things that walkers and cyclists rarely get to see.”
Spending time on the water in a canoe is a great way to experience Ross-on-Wye just as it’s meant to be experienced.
There’s a launch area conveniently located next to The Hope and Anchor, so you’re never too far away from the action when staying with us. There are also several canoe hire companies based along the river.
Angling
Angling is a hugely popular sport throughout the UK. Many avid anglers see Ross-on-Wye as a fishing paradise thanks to its spectacular fishing venues, a wide range of specimens, fully equipped angling centres, and excellent local knowledge.
The Ross-on-Wye Angling Club has a long history assisting both regular and visiting anglers wishing to take advantage of the superb fishing on offer along the River Wye. Founded in 1912, the club is a haven for coarse anglers with barbel, chub, pike, perch, roach, dace, grayling and even salmon all able to be fished in its waters and historic pools.
Cycling
You don’t have to be on the water to enjoy the sheer beauty of the River Wye. From the riverbank, you can indulge in a long list of activities and pastimes, whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple or with the whole family in tow.
There is a large selection of cycling routes to explore throughout Ross-on-Wye, many of which take in the area’s magnificent riverside views. For those looking to cycle a little further, the Forest of Dean, Chase Woods and Penyard Hill all offer excellent cycling trails, ranging from the easy and gentle to the off-road and rugged.
Walking
If you prefer to explore on foot rather than by bike, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the range of walking trails. You can take in riverside, woodland and countryside via these trails along with many stunning viewpoints and historic monuments.
Ross-on-Wye is such a hotspot for walkers that the town hosts a Walking Festival every year to celebrate the outstanding beauty of both the town and the countryside that surrounds it.
Ready to experience Ross-on-Wye for yourself? Book your stay with us today.
