The first Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome Festival takes place this coming weekend. Aimed at boosting the economy of Ross by bringing walkers to the town, the festival includes eight varied walks on the Saturday and seven on the Sunday. Walks vary from Footprints gentle strolls and the Ross Buggy Route up to a more challenging 10 miles. All walks cost £3 and will be led by an experienced leader with tickets available from Ross Tourist Information Centre.

Ross achieved Walkers are Welcome accreditation in July following several months of hard work by a group drawn from a wide section of interested groups and by individuals in the town. This project has been supported by Natural England's Sustainable Development Fund in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Sustainable Development Fund awarded a grant of £918 to the project. The money will be used for marketing materials such as new walks leaflets and booklets and display boards that will be set up at various locations around the town. Ross Town Council has also provided a grant of £750 and local businesses have provided sponsorship funding.

Sam Phillips, committee chairman, 'Obtaining this grant will help our task of promoting Ross and all it has to offer visitors. The group is delighted to have been awarded this grant, not just in monetary terms but in the demonstration of confidence in the project. Ross is now part of a national network of WaW towns that is growing very rapidly.

Ross is an ideal centre for a walking holiday with many miles of easily accessible footpaths whether the walker is looking for an easy stroll along the riverbank or a ten mile hike with challenging climbs. Whatever you choose, it's sure to be fun. But it's not just the walking that's good in Ross; many visitors comment very favourably on the wonderful range of locally owned shops and hospitality businesses in Ross'.

For more information on the Ross Walkers are Welcome Group and its plans please contact the Chairman, Sam Phillips, on 01989-563874 or visit the Group's web site at www.ross-on-wyewalkersarewelcome.co.uk.

Saturday, 4th October

1. Ross half-round:

This is a classic local walk following the second, and more scenic, half of the Ross Round Walk, an 18 mile walk, which circles the market town. It is extremely varied and attractive, across pasture and farmland, through woodlands with 2 short ascents and, finally, the river Wye. Bring Packed Lunch and extra drink. Distance: 10 miles.
Grade: Moderate - Energetic.
Time: 10am to 3-30pm.
Start location: See ticket
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

2. Take the Bus:

Take the number 35 bus from Cantilupe Road at 10-25am. Travel to the start and return to Ross along the bank of the river Wye. Bring Packed Lunch.
Distance: 6 miles.
Grade, Moderate.
Time: Approx 11am to 2-30pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer. Ross Group RA.

3. A castle, a bridge, Warre's Port and telephone cables?

This walk climbs to the top of Coppett Hill and offers superb views. Learn a little about the hill, one of the largest Commons in Herefordshire, before descending to the river Wye and returning along the river bank by way of Welsh Bicknor. Bring Packed Lunch.
Distance: 8 miles.
Grade: Moderate.
Time: 10.30am to 3pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

4. Ross Town and around Walk.

This is a gentle walk starting from Ross Market House and taking in part of the town and some of the woodland in the immediate area.
Distance: About 4 miles.
Grade: Easy.
Time 10am to noon.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross-on-Wye Walking Group.

5. Footprints Health walk.

A very gentle walk lasting about one hour. This is one of a series of "Walking to Health Walks" organised by the Footprints Group of Herefordshire Council, every Thursday.
Time: 10-30am to 11. 30am.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Herefordshire Council, Footprints.

6. Nelson walked this way?

A walk following the banks of the Rudhall Brook to the hamlet of Rudhall. The return route passes through Kingstone and follows field paths with good views towards Ross. Bring refreshment drink.
Distance: 5 miles.
Grade: Easy/moderate.
Time: 1-30pm to 4pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

7. Brockhampton circuit.

Initially follow the river Wye. Then up to Fownhope to join the Wye Valley Walk. Continue through Paget's Wood Nature Reserve, then on to Capler Iron Age Fort before returning to start. Bring Packed Lunch.
Distance: 7.5 miles.
Grade: Moderate.
Start location: See ticket.
Time: 10-30am to 2-30pm
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

8. Back of beyond to the top of the world

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.
Distance: 7 miles.
Grade: Energetic.
Start location: See ticket.
Time: 10am to 2-30pm.
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

Sunday, October 4

1. The last cream tea of summer.

Walk along field paths and through cider orchards to Broome Farm, Peterstow. Enjoy a superb cream tea (Optional extra) before returning to Ross.
Distance: 6 miles.
Grade: Moderate.
Time: 1pm to 4-30pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

2. Romanesque grotesques and other masterpieces.

Follow mostly field path, tracks and lanes to Saddlebow Hill with good views of the Black Mountains. We will visit the castle (remnants only!) and the world famous church in Kilpeck. We will be shown some of the interesting features to be found in and around this famous Norman church, including the unique stone carvings. At the end of the walk there will be an opportunity to have tea at the nearby Galanthus Gallery. (www.galanthusgallery.com) Bring Packed Lunch.
Distance: 7 miles.
Grade: Moderate.
Time: 10-30am to 3pm.
Start location: See ticket
Organiser: Ross Group RA.

3. Woods, fields, ponds and lakes.

This walk includes Merrivale Woods and the woods of Penyard Park, proceeding to Weston- under- Penyard, then past Bollitree Castle towards Hartleton Lakes, then along Rudhall Brook, back towards Hildersley and finally along the Town and Country Trail to the starting point. One steepish climb near the beginning, footpaths and lanes. Bring Packed Lunch.
Distance: 8.5 miles.
Grade: Moderate.
Time: 10am to 2-30pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross-on-Wye Walking Group.

4. Footprints Health walk.

A very gentle walk lasting about one hour. This is one of a series of "Walking to Health Walks" organised by the Footprints Group of Herefordshire Council, every Thursday.
Time: 10-30am to 11-30am.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Herefordshire Council Footprints.

5. Bishopswood and Howle Hill.

A lovely walk starting from river-bank level then climbing the side of the valley along a section of the Wye Valley Walk, emerging on the top of Howle Hill. The return is along a network of old paths and lanes leading gradually down the spine of the hill and back to the village. Bring refreshment drink.
Distance: 4.5 miles.
Grade: Moderate - Energetic.
Time: 10am to 12-30pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

6. Where falcons dare.

An energetic walk with 3 ascents/descents and 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 and the white limestone crags called Seven Sisters. On descending we cross and follow the river Wye before climbing to enjoy the fine view from Symonds Yat Rock. On the return we stop on the riverside for 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 Packed Lunch.
Distance: 6 to 7 miles.
Grade: Energetic.
Time: 10am to 3pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organizer: Ross Group RA.

7. Wanted, a scooter and buggy traffic-jam

The first "Mass circumnavigation" of the Ross Buggy Route. On the way, hear a little of the history of Ross. The Buggy Route was devised by the Ross Group of the Ramblers Association. The Buggy Route has been implemented through the efforts of the Ross Group RA, supported by Herefordshire Council's rights of way and highways departments and the Wye Valley AONB. It is a four mile circular route that passes through the town and around the outskirts. It is accessible by electric shopping scooters and children's buggies. New ramps and dropped kerbs have been installed and the route also uses the 'Town and Country Trail' cycle/walking route. Bring refreshment drink.
Distance: 4 miles approx.
Grade: N/A.
Time: 10-00am - 1-00pm.
Start location: See ticket.
Organiser: Ross Group RA.