Located midway between the cities of Hereford and Gloucester and known as the 'Gateway to the Wye Valley', Ross-on-Wye was the birth place of British tourism. Over looking the River Wye, the ancient market town has attracted visitors since the 18th Century, who came to escape the industry of the cities and enjoy the scenic Wye Valley and its surrounding countryside. Local tourism began when the rector, Doctor John Egerton started taking friends on boat trips along the river to enjoy the local scenery, castles and abbey. In 1782, William Gilpin's book, 'Observations on the River Wye' was published - the first illustrated tour guide of its kind in Britain.