A series of seven walks around the town, running on alternate Tuesdays from July to October. None of them is particularly taxing and the focus is more on heritage than walking. A few of these walks are particularly related to John Kyrle, The Man of Ross, and these have been marked with the JK300 logo as we celebrate his anniversary from September to November.
All are welcome, there’s NO CHARGE – just come along and meet at the Market House at 10.30 for each walk. No need to register, just come along on the day.
These events are organised by Ross-on-Wye Town Council, Ross Civic Society and the Museum Without Walls.
1. Riverside Walk – Tuesday, 23rd July @ 10.30 am – noon
What was the real importance of Ross-on-Wye’s riverside? And why was it crucial to past industries, trade and transport and the town’s water supply? Find out on this two mile walk led by local historian, Heather Hurley, taking in the scenic river which led to the popular Wye Tour in the eighteenth century.
Difficulty: medium, some steps down, one ascent, mostly off-road. Walking shoes or boots recommended.
2. A Ross Sculpture Trail – Tuesday 6th August 2024 @ 10.30 am – noon
Enjoy a one and a half mile stroll with tour guide, Philip Gray, through the old part of the town and down to the river, taking in the town’s impressive sculptures along the way including local sculptor Walenty Pytel’s three metal installations depicting swans, salmon and mallards.
Difficulty: moderately easy, starting with pavements and mainly off-road footpaths.
3. Historical Ross and its Hidden Gems – Tuesday, 20th August @ 10.30 am – 12:00 pm
Have you ever wondered about the history of some of the most ancient buildings in Ross-on-Wye or have burning questions about its blue plaques?
Join walk leader, Rosemary Sutton, who will take you on this gentle one mile tour staying within the town centre, exploring some fascinating facts about the town’s history.
Difficulty: easy
6 The Museum Without Walls – bottom of town – Tuesday 3rd September @ 10.30 am – noon
Led by Mark Sanderson, one of the creators of the museum (createROSS), this walk will focus on exhibits at the bottom of town. It will cover:
- Underhill, a row of half-timber houses below the Market House
- The Roxy Cinema on the day of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
- The Mill Pond Brookend Street at the turn of the Twentieth Century
- The Railway in Ross at Fiveways
- The Eighteenth Century Wye Tour boats at their launch point
- High Street and the unexpected arrival of King George IV in 1821
This fascinating Augmented Reality tour brings back aspects of the town’s past that are no longer around. As we walk we’ll learn about the historical context of each of these forgotten sights.
Download the free app from https://museumwithoutwalls.uk onto your smartphone or you can view the tour on devices supplied by your guide.
Difficulty: easy.
5. Thomas Blake: another man of Ross – Tuesday 17th September @ 10.30 am – noon
John Kyrle is well known as “The Man of Ross” but did you know there are others who are also deserving of this title? One of these is Thomas Blake. He very much left his mark on the town and this walk, led by Chairman of Ross Civic Society, Mark Eardley will explore some of them.
Difficulty: easy / medium, some steps, mostly off-road.
4. The Museum Without Walls – top of town – Tuesday 1st October @ 10.30 am – noon
Led by Mark Sanderson, one of the creators of the museum (createROSS), this walk will focus on exhibits at the top of town (including 2 new ones). It will cover:
- Underhill, a row of half-timber housed below the Market House
- The old maid of Old Maid’s Walk and the burial pit at Corpse Cross
- The war memorial, complete with German field guns in 1920
- The Prospect Fountain as it looked in 1700 and
- The Rood Screen in St Mary’s Church on the day of John Kyrle’s Funeral
- The Plague Pit in 1637
This fascinating Augmented Reality tour brings back aspects of the town’s past that are no longer around. As we walk we’ll learn about the historical context of each of these forgotten sights.
Download the free app from https://museumwithoutwalls.uk onto your smartphone or you can view the tour on devices supplied by your guide.
Difficulty: easy.
7. In the steps of Kyrle – Tuesday 15th October @ 10.30 am – noon
We’ll walk a part of the John Kyrle walk, with pauses to consider the impact that Kyle had on significant locations. The walk will be led by Heather Hurley and Mark Sanderson.
Difficulty: moderate, some steps up and down. Please bring stout footwear, especially if wet.